What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A virtual tour lets people explore a real place remotely. The simplest kind links 360-degree photos so viewers can look around from one position and move to the next; a 3D tour can add a spatial model and guided walkthrough. To make one, choose the experience and publishing destination, capture a connected sequence of views, check image quality, link the scenes, and publish.
What a virtual tour is
“Virtual tour” describes an online experience for exploring a physical location, not one particular file type or production method. In a 360-photo tour, each spherical image shows the surroundings from a fixed viewpoint, and links let viewers move through the location. Google describes how overlapping images are stitched into a single 360-degree image to avoid gaps: How Street View works and where we will collect images next.
A 3D tour is a different approach: it can provide a spatial model and guided walkthrough controls. Decide which experience your audience needs before choosing equipment or software; connected spherical views and a navigable 3D model are not interchangeable.
Choose a format and publishing destination
- Linked 360 photos: A fit when viewers need to look around from several positions in a property, venue, or other location. Photo Spheres can be uploaded to Google Maps, but linking them into a navigable tour involves third-party tools. Google Maps Help: Create & publish Photo Spheres to Google Maps.
- 3D model tour: Consider this when the experience needs a spatial model or a configured guided route. Matterport describes creating a 3D model for a property website or other sites, and its support documentation explains guided-tour controls. Matterport 3D Capture Platform and Create a Guided Tour.
Also choose where the result should appear: on a map, embedded on a website, or both. Uploading images to Google Maps alone does not automatically create a polished, linked website tour.
#1 Best Overall
- Think bold. A collection of stickers that capture the Insta360 spirit, freely pasted wherever you like. In the Box: 1x Insta360 X3, 1x Charge Cable, 1x Protective Pouch, 1x Lens Cloth, and 1x User Guide.
- NEW ERA 360 ACTION CAMERA: Insta360 X3 combines 5.7k 360 with all the power of a 4K action camera together. Unbelievable potential!
- 5.7K 360 CAPTURE & REFRAMING: Insta360 X3 captures 360 Active HDR video, with all the benefits of a traditional action camera. Choose your favorite angle after the fact with easy reframing in the AI-powered Insta360 app.
- 4K WIDE-ANGLE SHOTS: Shoot wide-angle footage in maximum resolution with 4K30fps or a super-wide 170° field of view with 2.7K60fps MaxView.
- KEEP FOOTAGE STABLE & LEVEL: FlowState Stabilization and Horizon Lock algorithms work together to deliver incredibly smooth videos.
How to make a 360-photo tour
1. Choose a capture setup
Google documents two ways to create Photo Spheres: use a 360 camera, or use a DSLR system and panorama-stitching software. A tripod or monopod can help stabilize the camera. For a business contributing imagery to Street View, Google recommends a Street View-compatible camera; its contribution page describes mounting it on a mini tripod or monopod for indoor capture. See Google Maps Photo Sphere guidance and Google Street View contribution guidance. Equipment examples on Google’s Photo Sphere page include older camera models, so treat them as illustrations of a setup, not current buying recommendations.
2. Plan a route with connected viewpoints
Follow natural paths and walkways so each image has a clear line of sight to the next. Google recommends spacing indoor Photo Spheres about two small steps apart—roughly 1 m (3 ft)—and outdoor views about five steps apart—roughly 3 m (10 ft). Its guidance also says to keep indoor collections to 100 photos. These are recommendations for Google Maps Photo Spheres, not universal spacing rules for every tour platform.
Rank #2
- 8K30fps 360° Video with Dual 1/1.28" Sensors: Capture stunning detail with dual 1/1.28" sensors shooting up to 8K30fps. Film epic adventures, everyday moments, and more, all in sharp, immersive 360° video with better clarity, color, and dynamic range
- Triple AI Chip Design, Better Low Light: Shoot confidently even in challenging lighting. X5’s triple AI chip design powers advanced noise reduction and image processing, delivering crisp, vibrant footage even in dim or night conditions
- Invisible Selfie Stick: Create impossible third-person views with no selfie stick in sight! Capture everything in 360°, then choose your angles later using AI-assisted reframing—perfect shots, every time
- InstaFrame Mode: Get a ready-to-share flat video instantly. Choose auto-framing to let the camera track you, or lock in a fixed angle. Preview the 360° video later to add in any unexpected moments, too
- FlowState Stabilization + 360° Horizon Lock: No gimbal needed. X5’s FlowState Stabilization and full 360° Horizon Lock deliver buttery-smooth, level footage, even during action-packed moments, bumps, or full rotations
3. Capture steadily and consistently
Keep the camera stable at each position and avoid moving people or objects that could cause blur or stitching defects. Work through the planned route methodically, with enough overlap between neighboring views for transitions to feel continuous. Google explains that adjacent cameras take slightly overlapping pictures before the images are stitched together; alignment and overlap therefore matter to the finished panorama.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
4. Check the Photo Sphere files
For Google Maps Photo Spheres, Google specifies a minimum resolution of 7.5 megapixels (3,840 × 1,920 pixels), a 2:1 aspect ratio, and a maximum file size of 75 MB. Inspect the complete sphere before uploading, paying particular attention to the horizon, seams, focus, motion blur, lighting and detail, and distracting effects near the bottom of the image.
Rank #3
- 360° video conferencing camera with built in ominidirectional microphone
- Six display modes deliver exceptional viewing angles with flexibility and versatility
- Full HD 1080p video playback @ 30 Hz
- USB UVC/UAC plug-and-play with touch bar to specify participants’ location. *Note: App permissions may need to be authorized in order to use the camera. An upgrade of the firmware to the latest version may be required in order to optimize the webcam's functionality and resolution.
- Supports your favorite video conferencing apps: Compatible with Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco, Zoom, BlueJeans, Amazon Chime, GoToMeeting, Slack
5. Link, publish, and verify
Upload the Photo Spheres to Google Maps, then use a third-party app to link them into an indoor or outdoor tour. Check that viewers can move between the intended scenes and that the links follow the route. Google says processing after linked Photo Spheres are published can take up to four days. For contributed Street View imagery, Google directs creators to Street View Studio to upload and manage imagery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When Street View video is a different workflow
Street View’s video contribution rules should not be confused with requirements for an indoor-photo tour or for another hosting platform. Google’s video guidance calls for a 2:1 equirectangular panorama, truthful timestamps, appropriate GPS data, and capture settings suited to movement speed. It advises avoiding sunrise and sunset and notes that indoor video often lacks adequate GPS. Most importantly, Google states that Street View is not available for videos collected indoors. Consult Google Maps Help: Tips for capturing 360 videos for Street View before planning a video contribution.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Lightweight & Portable (165g): A sleek 165g* camera bursting with potential. Ultralight, easy to use, full 360 creativity—you won't even notice it's there. *Actual weight may vary slightly depending on configuration and production.
- 8K 360 Video: Dual lenses capture every second of the family fun, all angles of your favorite spot, and every highlight in stunning 8K30fps. Finally, no one is stuck behind the camera.
- Shoot First, Frame Later: Never aim the camera, always get the shot. Just hit record, live in the moment, and pick the best angles later with easy reframing tools in the Insta360 app.
- Invisible Selfie Stick Effect: Capture awesome third-person perspectives and drone-like angles with a selfie stick that magically vanishes from your shots. An iconic effect that's impossible with other action cameras. *Invisible Selfie Stick sold separately.
- Replaceable Lenses: X4 Air's lenses are rugged, durable, and easily replaceable with our handy kit. Swap them out if they get damaged without replacing the whole camera. No stress, no waiting.
Rank #4
- 5.7K 360° Video: AKASO 360 action camera captures fully immersive 360° video in stunning 5.7K clarity, ensuring you never miss the action. Unleash your creativity to record your adventures like never before. This 360 camera does not support HDR functionality. Video quality may be limited in low-light conditions.
- 360° Supersmooth Video: Advanced in-app stabilization algorithms smooth out shakes and jitters in your action for silky smooth footage, even without a gimbal!
- 360° Horizon Steady: Unlock a new level of stabilization—360° Horizon Lock keeps your footage level all the time, no matter how you flip or spin.
- Invisible Selfie Stick Effect: Yes! You can create unbelievable third-person shots on your own! The selfie stick automatically disappears from your footage like magic. No photographer? No problem! Invisible Selfie Stick is not included.
- Dual 1/2" 48MP Sensors: Equipped with two massive 1/2" 48MP sensors, AKASO 360 captures more pixels for sharper, clearer images, bringing your action to life.
How to choose between 360 photos and a 3D tour
- Viewer experience: Choose linked photos for connected spherical viewpoints; consider 3D capture when the tour needs a spatial model or a guided route.
- Capture workflow: A 360 camera or DSLR panorama setup suits spherical views. A 3D model requires a dedicated 3D capture workflow.
- Publishing: Decide whether the priority is Google Maps, an embedded website experience, or both. Confirm that your linking or hosting method supports the destination you need.
- Editing: Determine whether you need to author scene links and hotspots or configure guided-tour behavior such as transitions and camera pans.
- Cost and labor: Compare current equipment, software, hosting, and service costs for the options you are considering; they vary, and no general cost comparison is established here.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
