14 December 2023

Using virtual tour for your business

In the rapidly innovating world of technology, virtual tours are increasingly being used as a powerful tool for companies to achieve their goals. Virtual tours are mainly used by companies for marketing and sales purposes, creating a unique expression for employer branding and educating and training (new) staff. In the blog, you will read more about the different possibilities and discover how companies from different sectors use the technology. 

What is a virtual tour?

A virtual tour is a digital presentation of a physical location. Users can experience the location without being physically present there. The tour is usually visualised via a website or through VR glasses. As a company, you have the option of having a virtual tour created in different ways. This can be done using photography, video or via a matter gate. You can also determine the degree of interaction. You can choose to add interactive elements, such as an explanation video or a link to the website.

Interactieve-virtuele-tour-A.-Vogel

Deploying the different forms of a virtual tour

Virtual tours have undergone an evolution in recent years. Whereas people were previously familiar with a virtual tour such as Google Street View, it is far from static. It is possible to make tours as interactive as possible. Read more about the different forms below:

  1. 360-degree photo tours

Static virtual tours often consist of 360-degree images taken at fixed points on a location. Users can scroll through the images and view the location in detail by rotating around or zooming in and out. Static virtual tours are often easy to create and share.

  1. Interactive virtual tours

Interactive virtual tours add an extra layer of interaction. Users can navigate through the location and activate interactive hotspots to get more information. These hotspots can include text, images, videos or audio commentary. Interactive virtual tours are ideal for museums, educational institutions and cultural heritage sites.

Interactieve-virtuele-tour-Nijhof-Wassink
  1. 360-degree video tours

Interactive 360-degree videos allow viewers to look in all directions as the video unfolds. This form of video provides a full and dynamic view of the environment and allows you to present your business in a unique way. This can make a positive contribution to achieving sales targets, effectively communicating your company story or attracting new talent into your organisation.

  1. Virtual Reality (VR) 3D tours

VR tours provide the most vivid experience. VR headsets are used that immerse the user in a 3D virtual environment. Users explore and interact with objects in the virtual world. VR tours are ideal for training, gaming, simulations and educational purposes.

  1. Augmented Reality (AR)-tours

AR tours combine the physical and virtual worlds through an app or AR glasses. They add digital information and objects to the real environment, giving users an enhanced, informative experience. AR tours are often used in urban exploration, exhibitions and educational apps.

  1. Matterport for 3D tours

Moreover, it is possible to create a virtual tour using Matterport technology. When creating a Matterport 3D tour, the environment is scanned with special equipment. The result is a 3D model that allows the user to actually imagine themselves in the environment. This form of tour allows users to interact and choose their own path. The difference with a 360-degree photo tour is that Matterport offers a realistic scan.

► Explore 3D Space
Hartman Showroom

Virtual tours for companies: an overview

Companies can use the technology in various ways to engage customers, create marketing and training opportunities and even save costs. Let’s take a look at some industries and their usage scenarios for virtual tours. You will also discover some examples we have realised for our clients.

Property

Estate agents and developers can use virtual tours to give potential buyers and tenants the chance to view a property without being physically present. This saves time and travel costs for both buyers and sellers.

Use case: A virtual tour of a property allows viewers to walk through each room, understand the layout and experience the atmosphere as if they were actually there.

3D plattegronden-voor-vastgoed

Museums

Museums can use virtual tours to offer visitors a unique experience on location or digitally. By scanning the museum, it is possible to visit anywhere in the world, regardless of location or limitations.

Use Case: Augmented Reality can be used to make a museum’s physical tour even more unique. For example, Total Reality was allowed to develop an AR experience for ANNO. This adds an extra dimension and brings the museum to life.

Process industry

The process industry can use virtual tours to digitally visualise the process. This can be used to train or induct (new) employees. Visualisation can help engineers and operators optimise the process. It is also possible to simulate emergency situations and safety procedures.

Use case: A virtual tour of a factory or at a process line allows new employees to explore the industrial environment and become familiar with the equipment before they are physically present. This reduces the risk of mistakes and promotes a safe and efficient start.

Retail

Retailers can use virtual tours to offer online shoppers an immersive experience when exploring physical shops and products. This can boost online sales. For example, it is possible to have a virtual tour created and use it as a virtual showroom.

Use Case: We developed this interactive virtual tour for the Hooijer Group, importer of Birkenstock, Lomer, Panama Jack and Toni Pons, among others.

► Explore 3D Space
Hooijer Groep - CAST

Gezondheidszorg

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can use virtual tours to inform patients about facilities, procedures and waiting times.

Use case: A virtual tour of a hospital can help patients and their relatives navigate the hospital.

Want to have a virtual tour created?

Are you looking for a virtual tour for your business? Then we will be happy to help you. Together, we will discover which form best suits your company and which budget you need. Contact us using the form below and we will schedule an introductory meeting. In the form you can indicate what you would like to use a virtual tour for.