360° Virtual Tours and Metaverse for Heritage Sites

Short answer: A 360° virtual tour uses all-around photos of a real place so people can move between viewpoints on screen; it suits showing an existing place before a visit. A metaverse rebuilds the place as a 3D world people can explore freely; it suits recreating places that no longer look as they did, or building a showroom that does not exist.

Key takeaways

360° virtual tour = real photos, set viewpoints
Metaverse = a built 3D world, free movement
Helpful features: a viewpoint map, a next button, a guide character and several languages
Both open places to people who cannot visit and make others want to see the real thing

What is a 360° virtual tour?

A 360° virtual tour links all-around photos of a real place. Viewers look in every direction and click to the next viewpoint. It runs in a web browser, so it works on computers and phones.

How is a metaverse different?

A metaverse rebuilds the place entirely from 3D models. Viewers can walk anywhere, not only where photos were taken, so it can recreate historic places or create new exhibition spaces.

Source: virtual tours use real photos · a metaverse uses 3D models
Movement: virtual tours follow set viewpoints · a metaverse allows free exploration
Best for: virtual tours for existing places · a metaverse for historic places or virtual exhibitions

Features that make tours easy and engaging

Viewpoint map: shows where you are and lets you jump to a spot
Next button: guides viewers in order
Guide character: tells the story of the place
Several languages: for foreign visitors
Interactive points: such as offering flowers or opening more information
Day and night modes: show different atmospheres

Examples from iPANDA's work

VR Wat Khao Lang Phatthana: a 360° tour with a viewpoint map, a next button, Thai, English and Chinese labels, and a flower-offering interaction
VR Wat Phra That Doi Wao: a 360° tour with a route map, a Thai and Chinese guide character, and day and night modes
Ayutthaya Verse: a 3D virtual world of ancient Ayutthaya with temples, buildings and an ordination hall interior
iPanda Verse: a virtual showroom with booths, 3D models and AR work

What to prepare

Goal: preview a place, tell its history, or exhibit work
Viewpoints and stories: the key spots and the information for each
Languages: for your main audiences
Channels: embedded in a website, an app or screens on site

FAQ

Do viewers need a VR headset?

No. A 360° virtual tour opens in a web browser on a computer or phone.

Will a virtual tour stop people visiting in person?

It helps people see the place and plan a trip, and gives access to those who find travel difficult.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the number of viewpoints, the size of the 3D world and the features you need. The iPANDA team gives an initial estimate after a short briefing.