Virtual tours have undoubtedly become an effective tool, now used across a wide range of industries. If you've lost track, here's a brief overview of how different sectors are using the technology to optimise their business and improve the customer experience.

Construction and Inspection: Matterport and its many export options

In the construction industry, virtual tours are used throughout the entire building project lifecycle. Matterport doesn't just create visual tours — it can also generate precise 3D models and point clouds that can be exported in various formats, making the technology particularly valuable for architects, consulting engineers, and developers.

Matterport can export formats including OBJ, XYZ, and E57, which can easily be imported into professional software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and other CAD tools. Additionally, the Matterport tour can also be exported directly as a CAD or BIM file.

The point clouds provide accurate measurements and dimensions, which is crucial for renovating existing buildings or additions. BIM coordinators can use this data to ensure precise integration between the existing and the new.

After completion, the tours serve as precise as-built documentation. The 3D models and point clouds are particularly valuable during renovations or conversions, as architects and engineers can work with exact measurements without having to conduct new surveys on-site. This saves both time and reduces the risk of errors in the design phase.

Virtual showrooms: New opportunities in retail

More businesses are beginning to see the potential of virtual showrooms. Furniture shops and kitchen manufacturers use the technology to showcase their products in natural settings. Customers can explore products from every angle and see them in context. In combination with Google Street View, potential customers can find the shop directly on Google Maps and take a virtual walk through the store before visiting in person.

Hotels and conferences: Easier planning for guests and organisers

Hotels and conference centres use virtual tours to give their guests a precise impression of the facilities. For conference bookings, organisers can see the meeting rooms' size, layout, and technical capabilities. They can assess whether the space suits their specific needs, from table arrangements to projector placement. For hotel guests, the tours provide a clear picture of the room layout, reducing the risk of disappointed expectations upon arrival.

Additionally, meeting bookers and customer service staff can send direct locations within the tour to guests or potential tenants by pressing 'u' on the keyboard while inside a tour — this brings up a small box in the right corner with a link to the exact location.

Events and venues: Better decision-making for bookings

When booking event and party venues, virtual tours play a central role. Venue providers can show the full potential of their spaces and different setup options. Wedding couples and event organisers particularly appreciate the ability to plan their event in detail in advance. They can see exactly where the gift table, dance floor, and other elements can be placed, and how the flow of the venue works. It saves time for both the provider and the client, as many practical questions can be answered through the virtual viewing.

Educational institutions: From folk high schools to boarding schools

Boarding schools and folk high schools use virtual tours as part of their marketing to prospective students. Potential students and their parents can explore the school's facilities, from bedrooms and common areas to classrooms and outdoor spaces. It gives a good impression of the school's physical setting and atmosphere, which is particularly valuable for families who live far away.

Moreover, there's only so much detail that teenagers (and parents on their 4th boarding school visit this month) remember once they get home — a virtual tour can help with that.

Museums and cultural institutions

Museums and cultural institutions have also embraced the technology. They use virtual tours to give visitors the opportunity to explore exhibitions from home or plan their visit in detail. For school classes, it has become a valuable teaching tool, as students can prepare for the visit or revisit the exhibition digitally afterwards.

Special exhibitions can be preserved digitally long after they have been taken down, giving museums the opportunity to share their collections with a broader audience.

Conclusion

Virtual tours have proven to be a practical tool across industries. They save time, provide better decision-making foundations, and increase the accessibility of information for the end user. With continued technological development, we will likely see even more applications in the future.

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