FAQ
WHAT IS A 3D SHOWCASE?
A 3D showcase is a carefully designed virtual representation of a space, created through the use of cutting-edge technology including advanced cameras and infrared scanning systems. This process combines infrared and standard lenses to capture intricate images. These images are seamlessly integrated with precise spatial measurements along three axes, crafting a vivid and immersive virtual experience of the space. This technology allows viewers to explore the environment with exceptional detail and realism, offering an unparalleled visual experience.
HOW IS A 3D SHOWCASE DIFFERENT FROM A TYPICAL PANORAMIC PHOTO OR STANDARD VIDEO TOUR?
A 3D showcase differs from a typical panoramic photo or standard video tour in several key ways:
1. Perspective:
- Panoramic photo: Depicts a space from a single fixed viewpoint, allowing viewers to rotate left or right to view the surroundings.
- 3D showcase: Offers a dynamic, immersive experience where viewers can digitally walk through the space, exploring it from multiple angles and perspectives as if they were physically present.
2. Interaction:
- Panoramic photo: Limited interaction, typically involving only rotation to view different parts of the scene.
- 3D showcase: Provides interactive navigation, allowing viewers to move freely throughout the space, zoom in and out, and explore specific areas of interest.
3. Depth and Dimension:
- Panoramic photo: Presents a flat, two-dimensional representation of the space with limited depth perception.
- 3D showcase: Creates a three-dimensional model of the space, offering depth and dimension that accurately represent the layout and structure of the environment.
Overall, a 3D showcase offers a more immersive and engaging experience compared to panoramic photos or standard video tours, enabling viewers to explore and interact with the space in a way that closely mimics real-life walkthroughs.
HOW IS A 3D SHOWCASE (AKA 3D MODEL) CREATED?
A 3D showcase sets itself apart from traditional panoramic photos and standard video tours in several impactful ways:
Perspective:
-Panoramic photo: Offers a view from a single fixed point, allowing horizontal rotation to see the surroundings.
-3D showcase: Provides a dynamic and immersive experience that lets viewers digitally traverse the space, exploring it from various angles and perspectives as if they were physically there.
Interaction:
-Panoramic photo: Interaction is generally limited to rotating the view to see different parts of the scene.
-3D showcase: Features interactive navigation, enabling viewers to freely move through the space, zoom in and out, and investigate specific areas of interest in detail.
Depth and Dimension:
-Panoramic photo: Displays a flat, two-dimensional view of the space, offering limited depth perception.
-3D showcase: Generates a three-dimensional model, providing realistic depth and dimensions that accurately reflect the environment's layout and structure.
Overall, a 3D showcase delivers a more immersive and interactive experience compared to panoramic photos or standard video tours. It enables viewers to engage with the space in a manner that closely simulates actual physical presence.
IS SPECIAL LIGHTING REQUIRED?
No, special lighting is typically not required for creating a 3D showcase. The camera used for the scan collects HDR (high dynamic range) data, which allows it to automatically balance the brightness and dimness of different areas within the property. However, during the scanning process, our team member will activate all available internal and external lighting to aid in capturing the imagery needed for the scan. This helps ensure optimal quality and accuracy of the 3D showcase without the need for additional specialized lighting equipment.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SCAN A TYPICAL HOME?
Scanning a typical home of around 2,500 square feet usually takes approximately 1.5 hours. This process typically requires a minimum of about 60 scans to capture the entire space effectively.
HOW LARGE OF AN AREA CAN BE SCANNED?
200 scan points is the maximum number of scans that we are supposed to tell you that can be built into a single 3D Showcase. This is typically 15,000 square feet, but this can vary widely depending on the layout of the property, details within, and furniture. We have created 3D showcases of much larger spaces and welcome new challenges as they present themselves.
CAN WE SCAN OUTDOORS?
The camera is ideally used indoors and does not function well in bright sunlight or in wide open spaces. The system works much better in external spaces such as gardens and patios when there is no direct sunlight (such as at dawn or dusk). External scans can be unpredictable and will be conducted after an on-site review for plausibility.
WHICH BROWSERS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE 3D SHOWCASES?
The 3D Showcase uses WebGL, which is the modern standard for 3D content viewed on the web. On laptop and desktop computers, WebGL is supported by the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
On mobile devices, WebGL is supported by Safari for iOS 8 and Chrome for Android. To confirm that your browser supports WebGL, please click here: WebGL test
HOW DO I EMBED THE 3D SHOWCASE INTO A WEBSITE?
Embedding a model into a website is very straightforward and is similar to embedding a YouTube video with an iframe code.
CAN IMAGES BE EXPORTED FROM A 3D SHOWCASE?
Our team can capture an unlimited number of images and export them from the 3D virtual showcase.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH 3D SHOWCASE SERVICE?
An on-site, on-time full walk-through, area review, and full scan of the selected area(s); post-production review and editing of the 3D virtual showcase; an active link for dissemination or inclusion into the client's website and/or media.
WHAT IS THE COST FOR AN 3D SHOWCASE?
Due to the unique nature of internal spaces and scopes of work, each 3D Showcase will be quoted prior to initiation. Commercial spaces require special attention and a request for proposal will be reviewed prior to bidding. Travel is generally limited to a 50 mile radius from Franklin, Massachusetts. Travel outside of this radius will be included in the estimate, and calculated at an additional 60 cents per mile.
WHY IS THERE A HOSTING FEE?
Matterport Account: $69.99/month or $708/year