Kadek Ananta Satriadi

Human-centred computing researcher specialised in visualisation and spatial computing technologies.

Towards Human-Centered Evaluation of 3D Gaussian Splatting for Cultural Heritage Visualizations

Fadilah Husna Arief, Kadek Ananta Satriadi, Erik Malcolm Champion

Virtual Archaeology Review. Online. 2026. Publication type: full paper.

3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) enables high-fidelity reconstruction and rapid rendering of physical objects and spaces with highly portable file formats, enhancing the immersive experience of 3D cultural heritage visualization. While quality metrics demonstrate technical excellence in encoding accuracy or perceptual quality, stakeholder perspectives and readiness to adopt this technology remain largely unexplored. Human-centered evaluation is essential to understand its practical viability in cultural heritage preservation contexts. Using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews facilitated by static and interactive visualizations of Puri Klungkung (a Balinese palace in Indonesia), we collected quantitative and qualitative data, yielding insights from eight local experts in the fields of history, archaeology, vernacular architecture, and heritage conservation. Our study results suggest that experts value 3DGS and Photogrammetry differently in both static and interactive visualization. 3DGS was consistently preferred for close-up views with complex elements (vegetation, water, architectural details), demonstrating superior detail preservation, visual quality, and geometric accuracy. Both techniques performed comparably for materiality and spatial sense. Photogrammetry remains preferred for scholarly dissemination because its geometric accuracy provides the necessary detail. On the other hand, 3DGS in its current state is better suited to public-facing projects, where its visual elements generate more photorealistic renderings, although geometrical accuracy can be compromised. Considering the needs of the target users from the very beginning of the project is important for determining which visualization techniques are most appropriate. Recommendations for applicability, familiarity, visual properties, interactivity, and practicality are revealed through our thematic analysis, guiding effective visualizations of historical Hindu cultural heritage sites in South and Southeast Asia.

DOI: TBA.

Tags: 3D Gaussian Splatting, cultural heritage, visualisation, human-centred evaluation

A screen capture of the visualisation probe we used in the interview. It compares photogrammetry and 3DGS representations in multiple camera angles.

Link to github repository: https://github.com/KadekSatriadi/3dgs-sketchfab-vizprobe

Acknowledgement

We thank the Indonesian Ministry of Culture in Jakarta for allowing access to Puri Klungkung photogrammetry data and the 3D model. This work is supported by Monash eResearch capabilities, including High Performance Computing (HPC), and is within the context of the Bali Digital Heritage Initiative.
Arief, F.H., Satriadi, K.A., Champion, E.M. (2026).Towards Human-Centered Evaluation of 3D Gaussian Splatting for Cultural Heritage Visualizations. Virtual Archeology Review.

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