How does Matterport Technology Work?

Matterport is a technology company based in Seattle that was founded in 2013. The company specialises in creating virtual tours of real-world locations.

In other words, Matterport makes it possible for users to virtually tour spaces by using 3D scans as opposed to traditional photographs. A virtual tour provides users with an interactive and immersive experience and enables them to explore real-world locations from the comfort of their own devices – and all without leaving home.

While virtual tours are not necessarily new technology, Matterport has identified several ways in which they can be improved to better serve user needs. By integrating advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms, Matterport has created a more streamlined and effective way to create virtual tours of real-world locations.

Keep reading to learn more about how Matterport technology works as well as its benefits, drawbacks, and future implications.

How Does Matterport Virtual Reality Work?

Matterport virtual tours allow users to virtually explore real-world locations through their devices. Specifically, users can upload their address or location of choice to the Matterport platform and they can provide details of local supplies who an create tours using specialist camera equipment.

In addition to the walkthrough virtual tours created by Matterport Partners, they will also receive an interactive 3D model of their home or office.

To access this virtual model, users will need to download the Matterport VR app to use on their devices such as smartphones, tablets, and VR headsets. When a user is viewing a virtual tour with the Matterport app, they will be able to click on certain points of interest within the tour to learn more about them.

For example, if you have a showroom the Partner can programme the tour with details that will allow the viewer to click on a couch in the virtual tour will take the user to a new screen where they can learn about the couch and its price. Users can also rotate their devices to change their viewing angles and view the virtual tour in first-person to feel as if they are truly standing in the space.

Benefits of Using Matterport VR Technology

As mentioned, a virtual tour allows users to virtually tour real-world locations from the comfort of their own devices. This offers a number of benefits over standard photography-based virtual tours, including:

Improved Flexibility - A virtual tour provides users with greater flexibility and control over their viewing experience. Users can change the tour’s lighting, sound, and viewing angle to create the exact experience they want.

Reliability - A virtual tour is more reliable than a photography-based virtual tour, as it is less subject to the elements, including changes in weather, time of day, and other environmental factors.

Ease of Access - A virtual tour offers greater ease of access than standard photography-based virtual tours as it can be accessed on any device, regardless of its operating system. In fact, many users prefer to use a VR headset to shield themselves from distraction and increase immersion.

Convenience - Virtual tours are a convenient way to showcase your real-world space to buyers, tenants, or other users without them having to physically visit your location.

Increased Engagement - A virtual tour allows users to explore the space in which they are interested at their own pace and on their own terms. This can result in greater engagement and retention than standard photography-based virtual tours.

Drawbacks of Matterport VR Technology

While virtual tours are a convenient and engaging way to showcase the real-world space of your choosing, they do come with certain drawbacks. Keep these in mind before creating your own virtual tour with the Matterport platform.

Lower Level of Engagement - While virtual tours offer increased engagement over standard photography-based virtual tours, they are still not as engaging or immersive as other types of virtual reality technology, such as augmented reality.

Need for an Internet Connection - A virtual tour requires an internet connection to be accessed, meaning that users must have an internet connection to see and interact with it. If the internet goes down, so does the virtual tour.

Greater Need for Planning - Compared to photography-based virtual tours, virtual tours created using the Matterport platform are more involved and require more planning, including setting up the tour, uploading the tour, and providing additional information about the tour.

Where Is Matterport Technology Going?

Matterport’s technology has come a long way since its initial launch in 2013. The company’s first product was a laser-guided camera that captured 3D scans of real-world spaces.

Today, Matterport offers a 360-degree camera that creates 6-minute 3D scans that can be viewed through a VR headset or on a computer screen. As technology progresses, we can expect virtual tours created with the Matterport platform to continue growing in quality, speed, and overall effectiveness. In fact, the company has noted that it plans to increase the number of fields in which its technology is applied, including education, healthcare, and agriculture.