Splats provide a photorealistic 3D viewing mode, powered by Gaussian Splatting, that makes sites look smooth, clear, and easy to understand during reviews and owner updates.
Availability
Splats are in beta and available to Aerial Pro subscribers.
Access is enabled on request.
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Only enabled users can create or view Splats.
How to use Splats
Request access
Ask your DroneDeploy team to enable Splats for your account. Access is limited to enabled users in the beta.
Create a Splat
Open your map’s 3D view.
Request a Splat.
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You’ll receive an email when it’s ready to explore.
First-person controls
Turn on and use W/A/S/D for intuitive walkthroughs during reviews and coordination.
Key Features
Clear, lifelike visuals: smoother surfaces and better rendering of thin structures make it easier to grasp site context at a glance.
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Communication and alignment: use Splats for updates, coordination, and storytelling when you want a clean, high-quality view of the site.
Recommended capture parameters (while in beta)
For best results in the current beta:
Capture with oblique imagery (avoid 100% nadir).
Keep datasets under 1,000 images, from a single camera/flight, processed within the last 60 days.
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Use standard aerial (non-thermal, non-radiometric) imagery.
Limitations/Considerations
Splats remain in beta during this period, and functionality may evolve as development continues within Aerial Pro.
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Export is not available in beta; use mesh or point cloud exports for downstream workflows. More information on this here: Exporting Your Data
FAQs
Q: Who can use Splats?
A: Splats are a beta feature for Aerial Pro subscribers, and access is enabled on request.
Q: How do I create one?
A: From the map’s 3D view, request a Splat in the left panel. You will get an email when it is ready.
Q: What datasets work best?
A: RGB, oblique imagery is best. Use a single flight and camera with under 1,000 images, captured and processed within 60 days.
Q: How do I fix a failed job?
A: Use one or more of the following methods to troubleshoot a failed job:
Re-capture with obliques (approx. 30–45° gimbal angle).
Use one flight/camera.
Increase sidelap or endlap.
Slow the aircraft to ensure crisp imagery.
Maintain a steady altitude above the ground.
Avoid uniform surfaces (water or snow).
Trim to 400–600 sharp images if needed.
Q: How do I navigate?
A: Enable first-person controls in the lower right corner of your view. Use W/A/S/D and a mouse or trackpad to look around.
Q: What are the performance tips?
A: Use a modern desktop browser and GPU. Also, use a stable, fast internet connection, as Splats stream content.
Q: Can I share a Splat?
A: Use standard project sharing. Only beta-enabled viewers can open Splats.
Q: Can I export a Splat?
A: No, export is not available in beta. Use mesh or point cloud exports for downstream workflows.
V2.2