What is Matterport and How does it work in 2024?

What Are 3D Virtual Tours?

3D virtual tours represent interactive 3D models of physical spaces. These tours allow viewers to explore properties, venues, or any environment from any location. Unlike traditional 2D photos, 3D virtual tours provide an immersive experience, enabling users to virtually move through the space, look around in all directions, and interact with elements within the environment.

What Is Matterport?

Matterport, founded in 2011, is an industry leader in capturing and optimizing 3D model tours. Here’s how it works:

1. Capture:
   • Users utilize a compatible camera (such as Matterport-supported cameras) to scan a physical space.
   • The camera captures photos at specific points throughout the space.
   • Matterport’s software then creates a highly accurate 3D digital version of the space, going beyond still photos or panoramic scans.
2. Create:
   • Once the scan is complete, upload it to your Matterport Cloud account.
   • Matterport’s powerful software transforms the scan into a detailed 3D model.
   • Use Matterport Workshop 3.0 to edit, customize, and refine your 3D experience.
3. Display and Share:
   • Share a link to your Matterport model with anyone, anytime.
   • Publish it to platforms like Google Street View, Realtor.com, or MLS listings.
   • Matterport’s Showcase 3.0 player offers various perspectives, including dollhouse view, inside view, and floorplan view.

5 Benefits of 3D Virtual Tours Using Matterport:

1. Enhanced Engagement:
   • Viewers are 300% more engaged with Matterport 3D virtual tours compared to 2D imagery.
   • Virtual tours create better experiences, happier customers, and potentially increase revenue.
2. Increased Sales:
   • Real estate listings with virtual tours can increase sales by 14%.
   • Prospects are more likely to call for an in-person showing after engaging with a 3D tour.
3. Productivity Boost:
   • Companies using digital twins for remote collaboration experience a 30% increase in productivity.
   • Reduced travel costs contribute to efficiency.
4. Complete Suite of Digital Assets:
   • A single Matterport scan generates a library of media, including 3D models, 2D photos, videos, schematic floor plans, and more.
5. Future Prospects:
   • Matterport’s recent agreement with Gore Holdings VI values the startup at over 2 billion dollars.
   • The company aims to digitize millions of buildings across diverse markets.

How Does Matterport Compare to Other 3D Tours?

Matterport stands out due to its ease of use, powerful features, and compatibility with various cameras. Its AI-driven capabilities, such as automating manual tasks and generating 3D data from 360 cameras, make it a game-changer in the industry.

How Does Matterport Help Sell Real Estate?

• Matterport’s immersive 3D tours attract potential buyers, allowing them to explore properties remotely.
• It provides a 24/7 open house experience, increasing interest and inquiries.
• Real estate agents can showcase properties effectively, leading to faster rentals or sales.

How to Use Matterport for Real Estate?

• Capture properties using Matterport-supported cameras.
• Upload scans to Matterport Cloud.
• Customize and share the 3D model with clients and prospects.

Matterport Pricing & Customers:

• Matterport offers various plans to suit different needs and budgets.
• Customers include real estate professionals, architects, designers, and businesses across industries.

Advanced Matterport Features for Businesses:

• Matterport provides a secure dashboard for managing 3D models.
• Features include Notes collaboration, accurate measurements, print-ready photos, and social sharing tools.

Pros and Cons of Using Matterport:

• Pros: Enhanced engagement, increased sales, productivity boost, and a complete suite of digital assets.
• Cons: Costs associated with camera equipment and subscription plans.

Is Matterport Worth It?

• For real estate professionals and businesses, the benefits often outweigh the costs.
• The future looks promising for Matterport, with plans to expand and digitize more buildings.

Matterport Alternatives:

There are several alternatives to Matterport, depending on your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

Free or Low-Cost Solutions:

• Zillow 3D Home: This is a completely free option that lets you create virtual tours using your smartphone or a 360-degree camera. It’s a good choice for basic needs, but it lacks customization options.

• Pivo Tour Platform: This uses a smartphone rotator for a relatively low initial investment. It offers free processing and hosting of basic 3D models. However, the quality might not be as high as Matterport, and some features require paid upgrades.

Paid Alternatives with More Features:

• EyeSpy360: This platform is known for its lead generation features and offers comprehensive virtual tours.

• Cupix: This option is good for those who want video editing and collaboration tools alongside virtual tours.

• VPiX: This is a good choice if you already own a DSLR camera, as it allows you to use it for capturing tours.

Other Options to Consider:

• Cloudpano: This is a popular option outside the US, offering a good range of features at a competitive price.

• OpenSpace: This caters more towards the construction industry, allowing for creation of digital twins of spaces for project management.

• Real Tour Vision: This is another strong contender for creating high-quality virtual tours.

Choosing the Right Alternative:

• • Consider your budget: There are free and paid options available.
  • Think about your needs: Do you need a basic solution or one with advanced features?
  • What kind of camera will you use? Some platforms work best with specific cameras.