Since the advent of the web, it has gotten to our notice that there are different types of websites. Some rely on text while others on graphics whether still or animated. It is therefore in your favor to decide whether you really need some virtual tour add-ons for your site.
If you website is meant to be a portal for information purposes then you do not need virtual tours as many good portals on web are popular even without them.In case of a famous website, it maintains its popularity for its resources which are the text books and audio books it owns. It does this through simple texts and no frames.
However if you have a business portal, virtual tours might add more value to it. Virtual tour would have to be added not just as a novelty item but you should take steps to make it more attractive both in terms of cost and attractiveness. Sites for hotels, malls etc. need 3d animation other than the virtual tours to make things more clear. Just like the other day I was searching for a topic on web, no website seemed to satisfy me until I say this site packed with 3D animations. Now, I completely understand the topics I was looking for.
In real estate and hotel industry, the look matters as first impression is the last impression. For example, if you're making a trip to Los Angeles, you would simply book a room you saw a day ago rather than going through the pain of looking for one in transit. The large images and vibrant colors would make you stand out from the rest in real estate business.
For those planning virtual restaurant/hotel tour. When you go online, technically anything is virtual but in business terms the virtual tours display realistic look through panoramic view.
You must keep in mind your budget, customers and what to show and what to hide.
• Creating the simplest type of 3d tour Seires of pictures is combined and captions used to explain each image. Panorama from such group of pictures is useful since its easy to download and simple, which makes it cost effective.
• 3D virtual tour from video A professional look is given through shockwave animation. The aspect ratio is kept less and so are the properties for streaming. Unprofessional video shoot and optimization should be avoided. It also requires less cost.
• Programmed, Fully interactive 3D This is comparatively expensive and gives visitor full liberty to look around, zoom etc. It is always useful to add text along with the tour. A lot will depend on how well you expressed yourself in 3D which is never easy. source.
