Virtual Tours and Maps
posted by E-Marketer @ 10:06 PM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
A virtual tour is a simulation of a location, usually made of a sequence of video images. They also may use other multimedia elements such as sound effects, music, narration, and text. The phrase “virtual tour” is often used to describe a variety of video and photographic-based media.
Panorama indicates an unbroken view, since a panorama can be either a series of photographs or panning video footage. However, the phrases “panoramic tour” and “virtual tour” have mostly been associated with virtual tours created using still cameras. Such virtual tours are made up of a number of shots taken from a single vantage point. The camera and lens are rotated around what is referred to as a nodal point (the exact point at the back of the lens where the light converges). See an example here.
Similar to panorama are “360 degrees” virtual tours. These are photos taken with special equipment and then stitched together to complete a full 360 degree loop. Viewers can use their mouse to spin the picture and move it up or down to give a full view of the location, room or facility. See an example here.
A video tour is a full motion video of a location. Unlike the virtual tour’s static wrap-around feel, a video tour is as if you were walking through a location. Using a video camera, the location is filmed while moving from place to place. Video tours are continuous movement taken at a walking pace. See an example here.
Special effects virtual tours and maps use flash and other technology overlayed on maps or built into the graphical maps. These tours offer unique features like pop-up descriptions or pictures, links, information, and other effects. See an example here.
Contact us to learn if a virtual tour or map/location services can help your business.