The Panorama: The Core of Matterport's Immersive Technology

While the immersive "dollhouse" view is often seen as the hallmark of a Matterport tour, the foundation of the technology lies in the 360° panorama. Whether captured by a specialized 3D camera or a dedicated 360° camera, it is the panoramic image that serves as the core building block. Understanding this provides greater flexibility in how digital twins are created and used.

This guide provides a matter-of-fact overview of the underlying technology and its practical applications.

The Core Technology: Panoramas and the Cortex AI Engine

At the heart of every Matterport space is a series of panoramic images. The processing happens when these images are uploaded to Matterport's Cortex AI engine. This software performs several key functions:

• Image Alignment: Cortex analyzes thousands of points within each panorama to understand its position relative to the others.
• Spatial Reconstruction: It intelligently stitches these individual viewpoints together, creating the seamless, navigable walkthrough experience.
• 3D Model Generation: When the panoramas are captured with a camera that also collects depth data (like a Matterport Pro2/Pro3 or a LiDAR-equipped iPhone), Cortex uses this data to build the dimensionally-accurate 3D mesh for the dollhouse and floor plan views.

This means that high-quality 360° panoramas are a fundamental component of the entire system.

Application: Creating Tours from 360° Panoramas

Understanding the role of Cortex AI reveals a useful capability: creating a complete virtual tour using only 360° panoramas, without any 3D scan data. This approach is practical for:

• Outdoor Amenities: Capturing pools, gardens, or exterior features where a 3D mesh is unnecessary and often difficult to generate.
• Very Large Spaces: Quickly documenting large, open spaces like warehouses or event halls where a simple walkthrough is sufficient.
• Budget-Constrained Projects: Using a supported 360° camera can be a more accessible entry point for businesses that do not require the full suite of 3D features.

The tour below is an example. It was created entirely from 360° panoramic images, yet it provides a seamless, high-quality walkthrough that effectively showcases the space.

The Future: Spatial Panoramas

The evolution of this technology can be seen in the concept of spatial computing, introduced by devices like the Apple Vision Pro. A "spatial photo" is, in essence, the next generation of a panorama; it is an image format that includes depth data.

When viewed on a compatible device, these images do not look flat; they have a realistic sense of depth that provides a feeling of presence. As this technology becomes more mainstream, businesses can use it to create more immersive marketing materials. For example, a hotel could allow a potential guest to experience a "spatial photo" of the view from their room's balcony, complete with a true sense of depth and scale. This represents the next step for immersive content, and it is built upon the foundation of the panorama.