3D Virtual Tours

A 3D virtual tour is a browser-viewable, navigable walkthrough of a captured existing space. It is produced from photographic capture of the actual space, not from CGI renders or pre-construction models. Viewers can navigate through the space, switch between walkthrough and overhead views, use an in-tour measurement tool for approximate spatial reference, and view any annotations attached to specific locations. The tour is delivered by hosted link and is viewable in a supported web browser through the hosted link.

A 3D virtual tour produces a navigable visual record of a space. Laser scanning produces a dense, measured 3D point cloud that serves as the dimensional reference for as-built drawings, BIM models, and design coordination work. These are different outputs for different purposes. A virtual tour is suited to remote review, documentation, and stakeholder communication. Laser scanning is better suited for precise measurement, design coordination support, and technical documentation when captured, registered, processed, and scoped appropriately. Many projects use both: a virtual tour for communication and laser scanning for measurement-driven dimensional data or technical documentation when that level of capture is required. See our 3D laser scanning services for detail on when scanning is the appropriate scope.

A 3D virtual tour is a visual, navigable record of a space. As-built drawings are measured, dimensioned 2D drawings of existing conditions produced from scan data by a technician. A virtual tour is not a substitute for a measured drawing set. If your project requires dimensioned drawings for renovation design, technical reference, or project documentation, see our as-built drawing services.

The primary deliverable is a hosted tour link. The tour includes a walkthrough view, an overhead view, a schematic floor plan view, and an in-tour measurement tool as standard in-tour features. Schematic floor plans as separate documents, still images, and technical exports may be available as optional add-ons when scoped and supported. Deliverables beyond the hosted link should be confirmed during scoping. The tour is hosted through the platform and remains accessible while the hosting arrangement is active.

The in-tour measurement tool provides approximate spatial measurements for general reference. These measurements are not survey-grade and should not be used as design-control measurements or as a substitute for laser-scan-derived dimensional data. If the project requires precise dimensional data from the captured space, a dedicated laser scanning scope is the appropriate approach. See our 3D laser scanning services.

A virtual tour documents visible, accessible conditions at the time of capture. It cannot show concealed structure, elements inside wall cavities, above-ceiling conditions unless those areas were accessible and in scope, below-grade conditions, buried utilities, hidden mechanical or electrical elements behind finished surfaces, or any area that was not captured during the field visit. It is a visual documentation service, not a structural, mechanical, or engineering inspection.

Capture quality is affected by lighting conditions (very bright or very low light), reflective surfaces such as mirrors and glass, large open or featureless spaces, and access coverage during the field visit. Areas with known capture challenges should be discussed during scoping so the field plan can account for them where possible. The tour documents areas that were accessible and captured; areas not captured are not part of the delivered tour.

Matterport tours are hosted through the platform and accessed through the tour URL. The tour remains accessible while the hosting arrangement is active. Hosting responsibilities and access duration should be confirmed before the project is closed. If the project requires a specific hosting period or a particular access model, those requirements should be discussed during scoping.