Training Materials for Operating Matterport Pro3 Camera and Managing Virtual Tours

• Overview of Matterport Technology:
  • Matterport is a cutting-edge 3D capture technology designed to create digital twins of physical spaces. These digital twins are interactive, immersive 3D models that allow users to explore real-world environments in a virtual format. Matterport is widely used across various industries, including manufacturing, real estate, construction, retail, and more. This technology is especially beneficial for documenting, showcasing, and managing large spaces like warehouses and showrooms.
  • This training will focus on how to effectively use the Matterport Pro3 Camera to capture and create digital twins of large industrial spaces. We will also cover how to manage and enhance these models using Matterport’s suite of software tools, ensuring that your digital twins are not only accurate but also informative and engaging for viewers.
• Training Goals:
  • Operating the Pro3 Camera: By the end of this training, you will be able to set up and operate the Matterport Pro3 Camera confidently. This includes understanding its technical capabilities, navigating the Matterport Capture App, and performing scans efficiently.
  • Understanding Technical Capabilities: You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Pro3 Camera’s capabilities and limitations, including its range, resolution, and battery life, which are critical for planning and executing successful scans.
  • Efficient Scanning and Editing: Learn how to efficiently scan large spaces, ensuring complete coverage. You will also learn how to edit the resulting digital models to add interactive elements, correct any issues, and optimise the user experience.
  • Data Management and Transfer: Finally, you will understand best practices for managing the scan data, including how to transfer it between devices, back it up, and ensure its security.

2. Matterport Pro3 Camera: Technical Overview

• Key Specifications:
  • Resolution: The Pro3 Camera captures images at a resolution of 134.2 megapixels, ensuring detailed and accurate digital twins, crucial for precise documentation in industrial spaces.
  • Field of View:
    • Horizontal FOV: 360°
    • Vertical FOV: 295° vertical field of view. This extensive vertical FOV allows the camera to capture nearly the entire vertical plane, from the zenith down to the tripod base footprint. The resulting equirectangular panorama produced by the Matterport Pro3 provides a comprehensive view of the environment, which is then stitched together from multiple scans to fill in any gaps and provide a seamless model.
  • Range: The LiDAR sensor in the Pro3 Camera can capture data from objects up to 100 metres away, making it ideal for large spaces like warehouses and expansive showrooms.
  • Battery: The Pro3 Camera comes with two interchangeable batteries. Each battery provides approximately 4 hours of runtime, allowing for a total of up to 8 hours of operation when both batteries are used sequentially.
• Components:
  • LiDAR Sensor: This sensor measures the distance between the camera and objects in the environment by emitting laser pulses and calculating the time it takes for the pulses to return. This data is used to create a detailed 3D map of the space.
  • HDR Camera: The Pro3 Camera’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) capability allows it to capture high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions. This is particularly useful in industrial environments where lighting can vary widely.
  • Rotating Base: The camera is mounted on a motorised base that allows it to rotate 360°, capturing the entire environment from a single point. This rotation is automated and ensures consistent, high-quality captures with each scan.
  • Tripod Mount: The camera is designed to be mounted on a tripod for stability. While the Pro3 Camera can tolerate being slightly off-level (up to 15 degrees), it is good practice to keep the camera as level as possible to maintain the highest scan accuracy.

3. Preparing for a Scan

• Initial Setup:
  • Unboxing and Assembly:
    • Begin by unboxing the Matterport Pro3 Camera and checking that all components are present, including the camera, tripod, batteries, charging cables, and any other accessories. Assemble the camera by attaching it to the tripod using the standard mount provided. Ensure that the tripod is stable and level, as this will affect the quality of the scans.
    • Before using the camera for the first time, fully charge the batteries. This ensures that you have the maximum amount of scanning time available during your session.
  • Firmware Updates:
    • Before starting your scan, connect the camera to the Matterport Capture App on your iPad and check for any available firmware updates. Updating the firmware ensures that the camera has the latest features and bug fixes, which can improve performance and scanning accuracy.
• Environment Preparation:
  • Lighting Considerations:
    • To achieve the best results, ensure that all available lights are turned on to even out the lighting throughout the space. Consistent, balanced lighting reduces the likelihood of shadows and bright spots, which can impact the accuracy and visual quality of the final model. Whenever possible, adjust or enhance the lighting in the environment before scanning.
  • Positioning the Camera:
    • Optimal Placement:
      • Start by placing the camera at one end of the space, ensuring that it’s positioned in a way that captures as much of the environment as possible. Although the Pro3 Camera can handle being slightly off-level, it’s good practice to use a bubble level or similar tool to ensure the tripod is level. This is especially important for large spaces where maintaining a consistent horizon across scans is crucial.
      • Plan a logical path for the camera that covers the entire area without excessive overlap. In large spaces, it’s helpful to visualise the scan points in a grid pattern, ensuring that each scan overlaps the previous one by considering the coverage radius of the next planned scan. This overlap helps to create a seamless model during the stitching process.
    • Height and Angle:
      • Position the camera at approximately eye level (about 1.5 metres or 5 feet) for general scanning. This height provides a natural perspective that is comfortable for viewers when navigating the model. However, you may need to adjust the height and angle for specific features, such as shelving units or machinery, to ensure that all relevant details are captured.

4. Conducting a Scan

• Setting Up the Scan:
  • Connecting to the iPad:
    • Power on the Pro3 Camera and connect it to the Matterport Capture App on your iPad via Wi-Fi. The app will guide you through the setup process, ensuring that the camera is properly configured and ready to begin scanning. After each scan, the app will display the area covered and indicate the scan’s position on the floor plan, allowing you to review the coverage and plan the next scan position effectively.
• Scan Frequency and Density:
  • Controlling Scan Frequency (Area Coverage):
    • Scan frequency refers to how often you place the camera during the scanning process. For larger spaces with fewer intricate details, you can space out the scan positions, reducing the number of scans needed. For areas with more complex features, such as machinery or shelving, placing the camera closer together increases scan frequency, ensuring that all details are captured accurately. This manual adjustment is critical for balancing the level of detail with the time spent scanning.
  • Setting Scan Density (Within Capture App):
    • Scan density, as controlled within the Capture App, refers to the level of detail captured in each scan. Higher density settings capture more data per scan, which is useful for areas requiring greater precision and detail. However, higher density scans take longer to process. You should adjust the scan density in the Capture App’s settings based on the specific needs of the space you’re scanning.
  • Balancing Speed and Detail:
    • When planning your scan frequency and density, balance the need for detail with the time available for scanning. Fewer scan points mean faster completion but may miss finer details, while more scan points capture more precise data but take longer to complete. In large warehouses or showrooms, a mix of scan frequencies might be used, with higher scan densities reserved for areas with more features.
• Handling Multiple Levels:
  • Scanning Different Floors:
    • If you’re scanning a multi-level space, such as a warehouse with mezzanines or a showroom with multiple floors, it’s essential to scan each level separately. Start at the lowest level and work your way up. The Capture App allows you to organise scans into different levels. Ensuring that there is sufficient overlap in scan points between levels, especially in transitional areas like staircases or lifts, is crucial. This overlap ensures that the model aligns correctly across floors and provides a smooth transition for viewers in the final model.
  • Ensuring Seamless Navigation:
    • In the final model, viewers can navigate between floors using the floor selector tray or by clicking on the stairs within the model. When scanning, focus on capturing sufficient data in transitional areas (e.g., staircases or lifts) by taking multiple scans with overlapping data. This will help the software to stitch the levels together accurately, providing a seamless experience for users.
• Marking Elements in the Capture App:
  • Mirrors and Windows:
    • Mirrors and windows can cause issues with scanning by reflecting the LiDAR pulses, leading to inaccurate data. In the Capture App, you can mark mirrors and windows to help the software correctly interpret these elements. To do this, select the mirror or window option from the toolbar and draw over the reflective surface in the scan. This will prevent these areas from being misinterpreted as part of the physical space.
  • Trimming Unwanted Data:
    • In some cases, unwanted objects or extraneous data may be captured during the scan. The Capture App allows you to trim these areas before uploading the data to the Matterport Cloud. Use the trimming tool to outline and remove these sections, ensuring a cleaner and more accurate final model.

5. Post-Processing and Editing

• Uploading and Processing Scans:
  • Uploading to Matterport Cloud:
    • After completing your scans, connect your iPad to a Wi-Fi network and upload the scan data to the Matterport Cloud. The Cloud will then process the data, stitching the scans together to create the final 3D model. This process can take several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the space.
    • While waiting for the processing to complete, you can monitor the progress via the Capture App. Once the processing is finished, you’ll receive a notification that your model is ready for editing.
• Editing the Model in Matterport Workshop:
  • Refining the Model:
    • Once your model is processed and available in the Matterport Workshop, you can begin refining it. This includes adding tags, notes, and interactive elements to enhance the user experience.
  • Trimming:
    • Trimming is used to remove unnecessary parts of the scan, such as objects that shouldn’t be part of the model or scan data that extends beyond the boundaries of the intended area. This can be done during the post-processing phase in Matterport Workshop by using the trim tool to select and remove these areas from the model.

6. Data Management and Transfer

• Backing Up Data:
  • iPad Backup: Ensure that the iPad used for scanning is regularly backed up, either to iCloud or another secure location. This protects the data in case the device is lost or damaged.
  • Capture App Backup: The Matterport Capture App automatically saves scan data locally on the iPad. Regularly check that the app is storing data correctly, and consider exporting data after each major scan session to avoid data loss.
• Transferring Data Between Devices:
  • iCloud Sync: If multiple team members are working on the same project, ensure that iCloud syncing is enabled for the Capture App. This allows data to be accessed and worked on from multiple devices.
  • Manual Transfer: For large data sets or when syncing isn’t an option, manually transfer data via a wired connection to a computer. This can be done using iTunes or third-party file management software.
  • Downloading from Matterport Cloud to Capture App: You can also transfer a model from Matterport’s online platform back to the Capture App on another iPad. This is particularly useful for continuing work on a model with a different device. To do this, log into the Capture App on the new device, navigate to the desired model, and download it from the cloud.

7. Tips and Tricks for Efficient Scanning

• Maximising Efficiency:
  • When working with large spaces or complex environments, use deep links to connect different sections of the model rather than relying on post-processing to merge scans. Deep links allow viewers to navigate from one section to another seamlessly, without the need for extensive post-processing. This not only saves time but also keeps the model easier to manage and navigate.
• Learning Resources:
  • For more detailed guidance on editing in Matterport Workshop, refer to the following Matterport YouTube tutorials:  Matterport Academy

8. Troubleshooting Connection Issues

• Camera Connection Problems:
  • Interference Issues:
    • If the camera fails to connect to the iPad, try moving to a different location, as the issue may be caused by interference. Wi-Fi signals can be disrupted by large metal objects, dense walls, or other electronic devices.
  • Restarting Devices:
    • If relocating the camera does not resolve the issue, restart both the iPad and the camera. This can often resolve connection issues by refreshing the network settings.

9. Advanced Features and Software Integration (Optional Advanced Content)

• Unreal Engine and Unity Integration:
  • Matterport models can be exported in .OBJ or .E57 file formats for integration with advanced software platforms like Unreal Engine and Unity. These platforms are widely used for creating virtual reality (VR) experiences, simulations, and architectural visualisations.
  • Using .OBJ Files:
    • The .OBJ file format is ideal for exporting high-resolution Matterport models into Unreal Engine or Unity. Once imported, you can apply textures, lighting, and other effects to create a fully immersive environment. This is particularly useful for industries like architecture and construction, where accurate and detailed visualisations are essential.
  • Using .E57 Files:
    • The .E57 format is particularly useful for importing LiDAR data into these platforms. LiDAR data provides highly accurate spatial representations, making it ideal for industrial applications where precise measurements are required. The .E57 files can be used in conjunction with point cloud data to create highly detailed and accurate models.
  • IoT and Real-Time Data Visualisation:
    • Matterport models can also be integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices to display real-time data within the virtual space. For example, you might integrate temperature sensors in a warehouse and visualise the data within the Matterport model. This allows users to monitor environmental conditions in real-time, making the digital twin not only a visual tool but also a functional one for operations and management.

10. Q&A Section

• Q: How many scan positions can the Matterport Pro3 Camera handle in a single model?
  • A: The number of scan positions is primarily limited by the device you’re using to run the Matterport Capture App. Devices with more RAM and storage can handle more scan positions. The Pro3 itself can handle a large number of scan positions within a single model, typically up to 200 or more depending on the complexity of the space and device capacity.
• Q: How should I handle reflective surfaces like mirrors during a scan?
  • A: Reflective surfaces should be marked in the Matterport Capture App during the scanning process. This helps the software accurately interpret the space and avoid distortions caused by reflections.
• Q: Can the Matterport Pro3 Camera be used for outdoor scans?
  • A: Yes, the Matterport Pro3 Camera is equipped with a LiDAR sensor that allows it to capture outdoor environments effectively, even in direct sunlight.
• Q: How do I resolve alignment issues during the scanning process?
  • A: If alignment issues occur, it’s usually due to insufficient overlap between scan points. Make sure to overlap scan areas significantly. If issues persist, you may need to rescan the problematic area, ensuring better overlap and clear sightlines.
• Q: Can I use older Matterport cameras like the Pro2 and Pro3 in the same model?
  • A: Yes, scans from the Pro2 and Pro3 cameras can be combined within the same model. Matterport’s platform supports this integration, allowing you to take advantage of the unique features of both cameras within a single project.
• Q: How can I troubleshoot connectivity issues between the Pro3 camera and the Capture App?
  • A: Ensure that the Wi-Fi connection between the camera and the iPad is strong and stable. If issues persist, try moving to a location with less interference or restarting both the camera and the iPad.

Set up your own Matterport account and find information about cameras

Document Credits and Contact Information

Created by Tony Pincham with the assistance of ChatGPT Virtual Tour Visionary.

If you find any errors, omissions, or have suggestions for improvements, please contact Tony Pincham at:

Phone: +44 7970 698983, +44 20 8123 9360
Email: tony@imagesforindustry.co.uk