
How Matterport Uses AI to Create 3D Virtual Tours of Properties
Matterport, a leader in spatial data technology, is revolutionizing the real estate, architecture, and property management industries by using artificial intelligence (AI) to create 3D virtual tours. Matterport transforms physical spaces into immersive digital experiences through advanced imaging technology and AI-powered processing.
This article explores how Matterport leverages AI to create 3D virtual tours and how it’s changing the way properties are marketed and experienced.
What Are 3D Virtual Tours?
A 3D virtual tour is a digital simulation of a physical space, allowing users to remotely navigate a property. By providing an interactive, 360-degree view of rooms and layouts, these tours accurately represent a property’s dimensions, features, and flow. Matterport’s AI-driven platform makes creating such tours efficient and highly accurate.
How Matterport Uses AI for 3D Virtual Tours
Matterport integrates AI into every step of the 3D virtual tour creation process. AI ensures high-quality and seamless user experiences, from capturing images to stitching them together.
Here’s how it works:
1. Capturing Spatial Data
Matterport uses 3D cameras, LiDAR sensors, and mobile devices to capture detailed spatial data and imagery of a property. These tools scan the space, capturing its dimensions, textures, and features.
Example: A real estate agent scans a 2,000-square-foot home using a Matterport camera, collecting data points for every property corner.
2. AI-Powered Stitching
Matterport’s AI, Cortex, processes the captured images and data to create a seamless 3D model. Cortex stitches together multiple images and ensures accurate spatial alignment, eliminating gaps or inconsistencies.
Example: Cortex combines images from different rooms to create a continuous, immersive walkthrough of the entire property.
3. Automated Enhancements
AI automatically enhances the captured visuals by adjusting lighting, color balance, and sharpness. This ensures the virtual tour is visually appealing and accurately represents the property.
Example: AI enhances the brightness of dimly lit rooms and adjusts color tones to reflect the true appearance of the space.
4. Dollhouse View and Floor Plans
Matterport’s AI generates a “dollhouse view,” a 3D model that provides a miniature representation of the entire property. It also creates detailed, to-scale floor plans that users can explore interactively.
Example: A potential buyer uses the dollhouse view to understand the overall layout of the property and navigate to specific rooms.
5. Interactive Tags
AI enables the addition of interactive tags or hotspots within the virtual tour. These tags can include details about features, appliances, or upgrades, enhancing the user’s experience.
Example: A tag on the kitchen counter highlights that it is made of imported quartz, providing valuable information to potential buyers.
6. Accessibility Across Platforms
Matterport’s AI optimizes 3D tours for various devices and platforms, ensuring a smooth experience on desktop, mobile, and virtual reality (VR) devices.
Example: Thanks to Matterport’s AI-driven optimization, a VR user can explore a vacation rental property as if walking through it in person.
Read How Zillow Uses AI to Estimate Property Values with Its “Zestimate” Tool.
Benefits of Matterport’s AI-Powered 3D Virtual Tours
Matterport’s technology offers several advantages for businesses and individuals:
- Enhanced Marketing: Real estate agents and managers can effectively showcase properties, attracting remote buyers and renters.
- Improved Efficiency: AI simplifies creating virtual tours, reducing the time and effort required.
- Better Decision-Making: Buyers and renters can explore properties in detail before visiting in person, saving time and resources.
- Global Reach: 3D tours enable properties to be viewed by audiences worldwide, increasing exposure.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Virtual tours reduce the need for frequent on-site visits, lowering operational costs.
Read How BuildingIQ Uses AI to Optimize Building Management.
Real-Life Applications
1. Real Estate
Real estate agents use Matterport’s 3D tours to showcase homes, apartments, and commercial properties. Buyers can explore properties remotely and make informed decisions without visiting in person.
2. Property Management
Property managers create 3D models of rental units to streamline tenant applications and lease renewals. This enhances the rental process and minimizes vacancies.
3. Hospitality
Hotels and vacation rental platforms leverage Matterport to provide virtual tours of rooms, lobbies, and amenities, helping guests visualize their stay before booking.
4. Construction and Design
Architects and contractors use Matterport to document progress on construction sites, ensuring all stakeholders have a clear view of the project’s status.
Challenges and Considerations
While Matterport’s AI-powered virtual tours offer numerous benefits, there are challenges to address:
- Initial Costs: Investing in 3D cameras and software subscriptions may be expensive for smaller businesses.
- Data Accuracy: Proper scanning techniques are required to ensure accurate models, which may require training.
- Bandwidth Requirements: High-quality 3D tours require significant bandwidth for smooth viewing, which may be a limitation in some areas.
Future Developments
Matterport continues to innovate in AI-driven spatial data technology. Potential advancements include:
- Enhanced AI Models: Improving Cortex to handle more complex environments and outdoor spaces.
- Integration with Smart Devices: Allowing users to control smart home features directly through virtual tours.
- Advanced Analytics: Providing data on user interactions within tours to optimize marketing strategies.
- Broader Accessibility: Expanding compatibility with more mobile devices and low-cost scanning options.
Conclusion
Matterport’s use of AI to create 3D virtual tours transforms how properties are marketed, managed, and experienced.
By offering immersive, interactive, and visually stunning representations of physical spaces, Matterport has set a new standard for spatial data technology.
As AI continues to evolve, Matterport’s innovations will further enhance people’s exploration and interaction with properties worldwide.