A 3D foundation you can actually build on, in a short time
On a farmyard or in a barn, you want to discuss based on what is actually there, not on assumptions or outdated drawings. At the same time, a 3D model often feels like something for later, because you expect a lot of preparation, specialist input and cost. During a demonstration at WUR Agro Innovation Centre De Marke, it became clear that this can also be done with limited effort on site. In around 30 minutes, a 3D representation of the yard and barn was created with an accuracy of about 2 centimetres. At that point, the question is no longer whether it can be done, but when such a scan helps you make decisions faster or prepare changes more effectively.
Broad knowledge question
A scan only adds value if you can actually use it in your daily work
The need for a digital representation is growing, as more and more decisions require you to calculate, compare or prepare before going out into the field. But the foundation has to be accurate, and capturing it should not disrupt your operation for long. The key question behind this demonstration was therefore very practical: how do you capture a physical agricultural environment quickly, accurately and efficiently so that it can be used immediately for a digital twin, simulation or analysis. Ultimately, this practical usability determines whether it becomes relevant for your situation.
Approach
Walk the yard, scan the barn, and build a complete 3D model on site
During the demonstration, Geocentrum showed how LiDAR and 3D scanning work in a real operational setting. By walking across the yard and through buildings, different scanning tools were used, complemented by drone imagery to capture the full overview. This resulted in a complete point cloud, a 3D model of points that captures the shape and position of buildings and objects. In addition, Gaussian Splatting was used, a method that quickly turns this data into a realistic 3D visualisation that is easy to view and share.
Goal
The question is not how advanced it is, but when it becomes practically useful
The objective was to gain insight into the applicability, speed and quality of scanning in an agricultural environment. This helps you assess when it becomes relevant to apply in your own situation, for example when redesigning a barn layout, analysing routes for people or machines, or running a simulation without first measuring everything manually. Participants came from different sectors but shared the same perspective: you want to understand what it costs in time and effort, and what it delivers in practice.
Results and reflection
When you can show something quickly, decision-making becomes much more concrete
Within approximately 30 minutes, a detailed point cloud of the yard and barn was created, with an accuracy of about 2 centimetres. Combined with Gaussian Splatting, this quickly produced visually strong 3D models that participants considered immediately useful for discussion and evaluation. This shifts the scan from being an end product to a starting point for dialogue, alignment and follow-up decisions. The initial results are now being further developed to better understand which applications deliver the most value in practice.
Achievements:
Within approximately 30 minutes, a detailed scan of the yard and barn was available, with around 2 centimetres accuracy.
The visualisations were considered fast and sufficiently accurate for immediate viewing and discussion.
A usable 3D model proved achievable with limited on-site effort.
Key learnings:
Further analysis is needed to determine which applications offer the most value in day-to-day practice.
Next steps should clarify what is required to scale this approach across more farms.