How Does Matterport Work?

By now, you are probably familiar with 3D virtual property tours. After all, the immersive digital experience of a virtual tour is loved by  home buyers, sellers, and agents alike. And it is no wonder. A Matterport 3D tour allows you to showcase a property with a virtual open house 24/7.  It serves to sort serious buyers from “tire kickers”.  By bridging the gap between the physical and digital world, Matterport offers a fully interactive experience, allowing users to explore spaces as if they were physically present. 

3D virtual tours lend sellers the peace of mind that they will not have an endless flow of visitors through their homes. And those in the market to buy a property can visit as often as they like, take measurements of walls and doorways and floors, and ask questions – all from the comfort of their own dining room tables. For those reasons and others, 3D virtual tours help real estate agents sell homes faster and at a higher price. Matterport was a life saver providing a social distancing solution for many real estate agents during the coronavirus.

How does Matterport work?

Matterport uses specialized cameras equipped with infrared sensors that captures multiple images of a location. These images are then processed by Matterport's advanced Cortex AI platform, which stitches them together to create a seamless, interactive 3D model. Users can virtually navigate these models, experiencing spaces as if they were physically present. Ideal for real estate listings, Matterport's technology offers a realistic and engaging way to showcase properties to potential buyers from anywhere in the world.

When it comes to the world of 3D tours, you need look no further than Matterport, the world’s leading spatial data company specializing in digitizing and indexing physical spaces. So, what exactly is Matterport? Matterport is an innovative platform that crafts detailed 3D representations of real-world locations, offering users a chance to virtually navigate these spaces as though they were there in person. Beyond just amplifying the appeal of real estate listings, Matterport streamlines the creation of various digital assets. Real estate photographers, with the help of Matterport, can seamlessly produce 3D walkthroughs, crisp 4K images apt for print, intricate floor diagrams, and captivating guided videos. This unparalleled depth and authenticity make Matterport a standout choice for creating a digital twin of any space, perfect for showcasing and marketing properties. 

Matterport's unique selling proposition lies in its advanced 3D imaging technology. Unlike traditional photography or videography, Matterport captures spaces in a three-dimensional format, offering viewers a holistic perspective of any property. But what makes it stand out?

At its core, Matterport utilizes a combination of infrared sensors and high-definition cameras. These components work in tandem to measure the distance between objects and capture detailed images simultaneously. The result? A comprehensive spatial representation of any environment, from cozy apartments to sprawling estates.

Furthermore, Matterport's technology goes beyond mere image capture. It processes these images to create a seamless, interactive 3D model. This model can be rotated, zoomed, and explored, much like navigating a video game environment. For potential buyers, this means the ability to virtually "walk" through a property, getting a feel for its layout, size, and ambiance without ever setting foot inside.

If you are not yet familiar with putting together a 3D virtual tour, here is an overview of the process for a Matterport digital twin.

The Matterport Scanning Process

Understanding Matterport's technology is one thing, but how does the scanning process actually work?

Let's break it down step by step:

1. Device Selection: The first step involves choosing a suitable device. While Matterport offers its proprietary Pro2 3D Camera, the platform is versatile. Agents can also use 360° spherical cameras, lidar cameras, or even specific mobile devices.
2. Space Preparation: Before scanning, it's essential to prepare the space. This means ensuring that all areas are accessible, removing any unnecessary clutter, and considering the lighting conditions. Natural light works best, but additional lighting might be required for darker spaces.
3. Scanning: With the device set up, the scanning begins. The device is placed at various points within the property, capturing images and spatial data. It's crucial to ensure overlapping fields of view between scans for accurate stitching later on.
4. Uploading: Once the scanning is complete, the data is uploaded to the Matterport Cloud. This is where the magic happens.
5. Customizing the 3D Model: Real estate agents have the flexibility to tailor the virtual experience to their audience. This includes editing the model, adding annotations, highlighting specific features, and even integrating guided tours. This ensures potential buyers get a tailored walkthrough, focusing on the property's unique selling points.

After the scanning process, the raw data undergoes a transformation in the Matterport Cloud.

But how does a series of scans turn into an interactive 3D model?

1. Data Processing with Cortex AI: Matterport's Cortex AI platform is the powerhouse behind the scenes. It takes the raw scans and stitches them together, creating a cohesive and accurate representation of the space. The AI is trained on millions of spaces, ensuring precision in every model it generates.
2. Creation of the Dollhouse View: One of the standout features of Matterport is the Dollhouse View. This provides a 3D overview of the entire property, allowing users to see the layout from a unique perspective. It's like holding a miniature version of the property in your hands.
3. Interactive Walkthroughs: The processed data is then transformed into an immersive walkthrough. Users can navigate through the property, moving from room to room, looking around, and even zooming in on specific details.
4. Annotations and Tags: Real estate agents can further enhance the model by adding annotations and tags. These can highlight specific features, provide additional information, or even link to external content like videos or brochures.
5. Measurement Tools: Another powerful feature is the ability to take accurate measurements directly from the 3D model. Whether it's the width of a doorway or the size of a room, agents and potential buyers can get precise dimensions without manual measuring.

The result of this intricate process is a fully interactive 3D model that offers an unparalleled immersive virtual tour viewing experience, bridging the gap between digital and physical property exploration.

Customizing and Enhancing the Matterport Experience

While Matterport's primary offering is the creation of 3D models, its platform provides a suite of tools to enhance and customize the virtual tour experience:

1. Guided Tours: Agents can create guided tours within the 3D model. This allows them to direct viewers' attention to specific features, much like a physical property tour.
2. Embed Multimedia: Within the 3D space, agents can embed videos, images, and other multimedia. This can be used to showcase property features, provide additional context, or even include testimonials.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Integration: For an even more immersive experience, Matterport models can be viewed in VR. This gives potential buyers the sensation of being physically present in the property.
4. Google Street View Integration: Agents can also integrate their Matterport models with Google Street View. This provides a seamless transition from exploring the neighborhood to diving into the property's interior.
5. Custom Branding: Real estate agencies can add their branding to the virtual tours, ensuring a consistent and professional presentation.

By leveraging these tools, real estate agents can offer a tailored and engaging virtual tour experience, setting them apart from the competition and adding value for potential home buyers too.

Matterport's 3D virtual tour technology isn't just about creating visually appealing models; it's about accuracy and precision. Let's delve into how Matterport ensures the reliability of its scans and some real-world applications that showcase its benefits:

1. Precision in Measurements: Matterport prides itself on the accuracy of its 3D models. Whether it's the distance between walls or the height of a ceiling, measurements taken within the Matterport cloud are precise, often within a percentage point of manual measurements. This accuracy is invaluable for real estate agents who need to provide exact specifications to potential buyers.
2. Real-world Applications: The use of Matterport isn't limited to residential properties. Commercial real estate agents, architects, construction professionals, and even insurance adjusters have found value in Matterport's detailed scans.

For instance:

• Commercial Real Estate: Agents use Matterport virtual tours to showcase office spaces, warehouses, and other commercial properties, allowing potential lessees to explore spaces remotely.
• Construction and Architecture: Professionals in these fields use Matterport camera scans to document progress, compare designs with actual builds, and collaborate remotely using the Matterport capture app.
• Insurance: Adjusters use Matterport scans to assess damage, reducing the need for in-person visits and streamlining claims processes.

3. Return on Investment: While there's an investment involved in creating Matterport models, the returns can be significant. From saving time on physical showings to attracting more serious buyers and closing deals faster, the benefits often outweigh the costs.

4. Limitations: While Matterport is a powerful tool, there are certain challenges it faces. Very shiny or reflective surfaces can sometimes cause distortions in the 3D model. Similarly, extremely dark objects or areas with low light might not be captured with the same clarity as well-lit spaces. It's essential for agents to be aware of these limitations and possibly make lighting adjustments or note these areas for potential buyers.

In today's digital age, sharing and integrating content across platforms is crucial. Matterport understands this and offers various ways for real estate agents to share and integrate their 3D models:

1. Easy Sharing Options: Agents can share their Matterport space via a simple link, making it easy to send to potential buyers, post on social media, or embed in emails.
2. Integration with MLS: Most Multiple Listing Services (MLS) allow the integration of Matterport models, enhancing real estate listings and providing a competitive edge.
3. Embedding on Websites: Agents can embed Matterport models directly on their websites, offering visitors an immersive experience without leaving the site.
4. Collaboration Tools: Matterport's platform allows multiple users to collaborate. Agents can work with professional photographers, editors, or other team members, streamlining the creation and customization process using the Matterport capture app.
5. APIs for Custom Integration: For agencies with specific needs, Matterport offers APIs that allow for custom integrations, be it with CRM systems, property management software, or other tools.

By leveraging these sharing and integration options, real estate agents can maximize the reach and impact of their Matterport models, driving customer engagement and attracting more potential buyers.

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of Matterport allows real estate agents to use the tool more effectively, ensuring that they provide potential buyers with the most accurate and comprehensive view of a property.



In the competitive landscape of the real estate industry, it's essential to have tools that not only showcase properties but also engage potential buyers. Matterport offers a suite of features designed to enhance viewer engagement and collaboration:

1. Immersive Property Showcasing: Matterport's 3D virtual tours provide potential buyers with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore properties as if they were physically present. This level of interactivity can be far more engaging than traditional photos or videos.
2. Increased Property Exposure: With the rise of online property searches, offering a Matterport virtual tour can set a listing apart, attracting more views and keeping potential buyers engaged for longer periods.
3. Save Time and Resources: Virtual tours can reduce the number of physical property visits, especially from those who might not be genuinely interested. This means real estate agents can focus on serious buyers, saving both time and resources.
4. Enhanced Customer Engagement: Features like Dollhouse Views, Google Street View integration, Guided Tours, and Mattertags™ allow agents to craft a narrative about the property, highlighting its unique selling points and features.
5. Accurate Property Representation: The precision of Matterport scans ensures that properties are represented accurately, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or misconceptions about the space.
6. Collaboration Tools: With features like Measurement Mode and annotation capabilities, agents can provide additional information, answer queries, or highlight specific areas of interest within the property.
7. Easy Integration and Sharing: Matterport models can be easily embedded on websites, shared effectively on social media, or integrated with other platforms, increasing the reach of the property listing.
8. Competitive Edge: In a competitive real estate market, offering Matterport virtual tours can give agents an edge, showcasing their commitment to leveraging the latest technology for their clients' benefit.
9. Return on Investment: While there's an initial cost associated with creating a Matterport virtual tour, the potential increase in property interest, faster sales cycles, and higher engagement can offer a significant return on investment.
10. Adaptable to Changing Conditions: Especially in times where physical property visits might be challenging, such as during social distancing measures, Matterport allows agents to continue showcasing properties effectively.

Incorporating Matterport into their marketing strategy not only modernizes the property showcasing process but also enhances the overall service quality provided by real estate agents to both sellers and buyers.

In today's digital age, sharing and integrating content across platforms is crucial. Matterport understands this and offers various ways for real estate agents to share and integrate their 3D models:

1. Easy Sharing Options: Agents can share their Matterport models via a simple link, making it easy to send to potential buyers, post on social media, or embed in emails.
2. Integration with MLS: Most Multiple Listing Services (MLS) allow the integration of Matterport models, enhancing property listings and providing a competitive edge.
3. Embedding on Websites: Agents can embed Matterport models directly on their websites, offering visitors an interactive experience without leaving the site.
4. Collaboration Tools: Matterport's platform allows multiple users to collaborate. Agents can work with photographers, editors, or other team members, streamlining the creation and customization process.
5. APIs for Custom Integration: For agencies with specific needs, Matterport offers APIs that allow for custom integrations, be it with CRM systems, property management software, or other tools.

By leveraging these sharing and integration options, real estate agents can maximize the reach and impact of their Matterport models, driving engagement and attracting more potential buyers.

The Matterport platform isn't just about capturing spaces; it's about creating an engaging, interactive experience for viewers.

Here's how real estate agents can customize and enhance the Matterport experience for their audience:

1. Annotating the Model: With Matterport's Cortex AI platform, agents can add tags to highlight specific features within a property. Whether it's a newly renovated kitchen or a state-of-the-art home theater, these tags provide additional information, making the virtual tour more informative.
2. Guided Tours: Instead of letting viewers navigate on their own, agents can create guided tours. These tours take viewers on a predetermined path, ensuring they see the property's best features. It's like having a virtual walk-through with a real estate agent, even if they're miles away.
3. Dollhouse View: One of the standout features of Matterport is the Dollhouse View. This gives viewers a 3D overview of the entire property, allowing them to see how each room connects. It's a unique perspective that photos or traditional virtual tours can't provide.
4. Measurement Tool: For those interested in specifics, the measurement tool in Matterport allows users to get accurate measurements of rooms, windows, doors, or any other feature. This is especially useful for potential buyers considering renovations or wanting to see if their furniture will fit.
5. Integration with Google Street View: Properties can be linked to their real-world location using Google Street View. This gives potential buyers a feel for the neighborhood, nearby amenities, and the overall environment around the property.
6. Creating Videos and Animated GIFs: Beyond the 3D model, agents can create videos or animated GIFs from their Matterport scans. These can be shared on social media, providing a dynamic teaser to attract potential buyers to the full Matterport virtual tour.
7. Compatibility with Various Devices: Whether viewed on a desktop, mobile device, or through virtual reality headsets, Matterport virtual tours offer a seamless experience. This flexibility ensures that no matter how a potential buyer accesses the tour, they get an immersive and engaging experience.

By leveraging these customization tools, real estate agents can create a Matterport experience that not only showcases a property but tells its story. It's about making potential buyers feel at home before they've even set foot in the door.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Matterport offers agents a cutting-edge tool to showcase properties in a way that static images or traditional videos can't match. With its detailed 3D virtual tours, interactive features, and customization options, Matterport is revolutionizing the way properties are marketed and viewed.

For real estate agents, investing in Matterport isn't just about having the latest tech; it's about providing value to clients, attracting more potential buyers, and ultimately, closing more deals. As the digital age progresses, tools like Matterport will become the standard, and those who adopt early are set to reap the benefits.

Incorporating Matterport 3d virtual, into real estate listings not only enhances the listing itself but provides a richer, more immersive experience for potential buyers. In a world where digital assets are becoming increasingly important, Matterport stands out as a leader, offering a comprehensive all-in-one platform for capturing, creating, and sharing 3D virtual tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Digital Twin?

A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical object or environment. While Matterport uses this concept to create immersive 3D models of spaces, the idea of a digital twin extends far beyond just property tours.

How does a 3D Virtual Tour Help a Real Estate Agent?

A 3D virtual tour offers real estate agents an immersive property showcase, attracting more potential buyers, enhancing listings, and facilitating faster sales.

How does Matterport technology work?

Matterport employs a blend of high-definition cameras, infrared sensors, and advanced algorithms to capture spaces in three dimensions. By using the Matterport capture app on a compatible camera or mobile device, it gathers visual and spatial data. This data is then sent to the Matterport Cloud, where Matterport's Cortex AI platform processes the scans, creating a comprehensive 3D virtual tour. This virtual tour can be further customized, allowing for annotations, guided tours, and the unique Dollhouse View, resulting in an interactive digital twin of the physical space.

How do you use a Matterport?

To utilize Matterport, first, acquire a Matterport camera or a compatible device and install the Matterport capture app. Position the camera within the property and initiate scans using the app. After scanning the entire property, upload the data to the Matterport Cloud. Matterport's Cortex AI platform will then process the scans, creating a 3D virtual tour. Users can then customize the model, add tags, create guided tours, and share the tour on various platforms, including Google Street View.

Why is Matterport so expensive?

Matterport's cost is due to its cutting-edge 3D imaging technology and the high-quality virtual tours it produces. For real estate agents, purchasing and mastering the technology can be costly and time-consuming. Instead, many agents find it more economical and efficient to hire a professional photographer or real estate photography company to handle their 3D virtual tours, ensuring top-notch results without the steep learning curve or investment.

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