3D point clouds vs. a platform for digital twins
You can think of Matterport as another tool in Existing Conditions' toolbox. While 3D laser scanning and BIM allow for a higher-accuracy digital model, we are happy to create Matterport files to suit your needs. If all you need is a virtual tour and good imagery of your space, instead of a set of accurately dimensioned drawings or BIM, a Matterport model by Existing Conditions may be the best route.
When you hire Existing Conditions, our work typically consists of delivering 3D laser scanning data and building information models. 3D laser scanning is a non-contact, non-destructive technology that digitally captures spatial data on the physical environment using a line of laser light. Three-dimensional laser scanners create “point clouds” of data from the surface of an object. There is no monthly fee required to retain access to this data, and you do not have to worry about the data being published or monetized without your permission.
In comparison, Matterport is a 3D media platform lets you create, navigate, modify & share interactive 3D models. Matterport's roots are in high-end cameras that are designed to capture multiple images of a space and stitch them together to make a composite digital space. Their cameras and virtual tour software allow for people to digitize their buildings, create 3D tours, print photos, and draw schematic floor plans. Matterport requires a monthly fee in order to retain access to your data, and their Terms allow them the right to use your data as they see fit, for the most part.
As opposed to a 3D point cloud, Matterport primarily uses a technology called photogrammetry to create its 3D models. Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. The input to photogrammetry is photographs, and the output is typically a map, a drawing, a measurement, or a 3D model of some real-world object or scene. Many of the maps people use today are created with photogrammetry and photographs taken from aircraft.