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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Basic Help/Support

IMAGE BASICS

What is a 3D Virtual Tour image and how does it work?
A 3D virtual tour simulates a real-world experience of looking left to right, up and down as well as moving forward or backward. Unlike a flat image that simply can be zoomed in and out at the same angle, or a 360 image that only allows panning up and down or left to right, a three dimensional (3D) virtual tour image provides a user with the virtual reality of physically being in the location or viewing a product in the real world.

What’s the difference between a standard jpg or 360 image versus a 3D Virtual Tour image?
A standard jpg is flat and one dimensional; what you see is what you get.  If you’re on an electronic device you can zoom in on standard image but that’s it.  A 360 image, however, is an image that contains additional embedded data allowing a user to see the image within the context of a sphere.  Viewers can pan up and down, or left to right.

The real difference between standard and 360 images versus 3D virtual tour image is depth.  Not only can 3D virtual tours pan up/down and left/right, but users can actually navigate through spaces by tapping their screens (or clicking on their mouses) and experience the space just as if they were actually there in real life.  They can zoom in to see details such as craftsmanship.  They can walk from room to room within a digital dollhouse and tour the space in virtual reality.  Viewers can also learn more information such as watching a video, pricing, specifications and more on specific items within spaces.  These are just a couple of the ways that differentiate 3D virtual tours from imitators.

Can I use 3D Virtual Tour images in print media such as for magazines, PDF files or brochures?
Unfortunately, you cannot. 3D Virtual Tour images are similar to videos in that they require certain technology that will not translate into printed media. However, we can extract 2D photos from the 3D Virtual Tour images which can then be added to print media.  Contact us for more information.

And what’s the resolution and size of those 2D photos?
Video is up to 3840 x 2160 equaling a total of about 8.3 million pixels or PPI. For more information these articles may be helpful:

How are Virtualize It 3D tours different than video tours?
Virtualize It tours are three dimensional, 4k resolution and are fully interactive, providing users with an immersive, virtual reality experience. Video tours only allow users to watch and observe. With Virtualize It’s tours users can move about as if they are physically walking through the space or establishment.

What quality will viewers see on their device screens and monitors?
4k (for 3D virtual tours) and 8k (for drone work) resolution is significantly better, crisper and closely resembles what the human eye would see in the real world. However what users actually see would depend on the device settings for output. For example a 1080p monitor would only be able to see at that resolution.

What’s the difference between 4k and 1080p in terms of resolution?
4k is 8 million PPI and 1080p is only 2 million PPI (pixels per inch). In other words, 4k resolution is significantly better, crisper and more like what someone would see on a high definition television screen or monitor.

Do you edit any of the images you provide (e.g. lighting, color, etc.)?
The 3D virtual tours, for example, consist of embedded additional data so they cannot be photoshopped. However, we can extract 2D photos from the 3D virtual tour and those photos can be edited. So, to answer the question, no we don’t edit either the 3D virtual tour images or the 2D images we provide. Please contact us for pricing details concerning 2D images.

SERVICE AREA

Do you service my area?
We service up to a 30 mile radius of Celebration, Florida. Anything outside of 30 miles may incur a small trip charge. Contact us for more information.

PREPARATION AND PLANNING FOR 3D VIRTUAL TOURS

What is a pre-shoot walkthrough for 3D virtual tours and why is it needed?
We perform a walkthrough immediately upon our arrival to familiarize ourselves with the space, suggest any staging or cleaning-up that may be needed and to discuss anything that you as a client would like highlighted within the 3D virtual tour. It also helps us more clearly understand how to best capture the space.

We do require that your space is clean, staged and as free from clutter as possible before the scheduled scan time. If the space isn’t ready upon arrival and the photographer must standby waiting until it is ready a standby fee will be charged. If we determine that the scan will need to be rescheduled because the space is not ready, accessible and/or available for scanning we will charge a trip charge for the inconvenience.

How long does it take for you to set-up your equipment in each room?
It takes between 5-10 minutes to set-up the equipment for each scan, then there will be several scans done of the room.

In a home of approximately 2,500 square feet how long would the average 3D virtual tour shoot take? (e.g. in hours)
Typically, if the space is fully prepared for the tech to take the scans, it can take between three to four hours for a 2,500 square foot space.

Can I have an open house, tour or people present during my scan?
Navigating with people present can make scanning challenging, but not necessarily impossible. We consider these situations on a case by case basis. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.

How long does it take after you do your shoot for me to receive my images?
Typically 2-3 business days, however, we may be able to expedite on a case by case basis and for a nominal extra charge.  We’ll provide you more specific information about delivery timelines when we provide you with a formal proposal.  Want to get started?  Click here!

How will I receive the images from the photo shoot?
You are provided a link to the 3D virtual tour image, which can be embedded into any social media or website. You will be provided a link to download your 2D photos.

SCHEMATIC FLOOR PLANS vs. BLUEPRINTS

What’s the difference between a Schematic Floor Plan and a Blueprint?
The short answer is that schematic floor plans are like maps (not necessarily drawn to scale) and blueprints are fully-scaled drawings of the actual building layout.

The longer answer:
A schematic floor plan is created using existing construction and like map shows the flow of a building (or home). It offers a big picture view of rooms, doorways, hallways, windows, etc. and may contain interior measurements of various areas as well as the position of fixtures such as counters, sinks, toilets, tubs, etc. However, a schematic floor plan is not something that can be used by a construction company for design-build applications.

A blueprint, however, contains cross-sections of the building including footing, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, elevation drawings and much more. These extra details differentiate the blueprint from a schematic floor plan because they provide a construction company (and/or design-builder) with information unique to the lot, location and materials as well as the specifics of the building project.

Aren’t schematic floor plans just what architects use to show clients before creating a more formal blueprint?
In some cases, yes. However, the schematic floor plans provided by Virtualize It LLC are limited specifically to existing construction, not to new or add-on construction planning. They are intended to provide an overhead view of the layout of a building, space, or home.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITES

What will someone see with a 3D virtual tour image?
When visiting a website or social media, a user will initially see a regular image. However, when they click on the image, they will be able to click, tap and drag to experience the panoramic interactivity of the image. Click here to view our portfolio and to experience a virtual tour.

Are 3D virtual tour images mobile compatible?
Absolutely! All images are 100% compatible with iPad, iPhone and Android mobile devices. However, we strongly recommend that your website is HTML5 compliant and mobile-friendly to ensure optimal visibility online and across all devices, browsers, etc.

Are the 3D virtual tour images you provide compatible with social media websites?
Social media sites such as Facebook, G+ and others recognize 3D tour images. Simply upload and they will convert to the correct format for full panoramic interactivity.

Can I embed these images on my website?
Yes. You can follow the instructions on embedding here.

My website doesn’t presently have the capability to view 3D virtual tour images. How do I get them to work?
3D virtual tour images work exclusively with our servers.  But don’t worry!  We make it very easy for you.  We’ll load the files for you and then supply you with the link to 3D virtual tour images to embed in your website.

Will I be able to review the images after they are taken but before they go on social media or my website?
Absolutely! We only act as a photographer and send you links to the finished images, whether for a 3D virtual tour and/or 2D image exported photos. How you use them is entirely up to you! View our portfolio for some inspiration.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

What kinds of spaces or applications work best for 3D virtual tours or drone tours?
The uses of Virtualize It tours are only limited by your imagination! They can be used in commercial, business, nonprofit, government, residential environments – or anywhere.

Are 3D virtual tours limited only to residential tours or can these be used for commercial/business type applications or tours as well?
3D virtual tours and their uses are only limited by your imagination! They can be used in commercial, business, nonprofit, government, or residential environments – or anywhere in between.

What kinds of industries or markets would be ideal for a 3D Virtual tour?

What are some ways that I can monetize my 3D virtual tour images?
One way you can monetize your 3D virtual tours is through the use of “hot tags” which allow for hotspots to be created within the tour.

What’s a hot tag or a hotspot?
Hot tags are clickable areas within the 3D virtual tour. When a users click on a hotspot they might:

  • Watch a video such as a time lapse during a design-build remodel
  • Listen to an audio clip such as music, a podcast, a sound, etc.
  • Learn more about a product, such as it’s price
  • Identify attributes such as paint color, designer, fabric, etc.
  • Add an item into a shopping cart
  • Attach a coding script to sign up for more information, subscribe to a newsletter, visit a specific webpage, etc.

Can I see a hot tag in action?
Sure! Watch this short video below to see an example of how a hot tag is used.

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How might hot tags be used?

In addition to the above multi-media items, hot tags may be used to:

  • Create action items or to-do lists such as during a construction project
  • Document specific items such as during a home inspection
  • Create sales rich descriptions about amenities or other key property details
  • Describe craftsmanship details or other information in luxury homes
  • Offer additional information such as how a space may be customized
  • Itemize damage sustained by fire, flood or other tragedy
  • Show the background story of how a product was made with a video

VALUE OF 3D VIRTUAL TOURS

Will using 3D virtual tours help my business?
Yes! 3D virtual tours provide customers and prospects with more details about products, interiors, etc. that cannot be captured without significant effort and many, many images. Virtualize It tours allow visitors to customize their tour or product investigation to the unique needs of each person instead of a one-size-fits-all experience.

What are some of the value propositions of 3D Virtual tours my business will receive:
Read about them here.

COST AND PAYMENT

What does your service cost?
Contact us for a custom quote.

When do I pay for the photo shoot?
Contact us for a custom quote.

Can I hire you again for additional projects?
Absolutely, you can. Details and pricing can be discussed as needed.

OWNERSHIP OF IMAGES

Who owns the images that you take — you or me?
You will own any 3D virtual tours, 2D photos and drone footage we provide you unless otherwise agreed. We do reserve the right to use all contents of any and all packages created by Virtualize It LLC for promotional and marketing purposes, unless otherwise agreed upon.

EQUIPMENT

What kind of equipment do you use?
We use the Matterport Pro2 Lite 3D Camera.

What kind of equipment do you use for your Drone work?
Learn more about our drone and capabilities here.

Why not just buy my own equipment and do the work myself?
Doing things yourself may seem like it saves you money in the short-term, but generally it will cost you more in the long run. Why? The learning curve, trial and error, repeats, your reputation. The list goes on. What you are paying us to do is to cut out all of that and get you the best results without the heartache. The value we bring to you:

● When your customers see the end result, we want them to associate that “WOW” moment with your company so that they keep coming back and tell their friends or business associates.

● We have done this work many, many times before. The final product will always look professional.

● We know what is most important when it comes to getting the right shot, whether it is the lighting, angle or other element to ensure you will stand out from your competition.

● Owning the equipment is not the same as using it every day. Our experience prevents mediocre results and instead consistently delivers visual results that grab the attention of your market.

● We understand the ROI of great photography and want people to take you and your business seriously.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Can I rename a Virtualize It 2D image file and rest assured it will work properly?
You can rename the 2D image file anything you like as long as you do not change the extension. For example, “test.jpg” can be changed to “kitchen.jpg” without affecting its functionality.