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How to Create Georeferenced 3D Scenes with GPS Location

Transform your 3D models into interactive GPS-enabled maps that display the user's real-time location directly on your 3D scene.

What is Georeferencing?

Georeferencing means adding geographic reference points to your 3D model, allowing it to be properly oriented in world coordinates using latitude and longitude. Once georeferenced, your 3D scene can use the device's GPS module to display the user's current position directly on the 3D model - just like on a traditional 2D map, but in an immersive 3D environment.

This creates unique experiences where users can walk through real-world locations while seeing their position on your 3D visualization in real-time.

Key Concept

Georeferencing requires setting up three reference points on your 3D model. Each point links a specific location on your model to its real-world GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude). With three points, the system can accurately calculate any position on your scene.

Use Cases for Georeferenced 3D Scenes

Georeferenced 3D models open up powerful possibilities across many industries. Here are the most popular applications:

Cultural Heritage

Create historical reconstructions of archaeological sites, ancient cities, or historical buildings. Visitors can walk through the real location while viewing how it looked centuries ago on their device, with their GPS position shown on the 3D reconstruction.

Tourism & Travel

Build interactive 3D maps for theme parks, resorts, national parks, and hiking trails. Help visitors navigate with 3D terrain models showing their real-time position, elevation data, and points of interest.

Real Estate & Architecture

Enable on-site construction monitoring by comparing planned 3D building models with actual GPS positions. Perfect for workers, inspectors, and stakeholders walking through urban development sites.

Education & Museums

Reconstruct ancient ruins for archaeological sites, navigate open-air museums with historical context, or create campus tours with indoor/outdoor 3D models and precise positioning.

Events & Venues

Help visitors navigate large festival grounds, sports stadiums, or trade shows. Provide 3D venue maps with real-time positioning to find stages, concessions, seats, and exits easily.

Industrial & Professional

Use georeferenced 3D models for mining operations, agricultural farm management, or utility infrastructure maintenance. Workers can locate underground infrastructure using georeferenced subsurface models.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Georeferencing Your 3D Scene

Step 1Open Your Scene in the Editor

  1. Log in to your Kroscloud Business account
  2. Navigate to My Board
  3. Find the 3D scene you want to georeference
  4. Click on the "Edit" button in the scene's menu

Step 2Access the Georeference Menu

  1. In the Editor, locate the top menu panel
  2. Click on the "Georeference" menu option
  3. A dialog will open showing the georeferencing settings

At the top of the dialog, you'll see a "Georeference status" switch. This switch is disabled by default and will remain disabled until you set up all three reference points.

Step 3Set Up Point A (Red)

The first reference point is called Point A and is marked with a red color.

  1. Enter GPS coordinates: Type the latitude and longitude for this point (e.g., 50.08497595271204, 14.433651656048404)
  2. Mark position on 3D model: Double-click on the exact location on your 3D scene that corresponds to these GPS coordinates

Step 4Set Up Point B (Green)

The second reference point is called Point B and is marked with a green color.

  1. Enter GPS coordinates: Type the latitude and longitude for this second point
  2. Mark position on 3D model: Double-click on the corresponding location on your 3D scene

Step 5Set Up Point C (Blue)

The third reference point is called Point C and is marked with a blue color.

  1. Enter GPS coordinates: Type the latitude and longitude for this third point
  2. Mark position on 3D model: Double-click on the corresponding location on your 3D scene

Step 6Enable Georeferencing

Once all three points (A, B, and C) are configured with both GPS coordinates and positions on your 3D model:

  1. The "Georeference status" switch will become enabled
  2. Toggle the switch to ON to activate georeferencing
  3. Your 3D scene is now georeferenced!

Step 7Test Your Georeferenced Scene

  1. Save your changes and exit the Editor
  2. Open your scene on a mobile device with GPS enabled
  3. If you're at the physical location, your position should appear on the 3D model
  4. Walk around to verify the positioning is accurate

How to Get GPS Coordinates

You need accurate latitude and longitude coordinates for each reference point. Here are the most common methods to obtain them:

Using Google Maps
  1. Open Google Maps in your browser
  2. Navigate to your location
  3. Right-click on the exact point you want to reference
  4. Click on the coordinates that appear at the top of the context menu
  5. The coordinates are copied to your clipboard in the format: latitude, longitude
Using a GPS Device or Smartphone
  1. Visit the physical location of each reference point
  2. Use a GPS app on your smartphone (or a dedicated GPS device)
  3. Record the latitude and longitude displayed
  4. For best accuracy, wait for the GPS signal to stabilize
Using Survey Data

If your 3D model was created from a professional survey or photogrammetry scan with GPS data, you may already have accurate coordinates for specific points. Check your source data for embedded GPS information.

Best Practices for Accurate Georeferencing

Spread Points Apart

Choose reference points that are far apart from each other. Points that are too close together will result in less accurate positioning across your scene. Ideally, the three points should form a triangle that covers most of your scene area.

Use Identifiable Features

Select points that are easy to identify both in the real world and on your 3D model. Building corners, monument bases, or distinctive landscape features work best. Avoid areas that might change over time.

Ensure Coordinate Accuracy

Use coordinates with as many decimal places as possible for maximum precision. Double-check your coordinates before saving. Even small errors can result in noticeable positioning offsets.

Test on Location

After setting up georeferencing, visit the physical location with a mobile device to test the accuracy. Walk around different areas of your scene to verify positioning works correctly throughout.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Status switch won't enable Not all three points are fully configured Ensure each point (A, B, C) has both GPS coordinates entered AND a position marked on the 3D model by double-clicking.
GPS position is offset/inaccurate Inaccurate reference point coordinates or positions Verify your GPS coordinates are correct. Re-check that the positions you marked on the 3D model match the real-world locations.
Position only works in some areas Reference points are too close together Reconfigure points to be more spread out, forming a triangle that covers the entire area of interest.
GPS position doesn't appear Device GPS not enabled or no signal Ensure location services are enabled on the device. Move to an area with better GPS signal (outdoors, away from tall buildings).
Feature not available Account type limitation Georeferencing requires a Business account. Check your subscription level and upgrade if needed.
Coordinates format rejected Wrong coordinate format Use decimal degrees format (e.g., 50.0849, 14.4336). Don't use degrees/minutes/seconds format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which account types can use georeferencing?

Georeferencing is a premium feature available exclusively to Business accounts. Free and Premium accounts do not have access to this feature. View pricing plans to upgrade.

How accurate is the GPS positioning?

The accuracy depends on two factors: the precision of your reference point coordinates and the GPS accuracy of the user's device. With well-placed reference points and modern smartphones, you can typically expect accuracy within a few meters.

Does georeferencing work on mobile devices?

Yes! Georeferencing is designed primarily for mobile devices with GPS capabilities. It works on both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Users simply open your georeferenced scene in their mobile browser.

Can I georeference panoramic images?

Currently, georeferencing is available for 3D scenes only. Panoramic images do not support GPS positioning at this time.

Do I need an internet connection for GPS to work?

Yes, users need an internet connection to load and view your 3D scene. However, the GPS positioning itself uses the device's built-in GPS hardware, which works independently.

Can I edit the reference points after enabling georeferencing?

Yes, you can return to the Editor at any time and modify your reference points. Simply open the Georeference menu and adjust the coordinates or positions as needed.

What happens if users are not at the physical location?

If users view your georeferenced scene from a different location (e.g., from home), the GPS position marker will either not appear or show that they are outside the scene boundaries. The 3D scene itself remains fully viewable and interactive.

Ready to Create GPS-Enabled 3D Experiences?

Upgrade to a Business account and start building georeferenced 3D scenes that bring your locations to life with real-time positioning.

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