3D Matterport Virtual Tour

A 3D Matterport virtual tour is an immersive, interactive digital representation of a physical space created using Matterport’s 3D technology. As virtual and augmented realities continue to advance, 3D virtual tours are growing in popularity across industries for their ability to mimic an in-person experience and allow remote users to digitally explore a location in an intuitive way.  

The key benefits of a 3D Matterport virtual tour include an engaging, interactive user experience, increased accessibility and reach, and cost-effective marketing opportunities. By capturing detailed spatial data and stitching together high-resolution panoramic photos, Matterport creates photorealistic digital twins of real-world spaces. Users can navigate seamlessly through these virtual environments on any device, getting an accurate sense of a location’s layout, design, and features.

How a 3D Matterport Virtual Tour Works

Matterport uses special 3D cameras along with artificial intelligence to construct interactive 3D models. To create a virtual tour, a space is captured by systematically taking panoramic photos using a Matterport compatible camera. The camera scans in every direction, capturing everything within its field of view. 

Advanced depth sensors in the camera capture spatial data and measurements. The captured 2D photographic data is then streamed to the cloud, where Matterport’s AI algorithms stitch together the thousands of 2D images into a 3D model. The model is rendered in a photorealistic, immersive environment that users can explore with smooth navigation and interaction.

Matterport offers different camera models suitable for spaces of varying sizes. For large outdoor areas, aerial photogrammetry can also be used to construct 3D models. The process produces incredibly detailed digital replicas that give remote viewers an experience akin to being physically present in the space.

Applications of 3D Matterport Virtual Tours

Real Estate

One of the most popular uses of Matterport virtual tours is in real estate, where they enable immersive online property viewings. Home buyers can digitally explore listings, getting a comprehensive perspective of each room and layout. Real estate agents leverage 3D tours to showcase listings in richer detail, qualify leads faster, and decrease in-person visits. According to studies, listings with 3D tours can sell up to 50% faster.

Hospitality and Travel

Matterport is transforming the hospitality and travel industry by letting potential guests digitally explore resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions before booking. This reduces the uncertainties involved in purchasing unseen travel experiences. 3D tours on travel websites provide an accurate preview, helping guests make more informed decisions. 

Architecture and Design

Architects use Matterport to visualize building plans in realistic 3D before construction even begins. Virtual walkthroughs allow collaborative evaluation of designs, accelerated decision making, and easy design iteration. Engineers can upload 3D scans of existing structures to more efficiently plan renovations or retrofitting.

Tips for Creating an Effective Virtual Tour

Choosing Spaces 

Determine which spaces would gain the most value from an immersive 3D representation. Prioritize rooms and views you want to highlight when marketing a property online. Also consider spaces that buyers commonly desire to evaluate in-person prior to purchasing, such as bedrooms or backyard.

Preparing the Environment

To achieve an optimal 3D model, declutter and clean the space beforehand. Open blinds and curtains to brighten interiors. Remove people and pets during scanning. Place a tidy, staged appearance to make spaces more inviting.

Ensuring Smooth Navigation

When capturing, move objects that could obstruct camera motion like chairs and cables. This prevents invisible barriers in the final tour. Check for mirror reflections that might confuse the AI. Test the final tour across devices to ensure ease of navigation.

Additional Features to Enhance Tours

Interactive Floor Plans

Layering 2D interactive floor plans on top of the 3D model helps users orient themselves and leap to areas of interest. Hotspots can link floor plan labels to matching spots in the tour.

Multimedia Integration

Videos, photo galleries, audio clips and other media embedded in the tour provide additional context. Hotspot multimedia layers on informative content.

Annotations and Hotspots

Textual labels, overlays and hotspots let you highlight areas and provide details that add value for viewers. Draw attention to specific features, products or signage. 

Success Stories and Statistics

The effectiveness of Matterport virtual tours has been demonstrated across industries. A case study found using Matterport led to a 453% increase in monthly site traffic for a vacation rental company. D.R. Horton’s home listings with Matterport tours sold an average of 71% faster. Builders have seen virtual tours increase quote requests by over 400%.

92% of people experiencing a Matterport tour request more information, according to studies. 75% of buyers feel more confident signing contracts after exploring properties virtually. Commercial spaces have achieved up to 90% leasing rates through virtual tour promotion.

The Limitations of Matterport

While adoption is rapidly accelerating, some limitations exist. Hardware costs currently range from $2,000-$4,000 for Matterport’s Pro2 camera. Professional capture services can also add costs for large venues. Rendering times depend on tour size, but range from hours to days. 

While immersive, virtual tours cannot fully replace an in-person visit. Touch, smell and true scale are best experienced first-hand. Some critics argue virtual tours provide a passive, less authentic view of a space. Others cite privacy concerns over exposing private residences online.

Future Trends and Possibilities

As virtual reality headsets decline in price, integrating Matterport models into VR experiences will provide the next leap forward in immersion. Mobile apps could also deliver augmented reality tours overlaying digital data onto real-world views.  

Matterport is actively developing artificial intelligence to analyze 3D spaces and generate automatic descriptive tags, measurements and analytics. With deep learning, virtual tours will become increasingly dynamic and personalized to each viewer.

Matterport has pioneered 3D digital capture technology that is transforming how spaces are experienced and evaluated online. Their virtual tour ecosystem provides businesses in every industry a powerful method for immersing and engaging customers remotely. 

With the pandemic accelerating digital transformation, virtual tours offer a solution to connect physical and digital worlds seamlessly. As the technology evolves, it will push the limits of digitally conveying spatial environments through the integration of VR, AR, AI and other emerging innovations. The potential applications are vast, making Matterport virtual tours an essential component of tomorrow’s digital-first world. To get started in the world of virtual touring, try out our WP3D Plugin today!