I’m always excited to see technology used in a unique and artistic manner. In a creative fusion of reality and digital space, developer and artist Masayuki Sugimoto recently showcased a stunning capture of a Japanese park using 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS). The project, shared on social media, utilizes a spherical viewing method that allows users to peer into a lush, detailed environment from the inside of a virtual orb. This specific execution highlights the rapid evolution of radiance field technologies, moving beyond static images or traditional mesh-based renders into immersive, fluid environments. By capturing the intricate textures of trees, pathways, and sunlight, the project demonstrates how 3DGS can preserve the “vibe” of a physical location with a level of fidelity and performance that traditional photogrammetry often struggles to achieve.
For professionals in mapping and the earth sciences, 3DGS offers a way to visualize complex environments without the heavy computational load of high-poly meshes. In the context of archaeology and heritage preservation, this “spherical” capture method provides a more intuitive way for the public to interact with site data, turning abstract point clouds into relatable, aesthetic experiences. By focusing on the visual atmosphere as much as the spatial coordinates, Sugimoto demonstrates that lidar-adjacent technologies are becoming powerful tools for both technical documentation and digital art, bridging the gap between raw data collection and human-centric storytelling.
The project serves as a compelling proof of concept for the future of interactive 3D modeling and virtual tourism. As these tools become more accessible, the ability to “teleport” into a precise recreation of a distant park or archaeological site becomes a reality for anyone with a web browser. This specific implementation underscores the versatility of Gaussian splats in handling organic shapes and complex lighting that typically cause artifacts in other scanning methods. For those interested in the technical workflow or the visual results of this Japanese park capture, the full demonstration offers a glimpse into the next generation of spatial media.
Read More: https://80.lv/articles/japanese-park-3dgs-captured-inside-3d-sphere
Written by Adam Clark. Adam has spent the past 13 years exploring the world from above by using drones, satellites, and mapping tools to better understand our landscapes. Connect with him on LinkedIn: Adam Clark
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