Processing Photographs

All the photographs now need downloading to a computer and arranging in different folders on the hard-drive.

Each set of photographs then needs importing into a stitching software package.

Stitching

Whether stitching is done manually or automatically the basic principle is the same. Adjoining photographs are put next to each other with 30-50% overlap. The software then blends these two images together, this is repeated until the movie is completed and all the photographs have been used.

Floor plans

The sketches of floor plans that were created when at the location are recreated using CAD software. Two versions are exported for each floor, a small scale version for use as an interactive floor plan to sit next to the virtual tour and a large scale version with dimensions.

Online upload

The virtual tour is now ready to go on-line. Hotspots are added to the floor plan using web design software to enable the floor plan to be interactive.

All the necessary assistance buttons are added including floor buttons, help buttons and a plan button for the view of floor plans with dimensions.

Depending on the upload agreement then either a replication of a website is created to sit the virtual tour in, an iframe is created so that the client's website in effect 'grabs' the virtual tour from our server or the virtual tour can be available in a pop-up box. For each of these a link is given that can be used for direct access to the virtual tour.

Private buyers can have their own URL that they can supply their estate agent with so the public have direct access to the virtual tour of their house that will be found on the Panoviewing.co.uk website.

Estate agents can discuss with us how it is they wish to present their client's tours on-line, we can ensure the user interface is in keeping with the estate agent's corporate identity.

We hope you now have a better understanding of how virtual tours are created and the processes that lead to achieving the final result.

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