When agents, homeowners, and property managers plan a Matterport 3D tour, one of the most common questions is: “What spaces can actually be included?” Buyers and renters don’t just want to see the main living areas—they want to explore storage, parking, lower levels, and even outdoor amenities.
The good news is that Matterport technology is remarkably flexible, and with the right team behind the camera, virtually every part of a property can be captured.In this guide, we’ll break down exactly which spaces can be included in a Matterport 3D tour, how outdoor scanning works, and what to expect from Invision Studio’s professional scanning process.
Table of Contents
- How Matterport 3D Tours Work
- Can Closets Be Included?
- Can Garages Be Scanned?
- Basements: Finished and Unfinished
- Outdoor Areas & Yards
- Pools, Patios, Decks, and Balconies
- Commercial Exteriors and Rooftops
- Limitations to Know About
- Why Choose Invision Studio
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Yes, Matterport 3D tours can include closets, garages, basements, and outdoor areas—with a few technical considerations.
- Interior spaces like walk-in closets, pantries, laundry rooms, and finished basements scan exceptionally well.
- Garages (attached and detached) can be scanned, though vehicles should be moved out for cleaner results.
- Outdoor areas such as patios, backyards, and pool decks can be included, though direct sunlight can affect scan quality.
- Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers at Invision Studio for expert scanning of every space—indoors and out.
- Invision Studio also offers drone photography and video to complement 3D tours where outdoor scanning isn’t ideal.
How Matterport 3D Tours Work {#how-tours-work}
Matterport uses specialized 3D cameras that combine infrared depth sensors and high-resolution imagery to create a spatial digital twin of any environment. The camera captures data from multiple scan points, which are then stitched together into a seamless walkthrough.
Because Matterport relies on both light and depth data, indoor spaces with controlled lighting typically produce the best results—but modern Matterport cameras (like the Pro3) now support outdoor scanning with impressive accuracy.Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers at Invision Studio, who use the latest Matterport Pro3 hardware for indoor-to-outdoor continuity.
Can Closets Be Included? {#closets}
Yes—closets are almost always included in a Matterport 3D tour, and buyers love it. Closet space is a major decision factor for both homebuyers and renters, especially in urban markets where storage is at a premium.Closet types that scan well:
- Walk-in closets
- Reach-in bedroom closets
- Linen closets
- Pantries
- Coat closets
- Utility closets
For very small closets, the photographer may capture from the doorway rather than stepping fully inside. Either way, viewers can open and explore these spaces virtually—just like an in-person tour.
Prep tip: Organize or remove personal items before the shoot. Cluttered closets can make storage look smaller than it is.
Can Garages Be Scanned? {#garages}
Absolutely. Garages are a valuable feature to include in a Matterport tour—especially in suburban markets, luxury properties, and homes with workshops, EV chargers, or bonus storage.Garage scanning tips:
- Move vehicles out before the shoot for a clean, spacious look
- Turn on all lights, including overhead and workbench lighting
- Open the garage door partway if natural light helps illuminate the space
- Organize tools and boxes for a tidy appearance
Both attached and detached garages can be included. Detached garages simply require an additional scanning segment, which Invision Studio seamlessly integrates into the final tour.Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers to capture garages professionally—especially for luxury car collectors, contractors, or homes marketed to hobbyists.
Basements: Finished and Unfinished {#basements}
Basements are one of the most underrated selling features—and Matterport captures them beautifully.
Finished Basements
Fully finished basements with proper lighting scan just like any other level of the home. Home theaters, game rooms, in-law suites, and wine cellars all translate well into 3D.
Unfinished Basements
Unfinished basements can also be included, though results depend on lighting. Adding portable work lights or turning on all available fixtures dramatically improves quality. This is especially useful for buyers who want to see:
- Utility systems (HVAC, water heater, electrical panel)
- Ceiling height and structural condition
- Storage capacity
- Renovation potential
Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers at Invision Studio to ensure your basement—finished or not—looks its absolute best.
Outdoor Areas & Yards {#outdoor}
Thanks to advancements in Matterport Pro3 technology, outdoor scanning is now fully supported. This includes:
- Front yards and landscaping
- Backyards and gardens
- Side yards and pathways
- Driveways
- Courtyards
However, outdoor scans work best under overcast lighting or during golden hour—harsh midday sun can interfere with sensor accuracy. Invision Studio schedules outdoor scans strategically to maximize quality.For sweeping outdoor views, we often recommend combining Matterport with drone photography and video for maximum visual impact.
Pools, Patios, Decks, and Balconies {#pools-patios}
Outdoor living areas are huge selling points—and they can absolutely be included in your Matterport tour.Common outdoor spaces we scan:
- Covered patios and pergolas
- Wooden decks and composite decks
- Balconies and terraces
- Pool decks and spa areas
- Outdoor kitchens and BBQ zones
- Fire pit and lounge areas
- Screened-in porches
Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers to highlight these lifestyle features, which often drive faster offers—especially in warm-weather markets.
Commercial Exteriors and Rooftops {#commercial-exteriors}
For commercial properties, Matterport can capture:
- Parking lots and loading docks
- Building exteriors and facades
- Rooftop patios and amenity decks
- Courtyards and plazas
- Outdoor dining areas for restaurants
- Warehouse yards and industrial lots
Commercial brokers use these scans to give tenants a full understanding of the property—not just the interior square footage.
Limitations to Know About {#limitations}
While Matterport is incredibly versatile, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
- Direct sunlight on the sensor can degrade scan quality outdoors
- Rain, snow, and wet surfaces may need to be rescheduled
- Very small crawl spaces may not be accessible with the camera
- Reflective surfaces (large mirrors, glass walls, pools) can occasionally create visual artifacts
- Extremely dark spaces need supplemental lighting
The Invision Studio team plans around these factors to deliver the highest-quality result possible. For areas that don’t scan well, we recommend supplementing with HDR photography, drone footage, or video walkthroughs.
Why Choose Invision Studio {#why-invision}
Invision Studio is a leading real estate media provider specializing in Matterport 3D tours, HDR photography, aerial drone imagery, and video for residential and commercial properties. What sets us apart:
- Certified Matterport Service Partners using the latest Pro3 cameras
- Indoor-to-outdoor continuity in every scan
- Same-week turnaround (typically 24–48 hours)
- Full-service bundles: 3D tours, photography, drone, floor plans, and video
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate weather and occupant availability
Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers at Invision Studio to ensure every corner of your property—inside and out—is captured with professional quality.
Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}
Can Matterport scan outdoor spaces?
Yes. With the Matterport Pro3 camera, outdoor areas like patios, yards, pool decks, and driveways can be scanned and integrated seamlessly into the tour.
Do closets need to be empty for a 3D tour?
No, but they should be organized. Tidy closets showcase storage capacity better than cluttered ones.
Can vehicles be in the garage during scanning?
It’s best to move vehicles out. This creates a cleaner, more spacious appearance and prevents scan obstructions.
Are unfinished basements worth including in a tour?
Yes—buyers value transparency. Including the basement shows condition, systems, and potential.
Can Matterport capture pools and outdoor kitchens?
Absolutely. These lifestyle features are strong selling points and scan well with proper lighting.
What if the weather is bad on shoot day?
Invision Studio will reschedule outdoor scans as needed. Interior scanning can typically proceed regardless of weather.
Final Thoughts
Modern Matterport technology allows you to showcase virtually every part of a property—from the smallest closet to the largest backyard. Including these spaces gives buyers and renters a complete, transparent understanding of the property, which leads to faster decisions, fewer wasted showings, and stronger offers.Use our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers at Invision Studio to capture every square foot of your listing—inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs, and everywhere in between.
