Digital twin workflows rely on precise reality capture software, accurate 3D reconstruction, and scalable infrastructure modeling tools to reflect real-world conditions. While mesh models have powered visualization for years, they limit fidelity—especially for fine geometry, transparency, and lighting.
To overcome this, a new method—Gaussian splatting—is enabling a leap forward in photorealistic digital twin creation.
What is Gaussian splatting in 3D?
This new approach, born from academic research and now honed for professional use, is emerging to help create truly faithful digital twins. Gaussian splatting represents a fundamental shift from creating a hollow, polygonal skin around an object. Instead, it visualizes the scene as a dense, volumetric cloud of millions of intelligent 3D particles, or “splats.”
Each splat is a point in space possessing not just position, but also a complete set of attributes like color, size, shape, and opacity. When rendered together, these particles blend to create a photorealistic radiance field that excels where meshes struggle. The result is a digital representation that captures the world with stunning fidelity. This approach makes it possible to accurately model:
- Photorealistic textures: Captures the subtle color variations and light interactions of real-world materials.
- Complex geometry: Preserves fine, “thin-feature” elements like wires, cables, and antennas without artificial thickening or visual noise.
- View-dependent effects: Represents reflective, semi-transparent, and iridescent surfaces that change appearance depending on the viewing angle.
This doesn’t just result in a better-looking model. The digital twin becomes a more accurate, complete, and trustworthy data source that more closely represents as-is conditions.
iTwin Capture delivers engineering-grade accuracy
But how can engineering professionals leverage this powerful new method today within a reliable and scalable workflow? A groundbreaking concept is only as valuable as its implementation. For infrastructure professionals, a pretty picture is not enough—accuracy, control, and workflow flexibility are paramount. A true solution must be both powerful and accessible, fitting the diverse needs of different projects and teams.
This is where iTwin Capture comes in. As Bentley’s premier solution for creating the most accurate, engineering-grade reality models, we have integrated this power across our entire ecosystem, giving users the choice of how they want to work. Whether you prefer the hands-on control of a desktop application or the scalable power of a cloud service, iTwin Capture provides a path to harness Gaussian splatting.
This solution rests on three key pillars, offering unparalleled flexibility:
- Powerful desktop processing with iTwin Capture Modeler Flex. For users who require maximum control and the ability to process data locally, iTwin Capture Modeler Flex brings Gaussian splatting directly to the desktop. This robust application is engineered for professionals who need to manage every step of the reconstruction process. To provide full control, users can select from three precision tiers—Moderate, Standard, and Maximum—to balance speed with the exact level of detail their project demands. Furthermore, with integrated manual editing and filtering tools, users can refine the output with precision before sharing or integrating it into their projects.
- Scalable enterprise processing with iTwin Capture Cloud Services: Designed for large-scale projects and organizational workflows, iTwin Capture Cloud Services allows teams to process massive datasets in a secure, managed cloud environment. This platform is ideal for automating production, handling extensive project data, and integrating reality modeling into broader enterprise systems without tying up local hardware resources.
- A seamless web workflow with Cesium ion: For projects that demand rapid sharing, web-based collaboration, and ease of use, we have integrated iTwin Capture’s processing directly into Cesium ion. This creates a true end-to-end web pipeline. Users can simply upload their imagery, and iTwin Capture generates the high-fidelity model—from a reality mesh to a cutting-edge Gaussian splat model—which is then automatically streamed via the open 3D Tiles standard for immediate use in web applications.
Establishing open standards for digital twin interoperability
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. To ensure Gaussian splatting becomes a lasting and interoperable industry standard, Bentley, under the guidance of experts like Adam Morris, a principal engineer at Cesium, and Renaud Keriven, a distinguished engineer, is an active participant in the Khronos Group. This collaborative effort is crucial to creating a universal format, ensuring that the stunningly realistic models you create today remain accessible and usable across different platforms for years to come.
The future of the digital twin is here
The ability to capture reality with this new level of detail marks a new era for the digital twin. It enhances our ability to perform more reliable as-built verification, conduct safer remote inspections, and derive data-driven operational insights with greater confidence. By making the power of iTwin Capture accessible through robust desktop software, enterprise-level cloud services, and a seamless web-based workflow, we are turning a revolutionary concept into a practical and flexible tool for every engineer and infrastructure professional.
This is more than an evolution in visualization; it is a leap forward in comprehension. By capturing and delivering reality data that is more complete and trustworthy—regardless of your preferred workflow—we empower professionals to move beyond simply seeing the digital twin to truly understanding it. This deeper insight is the foundation upon which the next generation of smarter, more resilient infrastructure will be built.
