A virtual tour is an interactive representation of an object or location that allows a website visitor to navigate through it in 3D space and view all the details. Virtual tours on websites are used to attract the attention of users, show objects, demonstrate design and architectural skills, and sell properties. In this article we look at the technical possibilities of virtual tours and examples of their use.

Software for creating virtual tours

Creating virtual tours is a complex process that requires the use of special software and equipment. Let's take a look at several programmes for creating virtual tours:

  • Kolor Panotour is a professional software for creating virtual tours. It allows you to create tours based on photos, panoramas and videos. There are many settings in the software to customise the virtual tour to the needs of your specific project.
  • Matterport is software for creating virtual property tours. It allows you to create high quality tours using a special Matterport camera. There are many settings in the software to customise the virtual tour to suit the needs of your specific project.
  • iStaging is software for creating virtual tours of properties and interiors. It allows you to create high quality tours based on photos and videos. There are many settings in the software to customise the virtual tour to the needs of your specific project.

Examples of the use of virtual tours

Let's look at a few examples of the use of virtual tours on websites:

  • Virtual museum tour - a virtual museum tour allows the website visitor to walk through the museum halls, view the exhibits and get additional information about history and culture. Such a virtual tour allows you to draw attention to the museum and bring more visitors who may be interested in visiting the museum in real life.
  • A virtual property tour - a virtual property tour allows a potential buyer to walk through a flat or house, examine all the details and make a purchasing decision. A virtual property tour can speed up the sales process considerably, as the buyer can view the property remotely.
  • Virtual city tour - a virtual city tour allows a website visitor to see the main attractions of a city and get information about them. Such a virtual tour can be useful for tourist sites and city websites that want to attract tourists.

Technical features for creating virtual tours

Creating a virtual tour requires the use of special hardware and software. The most common equipment for creating virtual tours is the Matterport camera. This camera allows you to create high quality 3D scans of objects and rooms. Software such as Kolor Panotour and iStaging can be used to create virtual tours based on photos and videos.

The virtual tour can be created in either HTML5 or Flash format. HTML5 is more modern and versatile as it is supported by most browsers and devices. The Flash format is not supported by some mobile devices and may be less user-friendly.

Benefits of using virtual tours on the website

There are many advantages to using the virtual tours on the website:

  • Attracting attention - a virtual tour is an interactive and engaging way of showing an object or place on a website. It can attract more attention and increase the time the user spends on the site.
  • Improving the user experience - a virtual tour allows users to get a more complete picture of an object or place than is possible through photographs or descriptions. This can improve the user experience and increase the likelihood that they will make a purchase or visit the site in real life.
  • Save time and money - a virtual tour can significantly reduce the time it takes to see a site or place. This can be particularly useful for those who live far away from the site or who are unable to visit it in real life. A virtual tour can also reduce the cost of organising tours and site visits.
  • Increase sales - the use of virtual tours can increase the likelihood of selling a facility or service. Users can become more familiar with the facility and make a decision to buy or visit.
  • Geographical expansion - a virtual tour can allow for a wider geographical expansion of sales or tourist attraction. Users from all over the world can familiarise themselves with a site or location, which can lead to more buyers or tourists from other regions or countries.

Examples of the use of virtual tours on websites

Virtual tours can be used on different types of websites. Some examples of the use of virtual tours on websites:

  • Travel sites - a virtual tour can allow users to familiarise themselves with a hotel, resort or attraction before travelling. For example, VisitFlorida.com uses a virtual tour to show various hotels and resorts in Florida.
  • Real estate - a virtual tour can help potential buyers familiarise themselves with a flat or house before a visit. For example, Redfin.com uses a virtual tour to show properties that can be bought or rented.
  • Museums and Galleries - A virtual tour can help users become familiar with a museum or gallery's exhibits prior to visiting. For example, Guggenheim.org offers a virtual tour of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
  • Educational institutions - a virtual tour can help prospective students become familiar with a university's campus and academic facilities. For example, Clemson.edu offers a virtual tour of the campus of Clemson University in South Carolina.
  • Restaurants and Bars - a virtual tour can help users familiarise themselves with the interior and atmosphere of a restaurant or bar. For example, Hurawalhi.com offers a virtual tour of its restaurant in the Maldives.

Technical options for creating virtual tours

The creation of virtual tours can be achieved in various ways, depending on the requirements of the project. Some of them are:

  • 360-degree photography is a technique that uses special equipment to take a series of photographs from different directions and angles. These photos are then stitched together into a single spherical map that can be used to create a virtual tour. This approach can be used to create simple virtual tours.
  • Panoramic photography is a technique that uses special equipment to take a series of photographs in different directions. These photos are then stitched together into a single horizontal or vertical panorama. This approach can be used to create simple virtual tours.
  • 3D modelling is a technique that uses special software to create a three-dimensional model of an object or place. This model can be used to create a virtual tour using special software. This approach can be used to create complex virtual tours with a large number of interactive elements.
  • Video is a technique that uses video footage to create a virtual tour. Video can be processed using special software to create interactive elements, such as links to other pages on the website or additional information.
  • VR (virtual reality) is a technique that allows the user to immerse themselves in a completely virtual environment. This requires the use of special equipment, such as VR glasses. A virtual tour, created with VR technology, allows users to become fully immersed in the virtual environment and navigate through it.

A table that compares the technical possibilities and features of creating virtual tours using different technologies.

Technology Features Advantages Disadvantages
360-degree photos Photos taken with a special camera that captures a 360-degree panorama. Easy to create and edit. Special photography equipment is needed.
Panoramic photos Photos taken with a normal camera and then stitched together into a panorama. No special equipment is required. There may be distortion at the joints.
3D modelling Creation of 3D models of rooms and objects. Allows you to create a detailed virtual environment. Requires special software and experience to create 3D models.
Video Video recording of premises and facilities. Can show movement and animation. It can be difficult to edit.
VR (virtual reality) The user is immersed in a completely virtual environment using special equipment. Allows you to create a fully immersive virtual environment. Special equipment is required.

Примеры создания виртуальных туров

Let's look at a few examples of how to create virtual tours.

  • Google Street View is a service that allows users to view 360-degree panoramas of streets and buildings in cities around the world. Google Street View uses special equipment to take photos, and then these photos are processed and stitched together into a single spherical map. This map can be used to create a virtual tour of streets and buildings.
  • Matterport is a company that specialises in creating virtual tours for properties. To create a virtual tour, Matterport uses special equipment that shoots 360-degree panoramas and measures room dimensions. These panoramas and room dimensions are then used to create a virtual tour that can be used to sell properties.
  • The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tour is a virtual tour of the Smithsonian Institution's Natural History Museum in Washington, DC. The virtual tour is created using 3D modeling and allows users to navigate through the museum's various exhibits and displays.

Conclusion

Creating a virtual tour for a website can be a useful tool to attract new users and improve the user experience. Technical possibilities for creating virtual tours include 360-degree photographs, panoramic photos, 3D modelling, video and VR technology. Examples of the use of virtual tours include real estate, tourism, museums, exhibition halls and shopping centres. With such a tool, the user can get a more realistic view of a place, services or products. Creating a virtual tour can help a company attract more potential customers and increase sales.