The virtual tour market is full of different technologies that vary significantly from one another. For the average person, it is almost impossible to identify the best solution at first glance. That is why we have prepared a clear comparison of 3D scanning technology (Technical Virtual Tour) with presentation virtual tours (Virtual visit).
In short, the Matterport method can "scan" the entire space of a building and create its virtual twin. This is perfectly adequate for "technical" virtual tours. For example, for a virtual tour of an apartment for sale, or when you need to record additional data for preparing a building passport or floor plan. If you want a virtual tour for presentation purposes or as a sales tool, we recommend choosing a different solution. Take a look at the main differences between the virtual tours we offer.
Introductory shot
Matterport - The introduction shows a 3D model of the entire building, as in a computer game. However, it cannot display the organization's building, including its surroundings. For students and parents, however, it is important to see the environment in which the school is located. UPDATE: From 2024, this will be possible with new technology, but the problem of how to connect it with an aerial view remains.
Virtual Visit - At the beginning of the tour, visitors will see an aerial view of the school and its surroundings. Drone shots also look nice and attract visitors' attention. We can play around with the opening shot and retouch any imperfections (e.g., the facade, etc.).
Tour process
Matterport technology must photograph all rooms in the building (for floor plan integrity). This is unfortunate because there is a high chance that visitors will get lost in uninteresting parts of the building, become bored, and leave the tour. We have measured this using real data from Masaryk University in Brno - people visit an average of 1-2 of the most accessible rooms. Presentation virtual tours have a higher score - 12-13 locations. This is because people often get lost in this tour, but in a presentation tour, we determine the direction of the tour.
Virtual Visit - We only photograph the most interesting areas and classrooms that we want to showcase. We don't overwhelm visitors with unimportant shots and unnecessary detours. The virtual tour has a clear script.
Visitor navigation
Matterport does not allow visitors to navigate properly. Visitors often get lost in the building. They have to click through to each room individually. There are no logical circuits and everything is geographically similar to reality, so you have to go from the room to the hallway, walk somewhere there, and then turn (correctly) into the next room.
Virtual Visit - We present the school systematically and create thematic areas that logically follow on from each other. Visitors can access the room they are interested in with a single click and easily move from room to room.
Appearance of the virtual tour
Matterport has an anonymous appearance. The virtual tour cannot be customized to match the school's website and visual identity. The appearance of the tour cannot be customized.
Virtual Visit - We tailor the tours to each school. We create all elements and additional links to match the school's website and visual identity.
Life at school
Matterport captures empty classrooms and hallways without people. Such a tour seems rather sad and does not attract visitors very much.
Virtual Visit - A virtual tour shows what life is like at the school. We design our tours to capture real school life. Visitors can see how lessons are taught and meet other students and teachers.
Spoken commentary
- Matterport virtual tours lack the option to add spoken commentary, which would give the tour a personal touch.
- Virtual Visit virtual tours have spoken commentary, which students appreciate the most. We learned this in our survey of ninth graders. Schools also welcome this option, as it allows them to easily convey important information to visitors.
Cost
- Matterport - You will pay a relatively significant amount for monthly operation. This is because the tour does not run on your supplier's server, but directly on Matterport. Always check the monthly costs before investing in a virtual tour.
- Virtual Visit - The virtual tour runs directly on your server or on a fast server at a price ranging from CZK 50 to CZK 199/month excluding VAT (depending on the size of the tour).