How are Virtual Tours Made?

The Technical Side of Virtual Tours: How They Are Made

Virtual tours have become increasingly popular across various industries, from real estate and tourism to education and retail. These immersive experiences allow users to explore spaces from their digital devices as if they were physically present. But how are these intricate virtual tours created? At Virtual Tours LLC, we’re pulling back the curtain to give you a glimpse into the technical process that brings these digital journeys to life.

Step 1: Pre-Production Planning

Every effective virtual tour begins with meticulous planning. The first step involves defining the objectives of the tour and understanding the space that will be featured. Our team conducts site visits (either physically or via existing plans and photos) and determines the key features to highlight. We also plan the user journey—deciding how the user will navigate from one point to another, ensuring a logical and engaging flow.

Step 2: Capturing the Content

360-Degree Photography and Videography
The most critical component of virtual tours is capturing the visuals. We use high-resolution cameras equipped with fisheye lenses to shoot comprehensive 360-degree images and videos. These cameras capture every angle of a room or area, ensuring that no detail is missed.

Drone Footage
For exteriors or large properties, drone photography can be employed to capture sweeping aerial views that add a dramatic perspective to the virtual tour.

Step 3: Image and Video Processing

Once the footage is captured, it’s time to stitch the images together to create a seamless panoramic view. This process is done using advanced software that aligns and merges the overlapping edges of different photos. Any visual imperfections are corrected during this stage to ensure the final product is as smooth and realistic as possible.

Step 4: Virtual Tour Assembly

Creating the Virtual Environment
Using virtual tour creation software, we compile the processed images into the virtual environment. This includes setting up the navigation that allows users to move through different parts of the tour.

Interactive Features
To enhance engagement, we integrate various interactive elements into the tour. These can include informational hotspots, audio descriptions, background music, and embedded videos. These elements are strategically placed to provide additional context, enrich the experience, and help achieve the tour’s objectives.

Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is crucial. Our team thoroughly tests the virtual tour on various devices and browsers to ensure it operates smoothly and is free from bugs. Navigation is checked for intuitiveness and user friendliness, and all interactive elements are tested for functionality.

Step 6: Deployment and Maintenance

After thorough testing, the virtual tour is ready for launch. It is uploaded to the client’s web servers or integrated into their website. We also provide ongoing support and updates as needed to keep the virtual tour up-to-date with the latest web standards and technologies.

The Virtual Tours LLC Edge

At Virtual Tours LLC, we pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology and creative solutions to produce top-quality virtual tours. Our process involves not only technical expertise but also artistic vision, ensuring that each tour not only meets but exceeds client expectations.

We hope this behind-the-scenes look at how virtual tours are made has given you a better understanding of the craftsmanship involved in creating these immersive experiences. Interested in having your own virtual tour created by professionals? Contact Virtual Tours LLC today to get started!