Virtual tours have become a popular way to explore spaces remotely because it is convenient and accurately displays the space. In the world of virtual tours, there are two main types: 3D virtual tours (aka Matterport) vs. traditional 360 virtual tours. While both offer digital experiences, they differ in technology and user experience.
Traditional Virtual Tours: A 360° View
Imagine a panoramic image you can navigate by clicking and dragging. That’s the essence of a virtual tour. It stitches together multiple 360° photographs, creating an immersive experience of a physical location. Users can virtually move around the space, often with pre-defined hotspots offering additional information.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Creation often involves capturing 360° photos with specialized cameras, making it a relatively affordable option.
- Customization: 360 Virtual tours can be customized with branding, background music, and information points.
Disadvantages:
- Limited navigation: Movement is restricted to pre-defined paths or hotspots, offering a flat, non-spatial experience.
- Lacks depth perception: You can’t zoom in or get a true sense of scale within the space.
Matterport: Stepping into a 3D World
Matterport technology goes beyond static images. It captures a physical space in 3D, creating a digital twin you can virtually explore. Imagine a dollhouse view where you can rotate and zoom, or even navigate through the space as if you were walking inside.
Advantages:
- Immersive experience: Provides a true sense of space, dimension, and scale.
- Detailed exploration: Users can freely move around the 3D model, examining details from any angle.
- Additional features: Often includes dollhouse views, floor plan generation, and high-resolution image exports.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Creation typically involves specialized scanning equipment, making it pricier than traditional virtual tours.
- Processing time: Capturing and processing the 3D data takes longer than capturing 360° photos.
Choosing the Right Option
The best choice depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a quick guide:
- For a basic, cost-effective way to showcase a space, a traditional 360 virtual tour might suffice.
- If a truly immersive and interactive experience is essential, with detailed measurements and a dollhouse view, Matterport is the way to go.
Both Matterport and 360 virtual tours offer valuable tools for showcasing spaces remotely. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you pick the best option to meet your specific goals.
If you still can’t make up your mind after reading the article, feel free to reach out with any questions! I offer both Matterport and Traditional 360 Virtual Tours. Click here for different pricing packages and what is included.