PHILADELPHIA - In collaboration with Epic Games, 3D geospatial software company Cesium has released Cesium for Unreal, a free, open-source plugin that delivers high-resolution 3D geospatial technology and accurate real-world data for any type of application.
Cesium for Unreal enables a high-accuracy full-scale (WGS84) globe in Unreal Engine, the open and advanced real-time 3D tool from Epic Games, creator of Fortnite. With this new plugin, developers now have the ability to create interactive, virtual worlds using accurate real-world 3D content captured from cameras and LIDAR sensors on satellites, drones, and intelligent machines.
“Cesium’s expertise in cloud-based geospatial software applications and leadership on open standards for streaming massive 3D content makes them an ideal partner to support Epic’s vision for an open Metaverse,” said Marc Petit, VP and General Manager of Unreal Engine at Epic Games.
The implementation of 3D geospatial technology in real-world environments -- from building immersive experiences in artist-created scenes to those based on 3D content in its precise geospatial location -- represents a shift in industries including training and simulation; architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC); automotive and transportation; film and television; broadcast and live events; and games.
The plugin is the first step toward a future where immersive, global-scale 3D applications with pinpoint precision are ubiquitous across industries.
“At Cesium, we’ve long believed in the potential for innovation at the intersection of the 3D geospatial and computer graphics ecosystems,” said Cesium CEO Patrick Cozzi. “Cesium for Unreal is a monumental step in bridging decades of advancements in these technologies.”
Cesium for Unreal is available to download for free on the Unreal Engine Marketplace. It includes integration with Cesium ion for optional commercial access to curated 3D content like global terrain, 3D buildings, photogrammetry, and satellite imagery, and software to convert custom high-resolution 3D data into streamable 3D Tiles.