Stereoscopic 3D directly in the QGIS core – partners wanted!

Establishing powerful 3D visualization in the open source standard

Open source unleashes its full potential when innovative ideas become available to everyone. Powerful features in particular deliver the greatest added value when they are permanently embedded in the core of a software program.

QGIS is emblematic of this approach:

In recent years, the community has made significant progress in the field of 3D, both technically and conceptually. The next logical step is therefore to firmly integrate stereoscopic 3D visualization into the official QGIS core.

In discussions with OpenGIS.ch, it became clear what potential this approach offers. At present, stereoscopic 3D in QGIS is only available in private or experimental versions. However, even this prototype already demonstrates impressively the added value that true depth perception delivers for professional GIS applications:

• More intuitive spatial interpretation of 3D geodata
• More precise analyses of terrain, buildings and infrastructure data
• Significantly reduced misinterpretations compared to 2D or pseudo 3D representations
• More natural interaction with height and depth information

This is exactly where Schneider Digital GmbH brings in its many years of experience:

In combination with the stereo cursor we developed, stereoscopic workflows become not only visible, but also precise and comfortable to operate.

The solution is completely GPU independent supporting both NVIDIA and AMD and can be used across platforms. The stereo cursor works with standard mice as well as with common 3D mice and specialized controllers entirely without proprietary input devices or vendor lock in.

The decisive added value now lies in the next development step:

the integration of stereoscopic 3D visualization including the stereo cursor into the official QGIS source code initially via daily builds and in the longer term as a permanent component of a regular QGIS release.

This would make stereoscopic 3D a native feature for millions of QGIS users worldwide based on an open source platform they already use every day.

To implement this step, targeted development resources are required. Open source innovation depends on sponsors and partners who are willing to actively help shape powerful core features and support them over the long term.

We see this as a major opportunity for the QGIS community, for professional users, and for everyone who works with spatial data and wants to gain a clearer, more precise, and more realistic spatial understanding. We look forward to an open exchange with developers, maintainers, companies, and institutions who are interested in shaping this path together.

“Forward looking presentation of QGIS 3D Stereo”

The new StereoVista 3D stereo open source 3D viewer

By the way: If you would like to find out more about our 3D stereo, VR/AR and 4K/8K solutions or professional hardware components (high-end monitors, professional graphics cards, high-end workstations, smart VR wall, peripheral solutions, etc.), please call us directly on +49 (8025) 99 300 or email us at [email protected]