Drone 3D Modeling
Our drones provide first-class photogrammetry, enabling us to create extremely accurate and detailed 3D models of terrain, buildings, objects, and other structures. We use state-of-the-art drone technology and software to produce realistic and dimensionally accurate 3D models that help our clients in a wide range of projects and applications. In addition to traditional 3D models and point clouds, we also produce photorealistic Gaussian splatting models.
Live 3D
Below are references to some of the 3D models we have created. Click the play button, after which you can rotate the model and/or change the viewing distance.
Available in all common formats:
.ifc, .e57, as, .laz, .xyz, .ply, obj, .fbx, .dxf, .ply, .pdf, .osgb, .slpk, shp, .pdf
Gaussian Splatting – Photorealistic 3D from Drone Data
Gaussian splatting (3D Gaussian Splatting, 3DGS) is a newer 3D modeling technique that turns drone and camera imagery into photorealistic 3D views you can rotate and explore freely. It is especially well suited to projects where visual impact and clarity of detail matter more than a survey-grade surface model. SK Drones produces Gaussian splat models alongside traditional photogrammetry and point clouds.
What does Gaussian splatting mean?
Photogrammetry builds a triangulated surface mesh with a texture. Gaussian splatting instead represents a site as millions of small, semi-transparent “splats”, each with a position, size, colour and orientation. The model is trained from the same overlapping drone images used for photogrammetry. The result is a smoothly navigable 3D view that also captures reflections, transparency and fine detail – lattice structures, cables, foliage and metal surfaces that often break up or blur in a conventional model.
Gaussian splatting vs. photogrammetry – which should you choose?
| Photogrammetry (3D mesh) | Gaussian splatting | |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Measurement, design, calculation | Visualisation, presentation, documentation |
| Appearance | Good, textured surface | Photorealistic, highly detailed |
| Dimensional accuracy | Centimetre-level, suitable for measurement | Not primarily a measurement dataset |
| Difficult surfaces (reflective, thin structures) | Often incomplete | Often reproduced much better |
| Use in CAD/BIM tools | Direct (.obj, .ifc, .las etc.) | Limited, needs its own viewer |
In practice the two methods complement each other. From a single flight we can deliver both a dimensionally accurate photogrammetric model and an illustrative Gaussian splat model.
What is Gaussian splatting used for?
- Presenting and marketing properties, construction projects and infrastructure
- Visual documentation of construction sites and renovation projects at different stages
- Explaining condition and damage to clients and decision-makers
- Complex structures such as bridges, masts, industrial plants and lattice structures
- Documenting cultural heritage and historic buildings
- Visualising situational awareness and exercises for rescue and security services
What do you receive?
We deliver the Gaussian splat model in a viewable format that opens in a web browser or a separate viewer, with no special expertise required. On request we also produce a traditional 3D model, orthomosaic or point cloud from the same data. If you need survey-grade data, we recommend drone mapping or drone laser scanning.
Read more about the technique on our blog: What Is Gaussian Splatting? Photorealistic 3D Models from Drone Data.
Applications
- Construction industry and engineering firms
- We help engineers and architects visualize and design projects more efficiently.
- 3D models support the design and analysis of buildings, bridges, and roads.
- Urban planning
- Urban planners benefit from accurate 3D models that help optimize land use and infrastructure.
- Real estate
- Property presentation and marketing reach a new level with the help of interactive 3D models.
- Agriculture and forestry
- Landowners, farmers, and forestry professionals can utilize 3D models in land use planning and management.
- Research and development
- 3D models support the study of the environment, ecosystems, and climate change.
- Emergency and security services
- 3D modeling helps authorities plan and practice rescue operations in hard-to-reach areas.
Benefits
- Accuracy and detail
- Our drones are capable of collecting extremely accurate images, enabling the creation of detailed and realistic 3D models.
- Cost-effectiveness
- Drone-based 3D modeling reduces the need for manual labor, time, and resources, thereby lowering costs.
- Safety
- Drones can access hard-to-reach and hazardous locations, reducing human exposure to risks.
- Speed and efficiency
- 3D models are available quickly, accelerating decision-making and planning processes.
- Versatility
- The models are editable and compatible with a wide range of design and analysis software.
Contact us today and discover how our drones can enhance your project in a new and innovative way through 3D modeling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does drone 3D modeling mean?
Drone 3D modeling uses photogrammetry: a drone photographs a site – terrain, a building or a structure – from multiple angles, and the images are then combined with software into an accurate, measurable 3D model.
Where does SK Drones offer 3D modeling services?
We provide drone 3D modeling across Finland. We have pilots in Helsinki, Tampere, Jyväskylä and Oulu, and we also carry out projects outside these cities as well as within the EU when needed.
What file formats are available for 3D models?
We deliver 3D models in the most common formats, such as .ifc, .e57, .las, .laz, .xyz, .ply, .obj, .fbx, .dxf, .pdf, .osgb, .slpk and .shp – ready to use directly in most design and analysis software.
Who is drone 3D modeling suitable for?
The service is especially suited for construction companies and engineering firms for design and analysis, urban planners optimizing land use, real estate professionals for property presentation and marketing, and rescue and safety authorities planning operations in hard-to-reach areas.
What are the benefits of drone 3D modeling compared to traditional methods?
Drone-based 3D modeling delivers accuracy and detail, reduces the time and cost of fieldwork, allows safe data collection in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, and speeds up decision-making since the model is available quickly after the flight.
How accurate is a drone 3D model?
Accuracy depends on flight altitude and equipment, but we typically achieve centimeter-level accuracy, which is sufficient for design, visualization and analysis purposes.
How long does a 3D modeling project take?
The flight itself usually takes a few hours to a day depending on the size of the site, and the finished 3D model is typically delivered within a few business days of the flight.
How much does drone 3D modeling cost?
Pricing depends on the size and location of the site and the requested file format or accuracy level. We always provide a free, project-specific quote before starting.
Does SK Drones have the necessary permits for 3D modeling?
Yes. SK Drones has operated under Traficom’s Specific Category authorization (SORA methodology) since 2018, allowing safe and compliant flight operations even in more demanding locations.
What is Gaussian splatting?
Gaussian splatting is a 3D modeling technique that turns drone imagery into a photorealistic 3D view you can freely rotate and explore. It represents a site as millions of small coloured points (“splats”) and often reproduces fine detail, reflections and thin structures better than photogrammetry.
What is the difference between Gaussian splatting and photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry produces a dimensionally accurate surface model that can be used for measurement and design. Gaussian splatting produces a more visually realistic view that suits visualisation, presentation and documentation. Both can be produced from the same drone flight.
Can a Gaussian splat model be used for measurement?
A Gaussian splat is primarily visualisation data. When you need survey-grade data, we recommend a photogrammetric model (mapping) or laser scanning, both of which can be delivered from the same visit.
Does SK Drones offer Gaussian splatting?
Yes. We produce Gaussian splat models across Finland, with pilots based in Helsinki, Tampere, Jyväskylä and Oulu.
Contact us
Would you like more information about our services? Feel free to contact our team.
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