Matterport Vs. Traditional Scanning
June 10, 2024
Matterport Vs. Traditional Scanning
Joydeep Chatterjee | Senior Engineer - PMI Corps
What is Matterport?
Utilizing specialized cameras and software, Matterport captures intricate images and depth data while navigating through a space. This information is processed to generate a textured 3D model, providing an accurate representation of the environment. The outcome is an immersive virtual tour accessible from any device, suitable for applications in real estate, architecture, interior design, and industries that require engaging and interactive space showcasing and sharing.
What is traditional laser scanning?
This technique involves laser scanners emitting beams to measure distances and generate a dense data cloud called a point cloud. These points collectively create a precise digital model of the scanned area, capturing intricate details of surfaces and structures. Widely used in industries like architecture, engineering, construction, and industrial design, traditional laser scanning is essential for tasks requiring precision, measurements, clash detection, and CAD model generation. It serves as a fundamental tool for professionals needing meticulous spatial understanding and accurate documentation.
Matterport vs. Traditional Scanning
Matterport offers immersive visual experiences and virtual tours with user-friendly features, while traditional laser scanning excels in accuracy and is ideal for technical applications needing precise measurements and detailed 3D data. The selection depends on the project's unique requirements and priorities.
Matterport Pro3 3D
The latest Matterport version, Pro 3, offers enhanced data quality and visuals, addressing previous limitations such as interference from sunlight and overlay issues in structured environments like warehouses. With the addition of a Lidar sensor, it now delivers improved performance and versatility compared to the Pro2 model.
Virtual Tours
Matterport swiftly captures indoor spaces, offering immersive virtual tours. It produces the best virtual tours of any reality capture product. They are easy to use and visually attractive. They allow for limited asset tagging and other more advanced features.
Example of Matterport Virtual Tour
Traditional Scanning
Traditional laser scanning meticulously and precisely captures spaces, ideal for detailed measurements in architecture, engineering, and construction. The virtual tours from traditional laser scanning are not as visually appealing as those of Matterport but offer more choices in hosting and more accurate measurements. Example of Traditional Virtual Tour FARO WebShare (webshare-america.com)
Technology and Methodology
Matterport
Matterport captures indoor spaces with 3D cameras, and now, with the latest technology, outdoor spaces by adding a Lidar unit, creating textured 3D models for virtual navigation.
Traditional Scanning
Traditional laser scanning uses precise laser measurement technology to measure distances and capture point cloud data, creating detailed 3D representations of any type of space.
Data Accuracy and Detail
Matterport
Matterport offers a fast and visually appealing way to capture indoor spaces, prioritizing virtual walkthroughs over precise measurements compared to traditional laser scanning.
Published accuracy of +/- 20mm
@10m per scan
Traditional Scanning
Laser scanning is highly accurate, capturing millions of data points for detailed point cloud generation used in precise measurements, analysis, and modeling.
Published accuracy (of common units) of
2 mm @ 10 m, 3.5 mm @ 25 m per scan.
Speed and Efficiency
Matterport
Matterport is quicker and simpler to use than traditional laser scanning, facilitating rapid data capture and backup as well as virtual tour creation.
Traditional Scanning
Traditional laser scanning requires a trained technician, slightly longer scan times, and additional data processing, lengthening the process compared to Matterport.
Use Cases
Matterport
Matterport is commonly utilized for real estate tours, interior design, and immersive marketing experiences, prioritizing user-friendly visuals.
Traditional Scanning
Traditional laser scanning finds applications in architecture, engineering, construction, and industrial design, particularly for precise tasks like creating as-built documentation, clash detection, and generating CAD models.
Coordination and Collision Checkin
Matterport
Matterport data reliability is questionable due to inherent limitations. Since an object requires at least two scans, the margin of error is +/- 20 to 40mm, making tasks like collision checking challenging.
Traditional Scanning
Scanning facilitates model coordination and collision checking. Integrating detailed point cloud data of existing conditions with new CAD data ensures a seamless fit, potentially saving millions in rework costs for large industrial projects.
Cost
Matterport
In most cases, Matterport will cost less than traditional laser scanning. How much cheaper depends on a number of factors including how the data is used and how long it will be hosted.
Traditional Scanning
Depending on the volume of work, some processing charges can exceed the cost savings of using MP. If the volume of work is bigger, it can add up.
To summarize, traditional 3d laser scanning has advantages for larger projects requiring more details, while Matterport has advantages in curb appeal and virtual tours:
What do you use Matterport for?
- Standardization of promotional content and displays
- Basic floor plans
- Interior design purposes and basic design changes
- Virtual tours and store design renovations
- Spaces no greater than 20,000 square feet
What do you use traditional scanning for?
- Thorough and accurate measurements
- Detailed exterior facades
- Detailed renovation work
- Surveyed measurable information
- Construction
- Any size space
Why Choose PMC?
PMC excels in providing insightful consulting services tailored to meet your needs. We carefully analyze project scopes and requirements, ensuring a thorough understanding of project objectives. Whether choosing between different technologies or determining the best approach to achieve project objectives, our 40+ years of experience allows us to make well-informed recommendations regarding the most suitable solutions.
Get an expert Laser Scanning and CAD Modeling quote today!
Joydeep Chatterjee
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