The Tool Desk
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What a virtual tour is—and what it is not
“Virtual tour” describes an online way to explore a physical place, not one specific file type or capture method. A photo-based tour links spherical 360-degree views taken at different positions. A viewer can look in every direction from each position and follow links to another view. Google explains that a 360 image is formed by stitching slightly overlapping pictures into one panorama: Google’s overview of how Street View works.
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A 3D tour is a different production choice: it can provide a spatial model and controls for a guided walkthrough. These formats can serve similar purposes, but linked panoramas and a navigable 3D model are not interchangeable. The right choice depends on whether visitors need connected viewpoints or a model with a more directed experience.
Choose the format and destination first
- Linked 360 photos: A practical fit when viewers should look around from a sequence of locations, such as rooms or points along a venue route. The photos can be published to Google Maps, linked with a third-party tool, or used in a website workflow.
- 3D capture: Consider this when the experience calls for a spatial model or guided walkthrough controls. Some systems provide options for transitions and camera pans; for example, Matterport’s guided-tour instructions describe configuring a guided tour.
Decide where the finished tour must appear before capturing. Uploading Photo Spheres to Google Maps does not, by itself, create a polished, linked website tour: Google says third-party apps can be used to connect Photo Spheres into a tour. A business contributing imagery to Street View can upload and manage contributions through Street View Studio, as described on Google’s Street View contribution page.
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How to make a linked 360-photo tour
1. Select a capture setup
You can create spherical views with a 360 camera or use a DSLR system with panorama-stitching software. A monopod or tripod can help stabilize the camera while you capture each position. Google lists both approaches in its Photo Sphere creation and publishing guidance. Its DSLR equipment examples include older camera models, so treat them as illustrations of a possible setup, not current purchase recommendations.
If the goal is to contribute imagery to Street View, check Google’s contribution requirements and use a Street View-compatible camera. For indoor imagery, Google describes mounting the camera on a mini tripod or monopod.
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2. Plan a connected route
Map a route that follows natural paths and walkways, with clear sightlines between capture points. For Google Maps Photo Spheres, Google recommends placing indoor views about two small steps apart—roughly 1 m (3 ft)—and outdoor views about five steps apart—roughly 3 m (10 ft). It also recommends keeping indoor collections to 100 photos. These are Google’s recommendations for Photo Sphere collections, not universal spacing rules for every tour platform.
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Before shooting, check that each position can connect logically to the next. A route that skips a doorway, junction, or important transition may leave viewers unsure how to move through the space.
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3. Capture and review each sphere
Keep the camera stable and capture enough overlapping imagery for the panorama to stitch cleanly. Before publishing, check the horizon, seams, focus, motion blur, lighting and detail, and the area directly beneath the camera—the nadir—for distracting artifacts.
For Google Maps Photo Spheres, the image must be at least 7.5 megapixels (3,840 × 1,920 pixels), use a 2:1 aspect ratio, and be no larger than 75 MB. Google says images should not have gaps at the horizon, significant stitching errors, or motion blur. Those specifications apply to Photo Spheres submitted to Google Maps; other hosts may set different requirements.
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4. Link scenes and publish
Upload the Photo Spheres to Google Maps if that is your destination, then use a third-party app to link the views into an indoor or outdoor tour. After linked Photo Spheres are published, Google says processing can take up to four days. Check the finished result on the intended device and destination: confirm that scene links work, the route makes sense, and the image quality holds up at full size.
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Do not apply Photo Sphere requirements to Street View video as if they were the same workflow. Google’s Street View video capture guidance addresses video contributions, including 2:1 equirectangular panorama format, truthful timestamps, appropriate GPS data, and capture settings suited to movement speed. It recommends avoiding sunrise and sunset, and notes that indoor video often lacks adequate GPS. Google explicitly says Street View is not available for videos collected indoors. These are Google’s contribution rules, not general requirements for virtual tours hosted elsewhere.
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How to decide between photo and 3D capture
| Decision | Linked 360 photos | 3D capture |
|---|---|---|
| Viewer experience | Connected spherical viewpoints | A spatial model and potentially a guided walkthrough |
| Capture approach | 360 camera or DSLR panorama setup with stitching | A dedicated 3D capture workflow |
| Publishing path | Photo Spheres can be uploaded to Google Maps and linked with third-party apps; a tour may also be embedded on a website, depending on the tool. | Some services describe publishing a 3D model to a property website or other sites; confirm the selected service’s publishing options. |
| Editing and direction | Connect scenes to shape the route | May offer guided-tour settings such as transitions and camera pans |
Compare capture effort, software, hosting, and any professional service against your project’s needs before committing. Current prices and a general cost comparison are not established here, so check the providers and tools you are considering for current costs. If a managed workflow is preferable, a professional 360 photographer or 3D capture service is another option.
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