With the rise of virtual tours, businesses and organizations have started to explore different options to showcase their spaces and products. Two popular types of virtual tours are 3D tours and 360 virtual tours. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between these two technologies. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between 3D tours and 360 virtual tours.
What are Matterport 3D Tours?
A 3D tour is an immersive 3D render that uses specialized cameras to capture an environment in three dimensions. These cameras take multiple scans of a space from different angles and then render them together to create a 3D model. The result is an immersive and interactive experience that allows viewers to move around a space and view it from any angle. The immersive 3D tour can also include additional features such as text annotations, clickable images and text, and more.
What are Interactive HDR 360 Virtual Tours?
An interactive 360 virtual tour is a type of virtual tour that captures an environment in a 360 panoramic view. This is achieved by taking multiple photos from a single location, at different exposure levels and then stitching them together to create a 360-degree view of the space. The result is a crisp and detailed interactive experience that allows viewers to move around the space and view it from any angle.
Interactive 360 virtual tours can also include additional features such as text annotations, clickable hotspots, avatar spokesmodels, video overlays, music or audio, thumbnail galleries, slideshow galleries, call to action buttons, custom branding on tripod caps and the tour itself, custom buttons, and much more.
Differences Between Matterport 3D Tours and Interactive 360 Virtual Tours
While both Matterport 3D tours and interactive 360 virtual tours provide immersive and interactive experiences, there are some key differences between these two technologies.
- Depth Perception: 3D tours provide a more immersive sense of depth and dimensionality. With a 3D tour, viewers can see the space from any angle and get a true sense of the size and layout of the environment, as well as attain measurements if needed. On the other hand, interactive 360 virtual tours provide a true 360 panoramic view of the environment, focusing more on the photography, quality of the shot, lighting and exposure levels, color, depth and detail of a specific space.
- Interactivity: Both immersive 3D tours and interactive 360 virtual tours offer interactivity, but 3D tours offer more of an immersive walkthrough experience. 3D tours allow viewers to walk an entire space, from every angle and every corner. 360 virtual tours, on the other hand, are limited to basic interactivity such as clicking on hotspots (photos, text, video, menus, etc) and zooming in and out.
- Cost: It really depends on the size of the space and the intention of the tour. We customize budgets base on clients demands and needs, so each project varies in price and features.
Which is Right for You?
The decision between using a 3D tour or a 360 virtual tour will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you want a more immersive and interactive experience that provides a true sense of depth and dimensionality, then a 3D tour may be the better option. However, if you want a more cost-effective solution that still provides an interactive and immersive experience, then a 360 virtual tour may be the way to go.
Summary
In conclusion, while both 3D tours and 360 virtual tours provide immersive and interactive experiences, there are distinct differences between these two technologies. 3D tours provide a more realistic sense of depth and dimensionality, while 360 virtual tours are a more cost-effective solution.
By understanding the differences between these two technologies, businesses and organizations can make an informed decision on which type of virtual tour is best suited for their specific needs.
