Matterport: Is It AR or VR?

In the realm of immersive technologies, terms like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) often come up. As digital experiences become more sophisticated, it’s important to understand where various tools and platforms fit within these categories. One such tool is Matterport, a leading 3D imaging technology. But is Matterport considered AR or VR? Let’s delve into this question and explore the unique position of Matterport in the world of immersive technologies.

Understanding Matterport

Matterport is a platform that creates highly detailed, interactive 3D models of real-world spaces. Using specialised cameras such as the Matterport Pro 2 or Pro 3 professionals can capture high-resolution images and accurate spatial data to create a digital twin of any environment. This technology is widely used in real estate, hospitality, construction and hotels to provide a comprehensive view of a property or space.

What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a completely digital environment, often using a VR headset like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. VR simulates a user’s physical presence in a virtual world, allowing them to interact with and explore digital spaces as if they were real. The key characteristic of VR is its ability to create a fully immersive experience, where the user is entirely within the virtual environment.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of their environment. AR applications can be experienced through smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses like the Microsoft HoloLens. Unlike VR, AR does not create a separate virtual world but rather enhances the real world with interactive digital elements.

Matterport: A Hybrid Approach

So, where does Matterport fit in? Matterport is not strictly AR or VR; it incorporates elements of both to create a unique user experience. Here’s how:

Interactive 3D Models (VR-like Experience): Matterport creates immersive 3D models that users can explore as if they were physically present in the space. This aspect is similar to VR, where the user navigates through a digital environment. However, while Matterport tours can be explored using a VR headset it’s not a requirement; they can also be viewed on a computer, tablet or mobile device, making them more accessible.

Overlay of Information (AR-like Features): While Matterport primarily offers a VR-like experience, it can also incorporate AR-like features. For example, users can interact with embedded multimedia elements, such as videos, text, and links, within the 3D model. This enhances the experience by providing additional information and context, similar to how AR overlays digital content in the real world. Using additional software, Matterport tours can also be transformed into an AR experience.  Viewers can use the digital twin to navigate or learn about a space while physically in the environment.

Practical Applications of Matterport

As each Matterport digital twin is a high resolution and accurate representation of a space, they can be applied to a variety of use-cases to benefit a range of businesses. Some of the most common include:

Real Estate: Matterport is extensively used in real estate to provide virtual tours of properties. Potential buyers can explore homes and commercial spaces in detail without physically visiting them, making the buying process more efficient and accessible.

Hospitality: Hotels and resorts can use Matterport to showcase their facilities to prospective guests. By creating virtual hotel tours, guests are allowed to see rooms and amenities helping them make informed booking decisions. Additionally, hospitality virtual tours enable restaurants and bars to showcase their spaces online for potential customers.

Museums & Art Galleries: Matterport allows museums and art galleries to showcase their art collection online through museums virtual tours bringing their art to a wider audience in an engaging experience.

Architecture & Construction: Matterport captures an accurate ‘snapshot’ of a project at any given stage. The digital twin can be shared with investors to track progress against plan, contractors to remotely price up work or to potential clients to showcase a completed project.

Operations & Facilities Management: Having an accurate digital twin of a building allows operations and facilities management teams to remotely assess and troubleshoot issues saving on costly and time consuming travel.

Insurance: Matterport enables more efficient claims processing by providing accurate and fully explorable documentation of assets.

Schools & Universities: By exploring a Matterport digital twin of a school or university prospective students and their families can make a more informed decision about where they want to study.

Why Is Matterport Unique?

Matterport stands out because it bridges the gap between AR and VR. It offers an immersive experience akin to VR without the need for specialised headsets, making it accessible to a broader audience. At the same time, it enhances the user experience with interactive elements that provide additional information, similar to AR.

Scene3D’s Expertise with Matterport

At Scene3D, we have completed over 2,000 projects and served more than 600 clients across the UK, making us the most reviewed 360 virtual tour service provider in the country. Our expertise with Matterport allows us to create stunning virtual tours that are both immersive and informative. Scene3D also uses additional software to enhance our offerings, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service.

Conclusion

Matterport is a powerful tool that combines elements of both VR and AR to create a unique and immersive user experience. While it offers a VR-like exploration of 3D spaces, it also incorporates AR-like features to enhance interactivity and provide additional information. This hybrid approach makes Matterport a versatile solution for various industries, from real estate and hospitality to museums and art galleries.

At Scene3D, we leverage Matterport’s capabilities to deliver exceptional 360 virtual tours that meet our clients’ needs. With our extensive experience and commitment to quality, we help businesses showcase their spaces in the best possible light.

Discover how Matterport can transform your business with Scene3D, where immersive technology meets practical application.