Underwater 3D mapping — to call it a “huge undertaking” would be an understatement; it has been one of the most challenging environments to capture sufficiently.
Josip Rukavina is altering that reality in real time.
Fueled by a lifelong “3D mindset” and extensive experience connecting data acquisition with spatial processing – first in aviation, then underwater – Rukavina recognized a major gap between conventional inspection methods and the level of precision asset owners now need and desire.
Josip recently spoke with Lidar News about his work and how his company, Vectrino, is pushing the boundaries of underwater 3D mapping.
Vision & Origins
What led you to focus on 3D and ultimately develop underwater 3D mapping?
I’ve always been more of a “3D than 2D” person. It never made sense to draw the world in sections when we could be visualizing it in full spatial context.
The idea for underwater 3D mapping came from recognizing a major disconnect between legacy scanning practices and modern methods capable of delivering true, measurable 3D models. We wanted a solution that produced visually clear, precise data—yet was simple enough for everyday workflows.
What inspired the creation of Vectrino?
Vectrino was built to solve a very practical problem. There are countless underwater structures—walls, breakwaters, foundations, pipelines—that simply can’t be inspected properly using standard tools.
Today, we deliver digital twins that are fully georeferenced, distortion-free, and measurable. That level of precision makes our technology and methodology unique and, in many respects, without direct competition. It’s why we say: what once seemed invisible is now understood, mapped, and measurable.
Industry Insight
What’s the biggest misconception the industry has about underwater mapping?
The biggest misconception is that creating 3D models is simple—that software will just “do it for you.”
Our latest project involved 1,112,000 photographs, even though the specification called for 700,000. Everyone wants high-quality results, but few acknowledge that the real challenge isn’t in post-processing—it’s in persistence during data collection.
The work requires patience, precision, and consistency, often in unpredictable and physically challenging conditions. Underwater mapping is never fully automated; the final model comes from numerous decisions, careful calibration, and iterative adjustments made to ensure the data is accurate.
Who or what inspired your approach and invention?
No one, really. It began when a business partner saw a video we delivered and asked, “That’s great – can you make a 3D model?” We could, but it was far harder than expected.
Initially, I wanted to buy equipment from well-known suppliers, but those suppliers were interested only in selling gear, not guaranteeing results. So we built our own methods and learned by failing, again and again, until our models reached the precision we needed.
In that sense, necessity was the true inspiration. We had a clear goal and refused to stop until technology matched it.
Technology & Differentiation
How does your technology change underwater asset management?
3D mapping introduces an entirely new way to understand underwater structures. Instead of subjective impressions or flat imagery, we can measure changes, deformation, and damage with true accuracy.
It moves asset management from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance.
How does Vectrino differ from sonar and traditional ROV methods?
Sonar is an excellent tool in low-visibility environments, but it underperforms in clear waters, which make up nearly 40% of global marine environments.
Sonar captures x, y, z. We capture x, y, z plus R, G, B. That means geometry and color, texture, and the true physical condition of the surface.
Many companies focus on data acquisition alone. Our strength lies in what happens after that.
With AI and time-shift analytics, we compare models over time to detect subtle changes and emerging patterns.
Our global project portfolio spans multiple continents and includes commercial ports, large-scale infrastructure systems, and high-value marine assets.
Applications
Who benefits most from your work?
Our primary clients include port authorities, construction and energy companies, and organizations in transport and shipping.
In short: anyone with underwater infrastructure that needs to be documented, measured, or monitored.
Have you uncovered critical issues in the field?
Most of our work involves critical infrastructure and is under NDA. But yes—on many occasions we’ve identified damage and deformation that would have gone unnoticed using traditional inspection methods.
Future Outlook
What excites you most about the future?
We’re moving toward a world where underwater spaces can be mapped almost in real time. As sensors become more accessible and processing accelerates, underwater mapping will shift from a specialized activity to routine practice.
Where is underwater 3D mapping headed?
For the 40% of the world’s seas that offer clear-water conditions, we finally offer an option that enables high-resolution, repeatable underwater analysis.
We see tremendous opportunity in time-shift analytics and machine learning as we continue advancing our platform.
How do you see technology helping us protect the underwater world?
Technology helps by revealing what’s happening below the surface with accuracy and continuity.
When we can track change over time—corrosion, movement, damage—we can make better decisions earlier, with less risk.
High-quality data means fewer unnecessary dives, less disturbance to marine life, and safer, more sustainable management of underwater assets.
But it also builds awareness. It lets people on land see the invisible world that supports so much of our economy and ecology. The more precisely we understand underwater change, the more responsibly we can act to protect it.
What excites me most is the potential to deeply understand—and better protect—the underwater world.
You can connect with Josip on LinkedIn: Click Here
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