FAQ
There are no silly questions when it comes to virtual tours.
What is the difference between a virtual tour, 3D walkthrough and a VR tour?
Virtual tours are normally a web-based tour made from a collection of still 360-degree photos (panoramas). These photos tend to be much sharper and users move between specified locations where the panoramas were captured.
3D walkthroughs are also normally web-based, however they are created using 3D scans of an area. This means the user can freely move around the space; however, this method results in imagery that is not as sharp. This method can also take a much longer time to capture
VR tours are very similar to virtual tours and are created from a collection of still photos. However, these tours are generally built to be viewed only through a VR headset.
What makes CloudTour unique?
CloudTour is a web-based virtual tour made from a collection of still 360-degree photos. There are lots of different ways to create a virtual tour, but CloudTour is unique because you will have access to professional photography, the CloudTour Content Management System (CMS) and monthly analytics reports.
The team at CloudTour have been making virtual tours for many years and want to make the best possible tour for your business. We work with you from day one to make it as easy as possible to create, update, share and analyse your virtual tour.
What can I update with the CloudTour CMS?
Once your tour is ready, you will be provided login details for the CloudTour CMS. In this CMS you can add and edit information boxes, photos, galleries, videos, audio, website links and 3D objects.
Our clients love the CMS because you can update your virtual tour any time you like.
Curious about how the CMS works? Contact us and we can set up a demo account for you to check it out.
Scheduling and Planning
How long does it take to capture?
Capturing time depends on the number of panoramas being captured, however Basic and Premium packages can be captured in around an hour. This will increase if any additional services are being supplied.
Capture time for Enterprise projects will vary depending on scope.
What is the turnaround time?
Turnaround time for Basic and Premium packages is generally 5 business days from the capture date.
Capturing
What do I need to do to be prepared?
It is really important that your business be presented in its best light for your virtual tour. Before we arrive, you should have everything clean and tidy. Don’t forget that we capture in full 360-degrees so everything will be seen! It is a good idea to de-clutter the space and remove anything that may date (eg seasonal decorations, visible price lists etc).
Can I have aerial 360-degree photos in our CloudTour?
Yes. Depending on your location, an aerial 360-degree photo can be a great addition to your virtual tour.
Contact us for a quote to include this in your tour.
Can I add panoramas to the tour myself?
No. At this stage, you are not able to add your own panoramas to the tour.
Customising
How do I access the CloudTour CMS?
Once your CloudTour is created, we will provide details with your login and how to access the CloudTour CMS.
To access the CloudTour CMS, add ‘/admin’ to the end of your CloudTour URL. Eg tours.cloudtour.cc/example-tour/admin
What type of content can I add to the tour?
You can add any of the following to your tour through the CMS
- Photos
- Videos (local or online eg YouTube)
- Audio
- Website links
- 3D objects
- Photo galleries
- Text boxes
Can I add audio to our virtual tour?
Yes. Audio can be added as a clickable audio button or as ambient audio that will start playing when a user visits a panorama.
Can we use our own URL?
Yes. You can choose the URL extension that is used for your CloudTour. Eg tours.cloudtour.cc/YOUR-TOUR-NAME
Enterprise customers also have the option for a White Label domain.
Can I edit the floor plan?
No. At this stage you are unable to edit the floor plan of your tour. If you need changes to your floor plan, contact us for a quote.
Can you photoshop people/objects out of the 360-degree photos?
Yes. For an additional fee we can photoshop your 360-degree photos to add or remove people/objects.
Our standard retouching includes removing the camera tripod and sky replacement if needed.
Analytics
How do I view the analytics for my tour?
At the start of every month you will receive an email report with the analytics for the previous 30 days.
General
How can I share my CloudTour?
Your CloudTour can be easily shared using its URL link. This is great for email, social media etc. You can also embedd your CloudTour on your website.
Instructions for how to share and embedd can be found here.
How can I future proof the content?
When preparing for your virtual tour photoshoot, it is important to consider if there is anything being captured that will be quickly outdated (eg seasonal decorations or price lists).
Reshoots or brand new 360-degree photos can be organised at any time to capture updated areas of your business. We can then add these to your tour and remove old 360-degree photos if necessary.
All information hotspots can be added and updated at any time through the CMS.
Can I update our CloudTour in the future?
Absolutely! We think it is very important that you be able to update your CloudTour.
Reshoots or brand new 360-degree photos can be organised at any time to capture updated areas of your business. We can then add these to your tour and remove old 360-degree photos if necessary.
All information hotspots can be added and updated at any time through the CMS.
What is the difference between a Matterport 3D Walkthrough and CloudTour virtual tour?
A CloudTour virtual tour and a Matterport 3D Walkthrough are fundamentally very similar for the end user, however there are a few key differences:
- CloudTour panoramas can be edited to remove unwanted objects or do sky replacements
- Instead of the 3D dollhouse that you see on the Matterport 3D Walkthrough, CloudTours use a floor plan or site plan map.
- CloudTour panoramas are captured at a higher resolution and are therefore sharper and clearer
- With CloudTour, we do not have to capture as many panoramas in each area, making the capturing process a lot faster
- Instead of navigating via spots on the ground, CloudTours use directional arrows placed in front of the user.
- With CloudTour, you are able to add and edit all of the media and information hotspots throughout the tour.
Can my tour be added to Google Street View?
Yes. The team at CloudTour are professional Google Trusted Photographers and can add your virtual tour photos to Google for you. Contact us for a quote.
Resources
Resources & Articles For Making the most of your CloudTour
Reach Us
We would love to hear from you.
Suite 38, Lot Fourteen
North Terrace, Adelaide
SA 5000
+61 8 7228 6818
info@lateralvision.com.au