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A Deep Dive into Matterport's 3D Capture App: Features and Benefits

A Deep Dive into Matterport's 3D Capture App: Features and Benefits

Posted by Oliver Murray, Philip Hanrahan B.E., B. A., M.I.E.I. on 29th Nov 2024

Matterport has become synonymous with advanced 3D capture technology, providing innovative solutions for creating immersive digital twins of physical spaces. Their cutting-edge technology aims to simplify workflows, enhance documentation processes, and elevate customer engagement.


The Matterport 3D Camera allows users to seamlessly scan and digitise spaces, creating highly accurate 3D models the Matterport Pro3 LiDAR Camera. This article delves into the features and benefits of the Matterport 3D Capture App, its applications in various industries, and how Hitechniques supports Irish businesses with comprehensive training and equipment solutions.

Understanding Matterport's 3D Capture App

Overview of the System

The Matterport 3D Pro 3 camera is designed to transform the way professionals capture and document physical spaces. By using the camera, users can create high-resolution digital twins of interiors, exteriors, and complex environments. The Matterport Capture App's intuitive interface makes it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, enabling them to produce accurate 3D models quickly and efficiently.

Matterport's platform uses advanced photogrammetry and LiDAR technology to scan spaces, generating 360-degree views and 4K imagery. The resulting digital twins can be shared and accessed remotely, enhancing collaboration between teams and stakeholders. This capability is particularly beneficial in the AEC sectors, where efficient site documentation and virtual walkthroughs are increasingly in demand.

Expansion of Matterport Technology

Matterport has made significant strides in expanding its technology, making the app compatible with Android devices and integrating with various third-party cameras such as Ricoh and Insta360. This expansion ensures that users can access Matterport's powerful capture technology for use in areas where the accuracy of the Lidar camera is not required, thus broadening its accessibility to a wider range businesses and end uses.

Key Features of the Matterport 3D Capture App

User-Friendly Interface

The app’s intuitive design allows users to easily capture spaces, set up scans, and manage projects. Whether you’re using the Pro2 or Pro3 LiDAR camera, the app guides users through the scanning process, ensuring optimal results with minimal training. Additionally, the app provides real-time feedback, allowing users to monitor scan quality and coverage instantly.

High-Resolution 3D Scanning

The Matterport Pro2 and Pro3 cameras capture spaces in high resolution, producing detailed 3D models that include 4K photography and 360-degree views. The Pro3 LiDAR camera excels in capturing both indoor and outdoor spaces, thanks to its advanced laser sensor technology.

Below is a comparison of the key features between the Pro2 and Pro3 cameras:

Integration with Multiple Camera Systems

Matterport’s app is compatible with a wide range of cameras beyond Matterport’s own Pro series. This flexibility allows users to capture visual tours without 3D data using cameras such as Ricoh Theta or Insta360 models. This integration allows for weekly reporting on certain sized projects for example.

Real-Time Processing and Cloud Integration

The Matterport 3D Capture App processes scans in real-time and uploads the data to Matterport’s cloud platform. This cloud-based Cortex AI system then processes the material from the Capture App into the finished 3D model. Users can access, edit, and share digital twins from anywhere, making it an invaluable tool for collaboration, remote inspections, project updates, and client presentations.

Extensive Output Options

The Matterport platform offers several outputs, including MatterPak bundles, E57 files, and TruePlan assets, which can be imported into industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Xactimate. This versatility ensures that Matterport’s digital twins integrate seamlessly into existing AEC workflows.

Benefits of Using the Matterport 3D Capture App

  • Improved Workflow Efficiency: Matterport’s technology significantly streamlines documentation, measurement, and reporting processes. By digitising spaces and creating virtual twins, professionals can reduce on-site visits, speed up approvals, and improve communication with clients and teams.
  • Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: For businesses looking to optimise budgets, the ability to hire Matterport cameras allows flexibility in scaling operations. Hitechniques offers rental services for Matterport Pro2 and Pro3 cameras, enabling companies to leverage the technology for specific projects without long-term investments.
  • Enhanced Client Engagement: Matterport’s digital twins are perfect for creating immersive virtual tours, which can be shared with clients for property viewings, site inspections, or remote walkthroughs. This interactive experience enhances client engagement, especially in real estate, where virtual tours have become a critical tool for property sales.
  • Versatile Applications Across Industries: The Matterport 3D Capture App has applications beyond AEC sectors, including insurance, hospitality, and marketing. Its ability to create accurate, detailed models simplifies remote inspections, damage assessments, and promotional content, making it a versatile tool for various industries.

Practical Applications of the Matterport Technology

Architecture and Construction

Matterport’s 3D models enable architects and construction professionals to document site conditions, track project progress, and verify measurements. This data can be used for creating as-built models, project reports, and compliance documentation.

Real Estate and Property Management

Virtual tours are a powerful tool for property agents, allowing prospective buyers to explore properties remotely. Matterport’s technology helps increase engagement and accelerate sales by providing a realistic viewing experience.

Insurance and Loss Assessment

Accurate 3D scans are invaluable for documenting property conditions before and after incidents, ensuring thorough and reliable insurance assessments. By using Matterport’s digital twins, insurers can streamline the claims process and reduce disputes.

Hospitality

Hotels, event venues, and retail spaces use Matterport’s immersive tours to showcase their properties online, attracting more customers and driving engagement. Venues can allow clients to virtually visit the banqueting facility showing it set up for a wedding, conference, exhibition, or even multiple different setups for each event type.

Marketing

Matterport technology is also ideal for marketing agencies looking to create high-impact digital content. Many companies use the 3D virtual tours to show the correct merchandising of the stores, by recording one store and sharing with the brand’s other outlets.

Getting Started with the Matterport 3D Capture App

Downloading and Setting Up

To begin using the Matterport 3D Capture App, download it from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, create an account and connect your Matterport camera or compatible device. The app provides step-by-step guidance to ensure users are ready to start capturing spaces immediately.

Capturing Your First Space

Start by setting up your camera and marking key features in the space you want to capture. Use the app to monitor scan coverage and quality in real-time. Once completed, the data is uploaded to Matterport’s cloud for processing.

Post-Production Tips

Optimise your digital twin by editing scans, adding labels, and customising navigation settings. Matterport’s platform allows users to enhance tours with 360 views, highlight reels, and Mattertags to create an interactive experience. Share the final tour via a unique link or embed it on your website.

Conclusion: Matterport's 3D Virtual Tours

Matterport’s 3D Virtual Tours offers unparalleled capabilities for professionals across various industries, from construction to real estate. At Hitechniques, we are committed to empowering Irish businesses with the latest in 3D capture technology and providing the training and support needed to maximise its potential.

Hitechniques Role in the Irish Market

Authorised Matterport Distributor and Training Provider

Hitechniques is the exclusive authorised distributor of Matterport cameras and solutions in Ireland. We provide the latest Matterport products, including the Pro2 and Pro3 cameras, available for purchase, lease, and hire. Our team is dedicated to helping Irish businesses leverage Matterport’s technology to streamline their operations and enhance project documentation.

Comprehensive Training Programmes

We offer specialised Matterport 3D Capture Training Courses designed to help users unlock the full potential of the technology. The training covers everything from optimal camera setup and scanning techniques to post-production editing using Matterport’s cloud platform. Participants will gain hands-on experience in creating digital twins, adding Mattertags, and using assets like MatterPak and TruePlan for integration into software such as Revit and AutoCAD.

Training is conducted in small groups to ensure personalised attention, with bespoke courses available for larger teams or specific business needs.

Transform your business with cutting-edge 3D capture technology—contact us today for expert guidance, equipment, and training solutions tailored to your needs.