Case Studies
Redefining virtual production with Gaussian Splatting (3DGS)
International studio Visualskies says 3DGS with drones and handheld scanners will transform VFX and previs - generating stunning visuals quicker than before.
3DGS will transform virtual production, delivering accurate, photorealistic 3D environments - says Visualskies;
Proof of concept with drones and handheld scanners showed the power of a hybrid 3DGS workflow - scanning a Grade II-listed pumping station in under an hour;
3DGS optimises processing - cutting traditional render times 'by up to 80%';
High-fidelity outputs can be used for previs, location scouting, and set builds; imported into game engines for virtual environments and VFX workflows; and integrated into live-action footage and used as set extensions;
heliguy™ supports Visualskies' 3DGS programme and can help your organisation start and scale Gaussian Splatting workflows.
“For anyone working in VFX, previs, or virtual production, this represents a fundamental shift in how we can capture and recreate real-world environments.”
That’s the view of Joseph Steel, director of international studio Visualskies, as he assesses the power of Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) to transform 3D scanning workflows for film production and gaming.
It follows a proof of concept with heliguy™ to test a hybrid 3DGS workflow: Merging data from drones and handheld scanners into this unified Splat.
Joseph believes it will revolutionise the industry - delivering accurate, photo-realistic outputs quicker than traditional techniques and at reduced cost.
He said “This method delivers streamlined workflows that accelerate everything from early previsualisation to final set construction.
“It dramatically reduces processing - cutting traditional render times by up to 80% - and produces cinema-grade quality and VP-ready outputs that integrate seamlessly into Unreal Engine, Unity, and other real-time platforms.”
The Production Challenge
For directors, VFX supervisors, and game developers, shooting on location has undeniable charm - but it comes with headaches:
Complex permit processes.
Weather delays.
Expensive travel logistics.
Tight schedules that leave no room for error.
What should be a simple exterior scene can quickly spiral into a multi-day, budget-draining operation.
The 3DGS solution
Gaussian Splatting is a cutting-edge rendering technique that converts point cloud data into smooth, photorealistic surfaces by representing each point as a ‘splat’ with size, shape, and colour.
This enables fast, high-quality visualisation without the need for traditional meshing or texturing.
Hybrid drone + handheld 3DGS workflow
The proof-of-concept merged aerial data from the DJI Matrice 4E with ground-level scans from the XGRIDS L2 Pro, processing them into a single unified Splat via XGRIDS Lixel CyberColor.
It resulted in this high-fidelity model of the Grade II-listed pumping station at King George V Reservoir, in Enfield.
Benefits included:
Capture time: Under one hour.
Processing: Merged aerial and terrestrial data into a single 3DGS model the same day.
Data blend: Combines LiDAR precision, photogrammetry’s visual fidelity, and the revolutionary speed of Gaussian Splatting
Result: A photo-realistic, interactive digital twin, ready for virtual production.
Joseph said: “Imagine capturing an entire movie set - every detail, every angle - in under an hour. What once took days of manual scanning can now be accomplished before lunch.”
Traditional scanning vs. Gaussian Splatting for virtual production
Based on the proof of concept, Visualskies says 3DGS workflows bring the following benefits compared to traditional methods:
Traditional scanning | Hybrid 3DGS workflow |
|---|---|
1 day capture time | Under 1 hour capture |
Multiple operators required | Single operator possible |
Limited coverage area | Unlimited area coverage |
High equipment costs | 70% cost reduction |
Slow processing | Rapid processing |
Industry impact
3DGS brings huge benefits to the industry: Unlocking flexibility while removing production bottlenecks.
Applications include:
Rapid location scouting and pre-production planning.
Game engine integration for realistic virtual environments.
VFX-ready backdrops without on-location shoots.
Accurate, printable 3D meshes for set builds and prototypes.
Immersive storytelling through detailed, flexible digital twins.
Joseph said: “You obtain the realism of a real-world location without ever leaving the stage. It’s not about replacing traditional filmmaking – it’s about removing the pain points and unlocking creative flexibility.”
Visualskies - with offices in London, Berlin, and New York - offers 3DGS environment capture to its clients.
heliguy™: Visualskies’ 3DGS partner
The in-house survey team at heliguy™ supports Visualskies’ 3DGS programme - and we can do the same for you.
To help you unlock your Gaussian Splatting workflows, heliguy™ offers:
End-to-end 3DGS solution: Supply of drones, handheld scanners, and processing software.
Demonstrations, trials, and consultancy.
Support and training.
In-house data processing.
Contact us today to arrange a demo or discuss your project requirements.
