Bridging the Gap Between LiDAR Accuracy and Photorealistic 3D Visualization with Gaussian Splatting In York, UK - Case Study

Michelle Hands
23 hours ago
2 min read

With many projects, professionals face a clear challenge: how to combine precise, reliable data with visuals that clients and stakeholders can easily understand. On one side, there is millimeter-accurate, fully georeferenced LiDAR data that engineers trust for measurements and planning. On the other side, there are photorealistic, immersive 3D models that help non-technical people grasp site conditions quickly. What if you could bring these two strengths together? By pairing CHC Navigation RS10 or RS30 LiDAR scanners with an Insta360 X5 camera and processing the imagery through 3D Gaussian Splatting, you get a powerful hybrid workflow that delivers both accuracy and clarity.

What Each Technology Brings to the Table

LiDAR with CHC Navigation RS10 and RS30

LiDAR scanners like the RS10 and RS30 provide:

Survey-grade geometry: Precise 3D point clouds with millimeter accuracy.
Georeferenced data: Real-world coordinates that align with GNSS and RTK systems.
Reliable measurements: Data engineers can trust for design, verification, and compliance.
Compact integration: Combining GNSS RTK, SLAM, and laser scanning in one device.

This technology excels at capturing the exact shape and position of objects and terrain, making it essential for engineering and construction projects.

3D Gaussian Splatting from 360 Imagery

Using a 360-degree camera like the Insta360 X5, Gaussian Splatting reconstructs scenes by:

Fast, continuous scene reconstruction: Creating smooth, detailed 3D environments.
Photorealistic visualization: High-quality textures and lighting that look natural.
Immersive walkthroughs: Allowing users to explore the site virtually.
Clear context for stakeholders: Helping clients and directors understand site conditions without technical jargon.

This method turns raw images into a seamless 3D experience, making it easier to communicate complex environments.

Why Combining LiDAR and Gaussian Splatting Matters on Real Projects

For Engineering Managers and Project Directors, the challenge goes beyond just having accurate data. They need visibility a way to explain site conditions to people who cannot visit in person. They want to reduce costly rework and avoid variations by catching issues early.

Take this project above which was a scan in York City (The shambles). Our clients were able to see where key measured features were in relation to specific recognisable shops.

Final Thoughts on Combining Accuracy and Visualization

Bringing together LiDAR accuracy and photorealistic 3D visualization through Gaussian Splatting creates a new standard for project documentation and communication. This hybrid approach supports better decisions, clearer explanations, and safer workflows. It helps bridge the gap between technical precision and visual understanding, making complex projects easier to manage and explain.

If you want to improve how your team captures, shares, and uses site data, consider integrating CHC Navigation RS10 or RS30 with 360 imagery and Gaussian Splatting. This combination delivers both the truth of measurements and the clarity of immersive visuals, helping everyone involved see the full picture.