Artist Krzysztof Szkoda recently transformed archival photography into an immersive digital experience by creating a 3D gaussian splat of London’s Tower Bridge as it appeared in the 1930s. Unlike traditional radiance field methods that require hundreds of images from various angles, Szkoda utilized a tool called SHARP to reconstruct a volumetric environment from a single historical photograph. The process involves extracting depth and focus data from the original 2D shot to estimate 3D geometry. The resulting scene was integrated into Blender using the KIRI Engine add-on, allowing viewers to move through a sepia-toned, three-dimensional window into the past.
This project marks a significant shift in how we approach digital heritage and archaeology. While lidar and standard photogrammetry are the gold standards for documenting existing structures, they cannot capture the world as it looked a century ago. By applying gaussian splatting to “monocular” sources such as these single images, researchers and artists can now revive lost landscapes and historical moments that exist only in physical archives. This technique bridges the gap between static history and interactive 3D modeling, offering a new way for museums and educators to visualize urban evolution without needing vintage film footage or multiple perspective shots.
For more information, this workflow highlights the growing connections between artificial intelligence and 3D reconstruction. Szkoda’s use of the SHARP project demonstrates how depth-estimation AI can supplement 3DGS workflows when data is scarce. Additionally, the integration with Blender via the KIRI Engine add-on shows the accessibility of these high-end tools for independent creators. As these technologies mature, the ability to turn any historical photograph into a navigable point cloud or splat will likely become a staple in earth sciences and historical mapping. You can view the full breakdown and the impressive visual results at the link below.
Read More: https://80.lv/articles/3d-gaussian-splat-of-london-s-tower-bridge-during-1930s
Written by Adam Clark. Adam has spent the past 13 years exploring the world from above by using drones, satellites, and mapping tools to better understand our landscapes. Connect with him on LinkedIn: Adam Clark
