3D Modeling vs 360 Panoramas

When developing digital exhibitions and tours, a key consideration is the choice between using 3D modeling, 360 panoramas, or a combination of both. We carefully evaluate various criteria and communicate our approach to clients to ensure the optimal presentation of content.

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Difference Overview

3D modeling is the process of creating a virtual representation of an object or space using specialized software. These models can be interactive, allowing users to navigate through them, view them from different angles, and even manipulate them. 

On the other hand, 360 panoramas are a type of image that captures a full view of a scene from a single point. They can be either a single image or a series of images stitched together. Unlike 3D models, 360 panoramas are generally not interactive and offer a fixed viewpoint.

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Advantages of 3D

There are several advantages of using 3D models over 360 panoramas:

Interactivity: 3D models allow for greater interactivity and control over the perspective. Users can navigate through the model, view it from different angles, and even manipulate it. This can make for a more engaging and interactive experience.

Greater flexibility: 3D models can be used for a variety of purposes, such as architectural visualizations, product design, and video games. They can also be rendered in different styles (such as realistic, cartoonish, etc) and can be used in different mediums, like a video or a static image.

Greater accuracy and precision: 3D modeling allows for greater accuracy and precision in the representation of an object or space. It can be used to create highly detailed and accurate representations of real-world objects and spaces.

Greater ability to show the context: 3D modeling can be used to create a virtual environment around an object, which can help to provide context and help users understand how the object fits into its surroundings.

Greater ability to show complex or hidden details: 3D modeling can be used to create visualizations of internal structures, such as the inside of a building or the internal workings of a machine, which may not be visible in a 360 panorama.

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Advantages of 360

There are several advantages of using 360 panoramas over 3D models:

Immersive experience: 360 panoramas provide a more immersive and realistic view of a specific location. They can be used to create virtual tours, street-level imagery, and other immersive experiences.

Affordability: Creating 360 panoramas is generally more affordable than creating 3D models. It often requires less equipment and expertise, and can be done with a single camera and specialized software.

Ease of Use: 360 panoramas are generally easier to create and use than 3D models. They can be created with a single camera and specialized software, and can be viewed with relatively simple software or apps.

Realistic representation of a location: 360 panoramas are a photograph of a real location, therefore they can give a more realistic representation of a place, specially if the photograph was taken with a high-resolution camera and good lighting conditions.

Widely supported: 360 panoramas are widely supported by various platforms, such as Google Street View, Facebook, and many virtual tour platforms.

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Our Method

In conclusion, the choice between using 3D modeling or 360 panoramas in a project depends on the specific use case and goals of the project. However, it's important to remember that the most crucial aspect, particularly in the cultural industry, is the quality of the content and the way it is presented. Emphasizing interactivity, hotspots, and paths can enhance the user experience. 

From our experience, we recommend using 3D modeling for important monuments, interactive art, and critical operations such as safety training. This allows for greater interactivity and control over the perspective, allowing the user to fully explore and understand the object or space. On the other hand, we recommend using 360 panoramas for quick work inductions, walking guides, and building presentations. This provides a more realistic view of a specific location, allowing the user to get a sense of the space.

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As for the channel? Virtual Reality headsets, desktop, mobile etc. All are feasible at this point of technology. 

Two interesting topics to explore further are the use of high-quality photogrammetry in 3D modeling to preserve monuments and tricks with 360 panoramas to create more immersive experiences. These are topics that could be explored in future blogs, with the help of AI and the determination to continue blogging.

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