Asset-wide context
Orbit the complete structure and understand the relationship between hull columns, decks, equipment and access areas.
Deliverable · Industrial asset overview
Offshore MODU — a whole-asset record of hull coating condition.
Drone imagery was converted into a detailed 3D asset overview of an offshore MODU, with the primary objective of creating a reviewable record of external hull coating condition. Gaussian splatting was used as the display method, allowing the model to be explored from a complete asset view down to individual hull areas.
Objective
Turn a large, complex asset into a coherent visual baseline.
The assignment was centred on documentation: establish a clear visual record of the hull coating at the time of capture and preserve the surrounding asset context. A conventional photo set can show detail, but it is difficult to understand where each image sits on an asset of this scale.
The reconstructed model keeps that spatial relationship intact. Reviewers can start at the whole asset, move to a side elevation or deck view, then continue into a selected hull area without losing orientation. The result is a practical reference for condition review, maintenance discussion and comparison with a future repeat capture.
AssetOffshore MODU
Offshore industrial asset
Primary objectiveCoating record
External hull condition baseline
Project typeAsset overview
Whole-asset visual documentation
Display methodGaussian splat
Navigable 3D review environment
Capture & reconstruction
A connected model built from 2,190 images.
The image set was processed in DJI Terra as a single connected reconstruction. The processing report records an average ground sampling distance of approximately 2.2 cm, supporting both broad asset orientation and closer visual review of accessible external surfaces.
Input images2,190
Position-tagged capture set
Calibrated images2,040
Included in the reconstruction
Average GSD2.2 cm
Terra processing report
Model continuity1 component
One connected asset model
3D display
Why Gaussian splatting suited the review task.
Gaussian splatting represents the captured scene as a large collection of oriented, coloured 3D elements. For a visually complex asset, the method retains fine appearance detail and supports smooth movement through the scene without forcing the review into a fixed sequence of photographs.
Progressive review
Move from a full elevation to a selected hull zone while retaining visual orientation and surrounding context.
Shared reference
Give operations, integrity and maintenance teams a common visual record for discussion and work planning.
Repeatable baseline
Archive the condition at one point in time so later imagery can be reviewed against the same asset areas.
Orientation views
From elevation to deck layout.
Standardised viewpoints make the model easier to navigate and give reviewers an immediate sense of location before moving into condition detail.
Condition record
Review coating appearance in its exact asset context.
The model preserves visible coating colour, staining, transitions and local surface appearance across the captured hull. Rather than separating each observation from its surroundings, reviewers can see both the condition detail and its position on the structure.
This makes the record useful for screening and planning: areas can be discussed consistently, follow-up inspection can be directed to a recognisable location, and a later capture can return to the same part of the hull for comparison.
Detail review
Close inspection views without losing the wider scene.
The same dataset supports focused review of hull areas, structures and topside equipment while retaining enough surrounding geometry to identify the location.
Asset record
What the deliverable provides.
- Whole-asset 3D overview for visual orientation
- External hull coating condition record at the date of capture
- Starboard elevation and top-down deck review views
- Location-specific close views for condition discussion
- Gaussian-splat project for fluid desktop exploration
- Archived visual baseline for later comparison and work planning
This deliverable is a visual condition record. It does not measure coating thickness, confirm substrate condition or replace close visual inspection, NDT, engineering assessment or other inspection methods required by the asset owner.
Industrial asset documentation
Build a visual baseline before condition changes.
Send the asset, inspection objective and access constraints. Miles Away Aerial will scope a capture and deliverable around the way your integrity and maintenance teams need to review it.