Here we have listed the most frequently asked questions about virtual tours
in general and the high quality IPIX virtual tours which we at VirtualTourProvider.co.uk
produce.
What is a Panoramic Photograph?
A Panoramic photograph is a 360° horizontal image of a location. The
panoramic image is normally viewed using a Java Applet within a webpage.
What is an IPIX Image?
An IPIX image is a 360° (both horizontal and vertical) image of a location,
again normally Java is used to display the image and control any navigation.
What is a Virtual Tour?
A Virtual Tour is a series of linked IPIX or panoramic images (360°
photographs) that allow you to look around the location as if you were standing
in a central point. Within each individual image there are links (or "hotspot")
to other images that you can click on to view, enabling you to 'tour' a
location as if you were actually there.
Why do you recommend IPIX?
IPIX is the best method of capturing the whole image and the sense of actually
being in that location. IPIX images provide the best quality images, field
of view, ease of use and allow for inbuilt navigation and information areas.
How do I look around a virtual image?
To look around a virtual image, first of all place your mouse over the image.
You can then click and drag in order to 'look around'. Using IPIX images
you can also zoom-in and zoom-out plus there will probably be 'hotspots'
provided or information sections to guide you through the images. Clicking
on the hotspots will take you to the next virtual image.
Do I need any special software to be able to view the Virtual Tours?
Our Virtual Tours have been developed to be accessible to the widest number
of users possible. All you need is a PC or Mac running a Java enabled web
browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Do I have to have a website to use Virtual Tours to showcase my
business?
The simple answer is NO. We can provide the tour images on a CD-ROM so that
you can provide your prospective clients with an offline virtual tour to
browse at their leisure. If you think that now is also the time to get your
business online with a website then our parent company Steelworks IT Ltd
can help produce a high quality website and incorporate your virtual tour
into the site content.
How do I integrate a Virtual Tour into my existing website?
There a number of ways that you can do this from embedding it directly into
your page, to popping it up in a new window. We will provide the code necessary
to integrate the images to your website.
If I want a Virtual Tour what do I have to do?
Simply contact us and if necessary, we will arrange a short visit to get
an understanding of your exact requirements and explain the process in more
detail as well as provide your personalised quote.
Do I have to be present on the day of the shoot?
No, you don't have to be present during the shooting of your Virtual Tour,
provided you have made prior arrangements for the photographer to have access
and staff are aware of our requirements.
How long does it take the photographer to shoot a Virtual Tour?
The exact time for a shoot will depend on how many areas you require for
you tour. As a guide it usually takes 10-15 minutes to shoot each image.
To speed up the process, we ask that you have the areas ready e.g. in the
case of restaurants - the tables laid out. So if you need 6 images it will
take between 1 and 2 hours for the entire shoot.
Can I choose which images to use in my Virtual Tour?
Yes, just like for still photography we will take more shots than are required
and you may choose the best ones for your purpose.
I'm based outside the UK - can you help me?
Probably – contact us to discuss your requirements and obtain a quote.
I can't see the Virtual Tour images?
Tour images will usually only take a few seconds to download with a Broadband
connection but it can take 20-30 seconds if you are using a 56k modem. If
you have waited longer than 1 minute and nothing has happened then you may
not have a browser that supports Java. Users with Netscape 4 or lower will
not be able to view the images, and should download a more up-to-date browser.