Gaussian Splats in Zephyr 9 are opening up exciting new possibilities for underwater photogrammetry. This technology is allowing divers to create stunning, photorealistic 3D models using the same datasets collected for traditional photogrammetry.
Previously on Team Bioclutter, the focus has been on precise photogrammetry measurement of dimensions and volumes. That helps make better use of diver time and yields better data for scientists to use .That’s important when there are more divers than scientists and dive time is an expensive limited resource.
Scientific Accuracy Is Only Half the Story
But facts and data are not the whole argument for conserving our oceans. Photogrammetry models don’t always show the fine detail that captivates us underwater. And the sensation of flying across a magical, multilayered landscape doesn’t quite come across. For that, beautiful photography has the honours. That creates the gasp of excitement and an emotional connection. But now we’re back to big, expensive camera rigs, with lots of time and technical focus. Gaussian Splats in Zephyr offers an exciting alternative. It now allows GoPro-equipped sport divers to create stunning, photorealistic 3D models from the same datasets used for traditional photogrammetry.
What is available to help our GoPro equipped sport diver create models? Models that will make their mates see a new world in a cool way? Gaussian Splats in Zephyr help bridge the gap between scientific documentation and inspiring visual storytelling. Those emotional, not factual reactions are a crucial part in small personal actions that collectively help our oceans.
Gaussian Splats and Photorealism
Step forward Gaussian splats in Zephyr 9. When the email from Accupixel landed in my inbox last week, announcing that both PG and Gaussian output could be generated by the same programme, I was excited. I didn’t have any new data just yet, but wondered what a side by side comparison with old PG models would be like. I used the previous dataset from the Sea fan blog and lovely results popped out.
The two combined videos are below – the combination of photorealism and the ‘infinite viz’ of composite image processing creates a sharp focus in the sea fan and surrounding community. This is only a tiny snapshot from tens of images on a gopro, but the detail that we want is all there.
Rather than exploring the mathematics behind Gaussian probability and the techniques that power Gaussian Splats in Zephyr 9, this blog celebrates the excitement of creating photorealistic models of underwater communities. These immersive models support interpretation, education and inspirational programmes, opening new opportunities to engage people with the underwater world. It’s certainly a space worth watching. Zephyr 9 has helped put that in the personal and citizen sphere and it’s time to bring some beautiful worlds back to the non divers closest to us.
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