One of the most common questions I get before a Matterport shoot is: "What actually happens on the day?" People have often seen Matterport tours online but have no idea how they're made. This post walks through a typical Matterport scan from arrival to delivery, so you know exactly what to expect.
For full details on Matterport tours, pricing, and what's included, see the Matterport virtual tours page.
01Before the Shoot: Preparation
The most important thing you can do before a Matterport scan is prepare the space as you would for a photography shoot. Declutter every room, put away personal items, make beds, clear kitchen surfaces, and remove anything you wouldn't want a potential buyer or visitor to see.
This matters more for Matterport than for standard photography, because the scanner captures everything in 360°. There's nowhere to hide a pile of post on the kitchen counter or a cluttered corner of the bedroom. The dollhouse view in particular shows the entire floor plan of the property, so every room needs to be in good order.
I'll typically send a preparation checklist before the shoot. If you have any questions about what to move or what to leave, get in touch beforehand.
02On the Day: What I Bring
I arrive with a Matterport Pro 3 scanner, a tripod, and a laptop for monitoring the scan in real time. The Pro 3 is Matterport's current professional-grade scanner, using LiDAR technology to capture accurate 3D data alongside high-resolution imagery.
The scanner itself is about the size of a large camera. It sits on a tripod, rotates automatically to capture a full 360° view, and takes approximately 20 seconds per scan position. I move it methodically through the space, capturing each room from multiple positions to ensure complete coverage with no gaps.
03The Scanning Process
I start at the front door and work through the property systematically. For a standard three-bedroom house, I'll typically capture 40 to 60 scan positions. For larger properties or commercial spaces, this can be significantly more.
At each position, the scanner captures a full 360° image and a depth map using LiDAR. The depth data is what allows Matterport to generate the accurate 3D model, floor plan, and measurements. The imagery is what viewers see as they navigate through the tour.
Between scan positions, I check the Matterport app on my phone to confirm the scans are connecting correctly and there are no gaps in coverage. If a scan position hasn't connected properly, I'll rescan it before moving on.
For a standard residential property, the scanning process takes approximately two to three hours. Larger commercial spaces take longer. I'll give you a specific time estimate when you book.
04What Happens After the Scan
Once the scanning is complete, I upload the scan data to Matterport's processing servers. This typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the scan and connection speed.
Matterport's servers then process the raw scan data into the finished 3D model. This processing usually takes a few hours. Once it's complete, I review the tour for quality, check the navigation flow, and make any adjustments needed.
The finished tour is typically ready within 24 to 48 hours of the shoot. I'll send you a link to the tour along with embed codes for your website and property portals.
05What You Receive
At the end of the process, you receive:
A link to your Matterport tour, which you can share directly with clients or embed on your website. Embed codes for Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and your own website. An auto-generated floor plan from the scan data. Measurement data that viewers can access within the tour. A QR code for the tour if needed.
If you've booked photography alongside the Matterport scan, the edited photos are delivered at the same time.
06A Note on the Hosting Subscription
Matterport requires an active subscription to keep your tour live. This is worth understanding before you book. For a property that sells quickly, the hosting cost is negligible. For a business that wants a permanent tour of its premises, it's worth comparing the long-term cost against a bespoke 360° tour, which has no ongoing fees.
07Ready to Book?
If you'd like to book a Matterport scan, or you have questions about the process, call me on 07545 450543 or email hello@propertyphotoguy.co.uk. I cover Somerset, Bristol, Bath, and the whole of the UK.
