# Experimental Assessment of Neural 3D Reconstruction for Small UAV-based Applications

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.19491 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.19491/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 6 of its 15 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 24 Jun 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [3D Gaussian Splatting for Real-Time Radiance Field Rendering](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.04079/) (2023)
- [Instant Neural Graphics Primitives with a Multiresolution Hash Encoding](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.05989/) (2022)
- [Nerfstudio: A Modular Framework for Neural Radiance Field Development](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.04264/) (2023)
- [NeRF: Neural Radiance Field in 3D Vision: A Comprehensive Review (Updated Post-Gaussian Splatting)](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.00379/) (2022)
- [Survey on Terahertz Nanocommunication and Networking: A Top-Down Perspective](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1909.05703/) (2019)
- [Small UAVs-supported Autonomous Generation of Fine-grained 3D Indoor Radio Environmental Maps](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.03451/) (2021)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Neural 3D Object Reconstruction with Small-Scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicles](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.12458/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The increasing miniaturization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has expanded their deployment potential to indoor and hard-to-reach areas. However, this trend introduces distinct challenges, particularly in terms of flight dynamics and power consumption, which limit the UAVs' autonomy and mission capabilities. This paper presents a novel approach to overcoming these limitations by integrating Neural 3D Reconstruction (N3DR) with small UAV systems for fine-grained 3-Dimensional (3D) digital reconstruction of small static objects. Specifically, we design, implement, and evaluate an N3DR-based pipeline that leverages advanced models, i.e., Instant-ngp, Nerfacto, and Splatfacto, to improve the quality of 3D reconstructions using images of the object captured by a fleet of small UAVs. We assess the performance of the considered models using various imagery and pointcloud metrics, comparing them against the baseline Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the N3DR-enhanced pipeline significantly improves reconstruction quality, making it feasible for small UAVs to support high-precision 3D mapping and anomaly detection in constrained environments. In more general terms, our results highlight the potential of N3DR in advancing the capabilities of miniaturized UAV systems.