Future Island-Island Impact Cards: Northern Ireland High Performance Computing (NI-HPC) Case Study

Challenge
This project explores the use of 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) to digitally reconstruct complex assets and environments that are difficult to capture with traditional methods. Leveraging AI and the sustainably optimised NI-HPC system, it generates high-resolution digital twins, supporting innovation in heritage preservation, virtual access, and green digital transformation.
Approach
As a novel approach to 3D scanning, 3DGS is achieved by processing footage into image sequences, which are stitched together to form datasets used by AI to build digital twins. The computationally intensive process was mitigated by NI-HPC’s optimised tools, enabling time- and energy-efficient 3DGS production and pipeline integration.
Outcomes
3DGS models that once took days were produced in hours. The resulting high-accuracy 3D scans ran smoothly in game engines. Access to 3DGS files enabled testing within creative pipelines and exploration of more efficient methods. Key scans included the Brockley Axe Factory, with permission from the Green family and sections of the West Lighthouse.
Learnings
The NI-HPC facilitated the integration of 3DGS into our creative pipeline, enabling the definition of democratised and sustainable production methodologies for future projects. These methods incorporate a hybrid approach, combining traditional scanning with 3DGS techniques, thereby increasing accessibility for creatives seeking to adopt 3DGS.
Impact
The democratisation of 3DGS enables communities with limited resources to sustainably produce high-fidelity digital replicas, improving access to heritage sites and artefacts. Learning outcomes revealed the broad applicability of 3DGS across creative pipelines, extending its potential beyond tourism into sectors such as education, gaming, film, and digital storytelling.