When it comes to showcasing properties, accuracy and accessibility are everything. That’s where Matterport 3D virtual tours come in, offering a game-changing way for clients to explore spaces from anywhere, at any time. Gone are the days of relying solely on static photos or floorplans. With Matterport, Red Box Surveys can capture every detail of a property in immersive, interactive 3D.
Whether you’re in real estate, construction, or facilities management, these virtual tours make it easy to present spaces with clarity and confidence. They don’t just look impressive – they save time, reduce site visits, and help everyone involved make faster, more informed decisions. In this article, we’ll explore what Matterport is, how it works, and why it’s quickly becoming the gold standard for property surveys and digital documentation.
Who are Matterport?
Matterport started back in 2011 as a small Silicon Valley tech start-up with a big idea: turning real-world spaces into high-quality, data-rich 3D environments. Thanks to early investment and strategic collaborations with major companies like Google, the company quickly gained momentum.
One of the biggest reasons Matterport surged ahead of competitors was its proprietary 3D camera technology, which scans spaces significantly faster than most other 3D cameras, delivering high-quality captures at a fraction of the typical cost. Pair that with Matterport’s robust cloud platform, which transforms raw scans into immersive, navigable virtual tours, and it’s easy to see why Matterport has become an industry leader.
Thirteen years on, Matterport is still at the forefront, offering a full lineup of advanced 3D cameras and cloud-based solutions. In 2024, the company was acquired by CoStar, a major player in the property-tech industry. This move is set to strengthen Matterport’s presence further in the real estate digital marketplace.
What Are Matterport Virtual Tours?
Matterport’s hardware and software work together to 3D scan physical environments and convert them into interactive virtual tours, often referred to as digital twins. A digital twin is a detailed digital representation of a real-world space, including visuals, measurements, and spatial data.
Here’s how it works:
- Specialised 3D cameras: These specialised cameras capture panoramic imagery and precise depth data.
- Matterport’s processing software: The software transforms this into a seamless, fully explorable 3D walkthrough.
- Additional overlay tools: Help provide custom features, branding, interactive tags, and other bespoke elements.
The result? A polished, immersive, and highly effective virtual tour that brings any space to life.
Why Choose Red Box Surveys for Your Matterport Surveys?
At Red Box Surveys, we bring over 90 years of combined surveying experience, backed by a team of technicians fully trained in the latest 3D capture technology. That means every project benefits from genuine expertise, attention to detail, and consistently high-quality results.
You’ll receive a precise, no-obligation quote with a transparent breakdown, and once everything’s approved, we can usually get started within just a week or two. We operate nationwide, covering the entire UK from Chester to London and everywhere in between, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process no matter where your project is based.
What Do I Need A Matterport Virtual Tour For?
A Matterport 3D tour creates an interactive digital replica of your property that people can explore remotely. We support businesses from a variety of industries, but most commonly support projects with:
Remote Property Marketing: Marketing properties to buyers, tenants, or clients without physical viewings by offering immersive 3D walkthroughs that allow them to explore spaces in detail, anytime and from anywhere.
Pre-Works Documentation: Documenting existing conditions before refurbishment or construction to create an accurate visual baseline, helping teams plan works, reduce disputes, and track changes over time.
Remote Assessment & Measurement: Allowing remote teams to assess spaces, understand layouts, and take accurate measurements without needing repeated site visits, saving time and improving decision-making.
Facilities & Asset Management: Providing facility managers with accurate digital records of buildings that support maintenance planning, space management, and long-term asset oversight.
Online Space Showcasing: Showcasing retail spaces, hotels, or event venues online through interactive experiences that build trust, improve engagement, and help clients visualise how a space could be used.
Insurance & Heritage Records: Creating detailed visual records for insurance purposes or heritage documentation, ensuring properties are clearly documented for valuation, protection, or preservation needs.
The digital twin lets viewers navigate your space as if they were there, allowing them to take measurements and add annotations.
How Does It Work?
Getting started is simple. Whether you need a single site captured or an entire portfolio, we handle the whole process from scanning through to delivery so you can focus on what matters.
Step 1: Request A Quote
Tell us about your project and the location. We will provide a more accurate quote and help you select a suitable scan date.
Step 2: Book Your Scan
Once the quote is approved, we will confirm the address and arrange a preferred date. We will also guide you through any preparations needed for a smooth visit.
Step 3: We Scan The Space
Our team captures a complete three-dimensional model during a single visit. Most sites are completed in 2 to 3 hours, but this does depend on project scope.
Step 4: Receive Your Virtual Tour
Your finished tour will be delivered within ten working days. It will be ready to use on your website, social channels and Google Maps.
Step 5: Turn Your Tour Into A Sales Tool
We can add interactive tags with photos, videos or text to highlight key features and answer common questions.
What Do I Get With A Matterport Survey?
- 3D virtual tour – An interactive walkthrough that visitors can navigate using their computer or mobile device, exploring rooms and moving between floors.
- Digital twin – A precise digital replica of your physical space, showing layout, dimensions, and spatial relationships accurately.
- Measurement tools – Built-in tools that allow users to measure distances, areas, and heights directly within the virtual tour.
- High-resolution imagery – Visual documentation of your space that can be extracted as individual images for marketing or records.
- Remote access – Shareable link that enables unlimited viewing from anywhere, reducing the need for on-site visits.
At Red Box Surveys, we make it easy to bring your space to life using Matterport’s innovative 3D technology. Getting a quote is simple, and we’ll walk you through every step. Our team customises each virtual tour to suit your needs, ensuring it’s not only visually appealing but also a valuable tool for impressing clients and showcasing your property.
Let us help you take your business to the next level. With our expertise and Matterport’s top-notch technology, you’ll create immersive experiences that boost buyer confidence, reduce wasted time, and unlock more opportunities, all without the hassle of doing it alone.
