Geometric implicit neural representations for signed distance functions
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Abstract (arXiv)
textitImplicit neural representations (INRs) have emerged as a promising framework for representing signals in low-dimensional spaces. This survey reviews the existing literature on the specialized INR problem of approximating textitsigned distance functions (SDFs) for surface scenes, using either oriented point clouds or a set of posed images. We refer to neural SDFs that incorporate differential geometry tools, such as normals and curvatures, in their loss functions as textitgeometric INRs. The key idea behind this 3D reconstruction approach is to include additional textitregularization terms in the loss function, ensuring that the INR satisfies certain global properties that the function should hold -- such as having unit gradient in the case of SDFs. We explore key methodological components, including the definition of INR, the construction of geometric loss functions, and sampling schemes from a differential geometry perspective. Our review highlights the significant advancements enabled by geometric INRs in surface reconstruction from oriented point clouds and posed images.
Key facts. Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 44 of its 71 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 10 Nov 2025.
Builds on
44 of 71 references.
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32 more
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Citing papers per year: 2026: 4.
4 papers.
- 2026CEI-3D: Collaborative Explicit-Implicit 3D Reconstruction for Realistic and Fine-Grained Object Editingcited by 1
- 2026Neural Representation of Minimal Surfacescited by 0
- 2026An overview of 3D Vision-Language Modelscited by 0
- 2026M-plicits: Neural Implicit Surfaces via Nested Multiscale Residualscited by 0
- 2026M-plicits: Neural Implicit Surfaces via Nested Multiscale Residuals23 Sep 2026
- 2026An overview of 3D Vision-Language Models4 Sep 2026
- 2026Neural Representation of Minimal Surfaces26 Jul 2026
- 2026CEI-3D: Collaborative Explicit-Implicit 3D Reconstruction for Realistic and Fine-Grained Object Editing12 Mar 2026