When creating a professional Matterport 3D virtual tour, one of the most common questions property owners ask is whether people, pets, vehicles, or other moving objects will appear in the final scan. The short answer is: yes, they can appear—but often in strange, distorted, or ghost-like ways.
At Invision Studio, our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend removing all moving objects from the scanning area to ensure a clean, professional final product.This comprehensive guide explains how Matterport technology handles motion, what happens when moving objects are captured, and best practices for achieving a flawless virtual tour.
Table of Contents
- How Matterport Cameras Capture Motion
- What Happens When People Appear in Scans
- Pets and 3D Scanning Challenges
- Vehicles in Exterior Matterport Tours
- Other Moving Objects to Consider
- Best Practices Before the Scan
- Post-Production Fixes and Limitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Matterport cameras capture 360-degree panoramic images at multiple scan points, meaning any moving object can appear distorted, duplicated, or as a “ghost” in the final tour.
- Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend clearing the property of all people, pets, and moving objects before scanning begins.
- People who move between scan points may appear multiple times or as blurred figures in the final 3D model.
- Pets are especially problematic because they rarely stay still and can create eerie, distorted images.
- Vehicles should be moved from driveways if exterior scans are part of the tour package.
- Post-production editing has limits—prevention is always more cost-effective than correction.
How Matterport Cameras Capture Motion {#how-matterport-captures-motion}
To understand why moving objects create problems, it helps to know how Matterport technology works. The camera takes a series of high-resolution 360-degree scans from multiple points throughout a property. These individual scans are then stitched together using advanced photogrammetry and depth-sensing technology to create a seamless 3D model.
Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend understanding this key concept: each scan point takes approximately 20-30 seconds to complete, and the camera rotates a full 360 degrees during this time. Any object that moves during this rotation—or between scan points—can cause visual anomalies in the final tour.
The result? A person walking through a room might appear as a translucent figure, a headless torso, or even multiple copies of themselves in different positions.
What Happens When People Appear in Scans {#people-in-scans}
When a person is present during a Matterport scan, several visual issues can occur:
Common Distortions Include:
- Partial figures – Only half a body captured as the person moved during rotation
- Ghost-like translucency – Semi-transparent people appearing as apparitions
- Duplicate appearances – The same person visible in multiple rooms or positions
- Stretched or warped bodies – Elongated limbs or faces due to motion blur
- Missing heads or limbs – Body parts that moved during capture
Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend that only the photographer remain on the property during scanning. Homeowners, real estate agents, and other stakeholders should wait outside or in areas already scanned to avoid appearing in the final tour.
Additionally, privacy concerns arise when people are inadvertently captured. For commercial properties, businesses, or occupied homes, this can create legal complications regarding consent and privacy rights.
Pets and 3D Scanning Challenges {#pets-in-scans}
Pets present unique challenges during Matterport scans. Unlike humans who can be instructed to leave, pets are unpredictable and often curious about the scanning equipment.
Why Pets Are Problematic:
- Constant movement creates blurred, ghost-like images
- Curiosity about equipment may cause them to approach the camera repeatedly
- Barking and noise can disrupt the scanning process
- Safety concerns for expensive scanning equipment
- Allergies or fears may affect photographers on-site
Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend the following pet protocols:
- Secure pets in a vehicle during scanning (weather permitting)
- Board pets off-site for the duration of the scan
- Confine pets to one room that will be scanned last
- Remove all pet items (beds, bowls, toys, litter boxes) from view
- Vacuum pet hair thoroughly before the scan
A cat perched on a windowsill or a dog lounging on the couch might seem charming in person, but in a 3D tour, they often appear as unsettling, distorted figures that detract from the property’s appeal.
Vehicles in Exterior Matterport Tours {#vehicles-in-scans}
When exterior scans are included in your Matterport package, vehicles become an important consideration. Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend addressing vehicle placement well before the scan date.
Vehicle Guidelines:
- Remove all cars from driveways for optimal curb appeal
- Park vehicles down the street or in a garage
- Avoid scanning during high-traffic times when moving cars may appear
- Consider neighbors’ vehicles that may be visible from the property
- Remove bicycles, scooters, and recreational vehicles from view
Moving vehicles on nearby streets can create particularly odd visual effects—cars may appear stretched, partially transparent, or as fragmented shapes in the background of exterior scans.
For commercial properties or businesses with parking lots, timing the scan for low-activity periods (early morning or after hours) helps minimize vehicle-related distortions.
Other Moving Objects to Consider {#other-moving-objects}
Beyond people, pets, and vehicles, several other moving objects can affect Matterport scans:
Items to Address Before Scanning:
- Ceiling fans – Turn off to prevent blurred blades
- Curtains near open windows – Close windows to eliminate movement
- Televisions and screens – Turn off to avoid flickering displays
- Clocks with pendulums – Stop or remove
- Fish tanks with visible fish – Fish movement may appear distorted
- Robotic vacuums – Ensure they’re turned off and stored
- Wind chimes and mobiles – Secure or remove
- Running water features – Turn off fountains temporarily
Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend a comprehensive walk-through before scanning to identify and address any potential sources of movement.
Best Practices Before the Scan {#best-practices}
To ensure the highest quality Matterport tour, our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend the following preparation checklist:
24 Hours Before the Scan:
- Arrange for pets to be off-site or secured
- Notify household members of the scan schedule
- Plan for vehicles to be relocated
- Turn off automated devices (robot vacuums, smart appliances)
Day of the Scan:
- Ensure only the photographer is on the property during active scanning
- Turn off all ceiling fans
- Close windows to prevent curtain movement
- Power down televisions and computer monitors
- Silence phones and doorbells to avoid interruptions
During the Scan:
- Stay in already-scanned areas or outside the property
- Avoid walking through rooms being actively scanned
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Be available for questions but out of camera range
Post-Production Fixes and Limitations {#post-production}
While Matterport offers some editing capabilities, our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend understanding what can and cannot be corrected after scanning.
What CAN Be Edited:
- Blurring faces for privacy purposes
- Removing minor reflections in mirrors
- Basic color and lighting adjustments
- Adding Mattertags to explain unusual features
What CANNOT Be Easily Fixed:
- Removing people or pets from the 3D model entirely
- Eliminating vehicle appearances in exterior scans
- Correcting major motion distortions
- Rebuilding areas with significant movement artifacts
In severe cases, rescanning affected areas is the only solution—which adds time and cost to the project.
Frequently Asked Questions {#faqs}
Q: Will my dog ruin the Matterport scan if it’s in the house? A: Yes, likely. Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend removing pets from the property or securing them in a separate area during scanning.
Q: Can Invision Studio blur out people who accidentally appear in the tour? A: We can blur faces for privacy, but removing entire figures typically requires rescanning the affected areas.
Q: How long does a typical Matterport scan take? A: Depending on property size, scans take 1-4 hours. Planning for pets and people to be away during this time is essential.
Q: What if I need to be present during the scan? A: You can remain in already-scanned areas or wait outside. Our Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend coordinating with the photographer to stay out of active scanning zones.
Q: Do moving objects outside the property affect the scan? A: Yes, cars, pedestrians, and even swaying tree branches can appear distorted in exterior scans. Timing and positioning help minimize these issues.
Final Thoughts
Creating a flawless Matterport 3D tour requires more than just advanced technology—it requires thoughtful preparation and coordination. People, pets, vehicles, and other moving objects can significantly impact the quality and professionalism of your virtual tour, but with proper planning, these issues are entirely preventable.
At Invision Studio, our experienced Matterport 3D Tour Photographers recommend treating scan preparation with the same seriousness as a professional photo shoot. By ensuring a still, controlled environment during scanning, you’ll receive a virtual tour that showcases your property in its best possible light.Ready to schedule your professional Matterport 3D scan?
Contact Invision Studio today, and let our expert photographers guide you through every step of the preparation process for stunning, distortion-free results.
