“JPEG for 3D”: New Open Standard Set to Revolutionize Infrastructure Monitoring

• 17 February 2026
• Local News
• 904 Views

The Khronos Group has announced a major milestone in 3D imaging with the release of KHR_gaussian_splatting, a new extension that standardizes “Gaussian splatting” within the glTF 2.0 ecosystem.

Often referred to as the “JPEG for 3D,” this move aims to turn a breakthrough photorealistic capture technique into a universal language for engineers, developers, and tech giants alike.

Unlike traditional 3D models that stretch a digital “skin” over a wireframe, Gaussian splatting uses millions of “fuzzy blobs” (Gaussians) to represent reality.

Each splat contains data on color, transparency, and orientation, allowing for the capture of complex details that traditional graphics miss, such as thin power lines and cables, reflective glass surfaces, and intricate construction scaffolding.

Previously, Gaussian splatting was fragmented by proprietary formats, forcing users into “vendor lock-in.” By integrating it into glTF, an open standard supported by members like Apple, Google, and Nvidia, the technology can now be shared across different platforms and tools seamlessly.

With an open standard, now users can produce with one solution and consume with another, which is good news not only for users but also for stakeholders.

Besides, the speed of this transition is unprecedented. While formats like JPEG took over a decade to standardize, Gaussian splatting has moved from a research paper to a global industry candidate in just three years.

Industry leaders like Bentley Systems and Cesium are already utilizing the tech to help engineers monitor “lifelong” infrastructure. By adding a time dimension to these 3D captures, firms can track construction progress and structural changes over decades, moving from simple digital snapshots to dynamic, long-term asset monitoring.

• Cesium
• Bentley Systems
• Khronos