In brief
- SketchUp's Gaussian Splats extension displays splat files but doesn't generate them; production requires third-party tools like Scaniverse, Polycam, Luma AI, or Postshot.
- World Labs Marble can generate scenes from text or image input and export them as Gaussian splats (.ply) and collision meshes (.glb); exporting requires a paid plan.
- Free browser-based tools like SuperSplat let you clean splat files by removing unnecessary point clouds before importing them into SketchUp.
- Professional platforms like DJI Terra and LCC Studio can produce measurable, AEC-ready splat models from drone or LiDAR data.
Gaussian Splatting is a technique that creates a photorealistic 3D representation of a space or object using millions of semi-transparent points. SketchUp's Gaussian Splats extension focuses on viewing and navigating these files, but if you want to generate your own .ply, .splat, or .spz file, you'll need a third-party tool. This guide explains which tools suit which scenarios, and walks through generating and exporting AI-based scenes with World Labs Marble step by step.
Requirements
Before you start, you'll need:
SketchUp (with the Gaussian Splats extension to view splat files)
A tool to scan the space or generate the scene: mobile (Scaniverse, Polycam, Kiri Engine), web-based (Luma AI), desktop (Postshot), or AI-based (World Labs Marble)
An NVIDIA graphics card for some tools; cloud-based options like Luma AI are recommended for Mac users or those without an NVIDIA card
A paid account to export PLY/GLB from Marble
Optional: a browser-based cleanup tool like SuperSplat
Step by step: how to generate a Gaussian splat file
Choose the tool that fits your use case. Mobile apps (Scaniverse, Polycam, Kiri Engine) are enough for scanning a small object or interior space. Scaniverse is free and processes directly on-device, exporting in the compressed .spz format. Polycam offers LiDAR and photogrammetry-based scanning, but splat export requires a paid subscription.
Switch to web or drone-based tools for large-scale exteriors. For large areas like facades, gardens, or job sites, Luma AI processes uploaded images or videos in the cloud and is noted to perform especially well with open spaces and vegetation. For much larger areas such as building exteriors or construction sites, DJI Terra can convert aerial footage from enterprise DJI drones into georeferenced Gaussian Splats; LCC Studio combines SLAM-based LiDAR data from XGRIDS Lixel scanners with splatting to produce measurable, AEC-ready models.
Use desktop processing if you want data privacy or parameter control. Postshot processes splat data locally, making it suitable for offices that want direct control over training parameters or don't want to send data to the cloud. It also includes built-in editing tools for cropping and masking before export.
Consider open-source options. Nerfstudio, OpenSplat, and LichtFeld Studio offer deep control for researchers and advanced users who want to build their own processing pipeline.
Clean the file before importing it into SketchUp. SuperSplat is a free, browser-based editor that lets you crop and remove excess background noise or floating artifacts from a splat file. This cleanup can noticeably improve render performance.
Open the cleaned .ply, .splat, or .spz file with SketchUp's Gaussian Splats extension and navigate the scene to check the result.
Advanced use: AI-based scene generation with World Labs Marble
World Labs Marble stands out as an AI-based tool that generates photorealistic 3D scenes purely from text or image input, without scanning. Marble's example gallery includes ready-made scenes; you can select one and check the result by navigating Marble's 3D viewer with the WASD keys. At the download stage, two formats are offered: the "Splats (PLY)" option downloads the Gaussian splat file containing millions of semi-transparent points, while the "Collider Mesh (GLB)" option downloads the standard glTF mesh geometry used for physics and collision calculations. As noted on NVIDIA's developer blog, exporting PLY and GLB from Marble requires a paid plan; free users can also access sample PLY and GLB files from the World Labs gallery. The source summarizes Marble's features as follows: "rich visual detail and geometric data like depth and surface normals" — meaning rich visual detail along with geometric data such as depth and surface normals are generated simultaneously.
The resulting PLY file carries visual detail, while the GLB file provides the geometry needed for physics and collision; when the two formats are used together, the scene becomes ready for both visual and physical interaction.
What does this mean for architecture and interior design?
Gaussian Splatting offers a fast, low-cost alternative especially for existing building documentation, pre-restoration condition assessment, and client presentations. An interior design office can turn a space into a photorealistic 3D record using a mobile scanning app; large-scale project teams can produce measurable, AEC-standard data with professional platforms like DJI Terra or LCC Studio. AI-based tools like World Labs Marble can be used for concept presentations of spaces not yet built, but it should be kept in mind that export requires a paid plan and the conversion steps require technical knowledge. On the hardware side, offices without an NVIDIA graphics card should turn to cloud-based tools like Luma AI.
Common mistakes
Importing the raw splat file directly into SketchUp without cleanup; this unnecessarily increases file size and render time.
Using interior-focused mobile apps for exterior scans; tools like Luma AI perform better with vegetation and open spaces.
Trying to download PLY/GLB from Marble with a free account; this feature requires a paid plan, and free users are limited to sample gallery files.
Next steps
As a next step, you can deepen the cleanup process with SuperSplat, then build your own pipeline with open-source Nerfstudio or OpenSplat for greater control. For professional fieldwork, it's also worth exploring the AEC-specific output options of platforms like DJI Terra or LCC Studio.
Source and license
This guide was prepared by adapting information from Trimble's official SketchUp Help page "Generating Gaussian Splats" and the official NVIDIA Developer Blog post "Simulate Robotic Environments Faster with NVIDIA Isaac Sim and World Labs Marble" into Turkish and then translated into English.
Sources
3 sourcesSource texts are not republished; short quotes are marked, everything else is our own summary and commentary.
For offices in Turkey, Gaussian Splatting offers a fast, low-cost option especially for existing building documentation and client presentations. While small-scale scans can be done with mobile apps at almost no extra cost, drone- or LiDAR-based professional platforms require a more serious investment in hardware and licensing; so it's important for offices to choose tools according to the scale of their needs.
While AI-based scene generation tools like World Labs Marble are interesting for the concept stage, the paid-plan requirement for export currently makes such tools a cost item for small offices. Still, the fact that SketchUp offers viewing support is a sign that splat-based workflows will increasingly integrate into architectural practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can SketchUp generate Gaussian splat files on its own?
No, SketchUp's Gaussian Splats extension only focuses on viewing and navigating existing .ply, .splat, or .spz files; generating the file requires a third-party tool like Scaniverse, Polycam, or Luma AI.
Is downloading a splat file from World Labs Marble free?
No, exporting in PLY and GLB format from Marble requires a paid plan; free users can use the ready-made sample PLY and GLB files available in the World Labs gallery.
Which tool is recommended for exteriors or large-scale areas?
For open areas with facades and vegetation, Luma AI gives good results, while for much larger areas like construction sites or building exteriors, professional drone/LiDAR-based platforms like DJI Terra and LCC Studio are recommended.
