Meet ProQuLA, the 3D artist who used Scaniverse to rehabilitate their health and is now collecting thousands of scenes from across Japan in hopes of setting a world record for mobile 3D scanning.

Growing up with the PlayStation era, ProQuLA was inspired by how artists created beauty within strict polygon limits. While modern computer graphics offer him endless creative possibilities, ProQuLA remains dedicated to crafting stunning low-poly assets staying true to the artistry that first captured his imagination.

3D Gaussian splats help ProQuLA balance high-quality creativity with the technical limits that make VR worlds accessible.

Scanning for great assets and better health

While mobile 3D scanning helped ProQuLA build workflows for creating lightweight 3D assets in Blender and Substance Painter, this Niantic gaming fan’s life took a dramatic turn for the better when they started taking daily 3D scanning walks—getting up early each morning capture and document the neighborhoods around him in 3D photos with Scaniverse.

This daily routine filled with low-impact movement, creative problem solving, and refining his 3D craftsmanship helped ProQuLA overcome challenges with chronic pain and inspired a new mission for him.

Scanning at a record setting pace

In just the first five months of capturing 3D Gaussian splats with Scaniverse, ProQuLA has already created well over 6,000 splats, with 6,574 of them posted on the Scaniverse map as of the time of this post. ProQuLA is determined to capture 10,000 mobile Gaussian splats; With a monthly average of about 1000 scans created, he should hit that record by the end of the summer. 

Read on to meet the scanner, see more of his work, and to get this scanner’s top tips for capturing great 3D scenes with Scaniverse.

Can you share a favorite scan or 3D project and tell us about it?

“The Akihabara Electric Town Entrance (秋葉原電気街口) marks my most ambitious large-scale project combining Scaniverse scanning technology with traditional 3D modeling. While the scale presents unprecedented challenges in asset management and modeling efficiency for me as a solo creator, pushing these boundaries is exactly what makes this project exciting.

I’ve lived and worked in Akihabara for years and I’ve always appreciated its unique culture and energy. So, I wanted to preserve this beloved area in VRChat, capturing it from my perspective. It’s a place full of memories, and I’m passionate about bringing it into the virtual world.

The production process has taken so long that new stores have opened and old ones have been demolished. As I continue modeling without a strict plan, I’ve come to feel that different timelines are blending together, which, in its own way, might be a unique form of art. Personally, I’m satisfied with this outcome and will continue working on it.

This is another project I want to bring into VR Chat.”

How did you get started with 3D scanning and 3D Gaussian Splatting?

“I started 3D modeling to create immersive VR worlds, but traditional photogrammetry required too much time and computing power for my impatient nature. I wanted both an easy photo collection and rich 3D references‚—seemingly impossible demands.

Then I discovered Gaussian Splatting through Scaniverse with just a one-minute processing time! This dream technology completely blew my mind and transformed my workflow.

Scaniverse’s ability to capture detailed structures with dimensions embedded in the point cloud made it an invaluable tool for creating accurate models. The 3D Gaussian splatting technique (3DGS), in particular, is a godsend for creating accurate, detailed references for the 3D modeling I do.

My goal to capture 10,000 3D scans with Scaniverse started with advice from a doctor to start taking daily mental health walks. So, to encourage myself, I decided to incorporate something I had always loved—3D scanning. That’s where Scaniverse became my lifeline.

Instead of aimlessly wandering, I began scanning different locations every day. This gave my walks a purpose. Experiencing new environments stimulated my imaginations. Walking around different terrains daily helped restore my strength and sense of physical balance.

The results were remarkable. In just five months, I started recovering—both mentally and physically. I had found a way to turn my real-world challenges into an engaging RPG.

I always enjoyed exploring detailed environments in games at my own pace, and now I was doing the same in real life.”

What’s your best advice for making great 3D scans?

“Safety first. As with any physical activity, always be mindful of your health and safety. Scanning can be physically demanding, especially in outdoor environments, so take necessary precautions to avoid injury.

Incorporate scanning into your daily life. The more you scan, the better you’ll get. It’s not about quantity over quality but about improving your scanning skills consistently. Pay attention to your surroundings, observe new objects, and always be flexible in your approach. Whether it’s dealing with weather conditions or unexpected challenges, every scan is an opportunity to learn.

Be patient, present, and precise.

Treat your device as a partner, not just a tool, and always aim to improve with each scan. Scanning requires both patience and a precise understanding of your tools. Listen to your device, understand its processing power, and be mindful of the environmental conditions that can affect your scan quality.”

Why document in 3D scans? Why not just use photographs?

“Some places are hard to capture with 2D photography and video. For example: murals and wall art in train stations can only be viewed from close up or are interrupted by narrow columns, making it difficult to capture the entire piece head-on using traditional cameras. While perspective correction and stitching in Photoshop can achieve this to some extent, it can often lead to distortion or extra work.

As someone working in computer graphics (CG), I see 3D scanning as another form of image processing. In many cases a 3D scan you can move around shows you much more than a still photo.”

Looking ahead, what are your goals for scanning in the future? 

“I am truly grateful for the recognition I’ve received as a contributor to the Scaniverse archive. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my love for 3D scanning has resonated with others. The fact that my work might bring hope or be useful to someone else is the most rewarding part for me.

I’m constantly motivated by the idea of creating fun, interactive worlds within VR. The VRChat community’s creativity has inspired me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D modeling. Through scanning, I aim to capture the small details of the world around me, while continually improving my skills.

Thank you for your support, I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with the community through VR Chat, my blog and social media.”