3D Virtual Tour F.A.Q. Questions and Answers
HOW IS A LOOKING GLASS 3D VIRTUAL TOUR DIFFERENT FROM A TRADITIONAL 360 PANORAMA OR VIRTUAL TOUR?
A traditional virtual tour isn’t really virtual – it is misleading and frankly, can be a disappointment. Normally a gallery of stationary, panoramic photos, painstakingly “stitched” together and navigated via a clunky control scheme. Although the techniques vary, most traditional tours do not allow the viewer to actually move around within the space. At the very most, traditional tours offer 10 or so individual locations to view a space. Traditional photographers create these tours by using DSLR cameras to capture a space with multiple photos which are then hand stitched to form a panorama which is viewed from a player.
A Looking Glass 3D virtual Tours allows the viewer to explore the space from up to 200 locations,seamlessly!! We use an expensive, specialized, high tech 3D camera system consisting of cameras and spatial scanning sensors that, in addition to capturing the space in beautiful, high resolution images, it scans and generates a polygonal mesh. This mesh is used to create a dynamic, 3D model that can be explored online AND in a virtual reality headset such as an Oculus Rift or Samsung Gear!!
Our showcase provides the ability to navigate intuitively via several viewpoints: first person, birds eye (floor plan) and isometric (the “doll house”. You can even highlight certain “clickable” features with our annotation tool!! Our software is also supported by Zillow and Facebook – now you can easily place your Looking Glass 3D Virtual Tour in your MLS listing or Facebook page.
Matterport Virtual Tours
Easily embed tours into a website
Supported by Zillow
Easily post on Facebook Wall
Isometric "Doll House" View
"Floor Plan View"
Get Accurate Measurements - with measuring tools
Highlight features with the Annotation Tool
Client Login Portal
Download project .obj files for CAD
Compatible with Virtual Reality
Impress prospects - there is nothing else like it!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TYPICALLY SCAN A SPACE?
It typically takes 30-40 minutes for every 1,000 square feet. Each individual scan takes about 1 minute. For projects larger than 25,000 square feet we will do the scanning over a two or three day window.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT TO PREPARE FOR THE SCAN?
You do not need to provide anything for us to make the virtual tour. Everything in our virtual tours are created digitally with special cameras and sensors.
Please have the space in a condition suitable for scanning before the scheduled appointment. If cleaning services are needed, please schedule them before the scan.
Please provide instructions in the appointment scheduling form on how to access the property or how to obtain lock box codes if required.
WILL THE WEATHER AFFECT MY SCAN'S QUALITY?
The Looking Glass 3D camera system incorporates HighDynamicRange Imaging (HDR) sensors which allow the camera to adjust to changes in light. This means that both light and dark areas can be captured at the same time. Most spaces can be scanned even on cloudy days. As long as there is sufficient interior lighting, then the finished project will look as good as a model created on a sunny day.
For scanning of oceanfront properties and similar items that feature a view to the outside of the property as a key selling point, it would be best to scan during better weather. We will discuss these instances on a case by case basis.
WHAT WEB BROWSERS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH VIEWING 3D VIRTUAL SCANS?
The Looking Glass 3D Virtual Tours use “WebGL”, the modern standard for handling 3D content viewed on the web. On desktop computers, WebGL is supported by all of the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple’s Safari, and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
On mobile devices, WebGL is supported byApple’s Safari for iOS 8 and Google’s Chrome for Android devices. Loading times typically can take longer on mobile devices. If you can’t view the Virtual Tour, please update your browser.
Check your browser’s compatibility with this free browser compatibility tool: https://get.webgl.org
DO I NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR THE ENTIRE SCAN?
You are not required to be on site while we scan the property. The scanning process can very time consuming and most real estate professionals provide either a lock-box code or unlock the property themselves then take off.
BILLING & DELIVERY
HOW DO I PAY MY BILL?
We accept all major credit cards and checks. You can pay at the appointment or receive an invoice by email which is due within 3 days from the date of the service.
HOW LONG IS MY 3D VIRTUAL TOUR HOSTED ONLINE?
3D Virtual Tours require an enormous amount of data and bandwidth which is why it is stored in the cloud on special high speed servers. The first 24 months of hosting is free.
Special Pricing
Ask about special pricing for hosting multiple models.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED TURNAROUND TIME? WHEN WILL MY TOUR BE READY?
Still Photography | 24-48 Hours | We electronically deliver both MLS formatted and full-resolution photos via Google Drive or Dropbox. Images can be mailed on CD-ROM for additional cost.
3D Virtual Tours | 24-36 Hours | We email you the links to the Showcase Webpage as soon as the Virtual Tour is post-processed. We also include links to the Workshop which will allow you to take measurements. We also send you a special iFrame code which will allow you to embed your Virtual Tour directly into your website.
4K 360 Video Tours | 1-3 Days | As with the 3D Virtual Tour, we will email you links to the Showcase Webpage as soon as it has been fully produced.
HOW DO I CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT? WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
When you schedule an appointment with Looking Glass, we create an account for you that will allow you to login and view your upcoming appointments as well as cancel appointments. We understand that life happens and sometimes appointments need to be cancelled. Should you have to cancel, please do so more than 24 hours before the appointment to avoid any additional fee.