Exercise 01: When to Use Gaussian Splatting
Read each scenario below. Decide whether Gaussian Splatting, mesh photogrammetry, or a combination would be the best approach — and explain why.
Scenario A
A drone captured 5 minutes of video over a forested area where a vehicle was abandoned. The trees are dense, the ground is uneven, and you need to show the spatial relationship between the vehicle and surrounding terrain.
Your decision: ?
Scenario B
A bodycam video from inside a building shows a room with reflective surfaces (windows, a polished floor), geometric furniture, and a person of interest. You need to take measurements of the room and objects within it.
Your decision: ?
Scenario C
You have 12 photos of a tire track on a dirt road. The track is shallow and the surrounding ground has little texture. You need to create a precise 3D model of the track impression for comparison.
Your decision: ?
Discuss your answers in the next module or compare with the resources in Module 06 (Investigation Context).