Discover How to Create Private Site Tours with 360 Virtual Tour Software

Imagine having the power to explore your remote sites as if you were right there—without the need for travel, paperwork, or endless phone calls. This is the reality with 360 virtual tour software. They offer more than just a visual walkthrough; they provide vital data that can help you make informed decisions, improve safety protocols, and save time and money.

Whether you're managing a mining site, energy infrastructure, or a large industrial facility, this guide will show you how to create quick, effective private 360-degree tours tailored for your site visits using 360 virtual tour software. Let’s dive in!

Why Use 360-Degree Tours for Remote Sites?

If you've ever struggled with the logistics of visiting remote sites or dealt with the pain of coordinating teams across multiple locations, then you’ll appreciate what 360 virtual tour software brings to the table. Here’s why it's a game-changer:

1. Improved Visibility and Access

A 360 virtual tour offers a comprehensive view of a site, allowing you to better understand conditions and identify potential problems without being physically present. For example, one of our clients used 360 virtual tour software to safely capture underground mining operations. They then shared the tour with executives who weren’t authorized for underground access, providing them with the visibility needed to make informed decisions about operations they couldn't easily visit in person.

2. Enhance Safety and Compliance

In industrial environments, safety is everything. 360 virtual tour software provides thorough documentation of site conditions, allowing safety teams to assess potential risks remotely. This is particularly valuable in hazardous or restricted areas, where unnecessary exposure can be minimized.

3. Cost and Time Efficiency

Reducing physical site visits cuts travel expenses, minimizes downtime, and spares your team the fatigue of constant site trips. For instance, one of our clients managed to compress a 3-day site tour, which spanned multiple states and required significant travel, into a 20-minute online tour using 360 virtual tour software. The results? Faster decisions, lower costs, and a lot less hassle.

Preparation - What You Need Before Capturing

Before you jump into capturing your first tour, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Equipment

When it comes to capturing 360-degree images, the right equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what to consider:

1. 360 Cameras for Handheld or Tripod Use
   • If you’re going for handheld or tripod captures, consider using the Insta360 Pro, Ricoh Theta Z1, or similar models. These cameras are lightweight, portable, and deliver high-quality images, making them ideal for capturing clear, detailed views.
2. Drones with Built-in 360 Photo Capability
   • For larger sites or aerial captures, many drones come equipped with built-in 360 photo capabilities, eliminating the need for additional attachments. This is particularly useful for covering expansive sites like mines or large industrial areas.
3. Car-Mounted 360 Cameras for Linear Infrastructure
   • For capturing long stretches of road or linear infrastructure, attach a 360 camera to the top of a car (like the Google Street View car). This approach allows you to cover more ground quickly while capturing a continuous view of the area.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to clean the camera lenses with a microfiber cloth before starting—this simple step can make a huge difference in image quality.

2. Plan Your Capture Strategy

Think of this like planning a road trip. You wouldn’t just hop in the car and go, right? You’d map out the best route, plan stops along the way, and factor in pit stops. Similarly, when planning your 360 capture, identify the key areas to document: entry points, critical infrastructure, and safety zones.

Now, decide on the best capture method:

• Individual shots for detailed views.
• Timelapse mode for continuous captures as you walk through the site (ideal for Swyvl’s Path View).
• Driving captures, where the camera is mounted on the top of a car.

Pro Tip: If you’re going for a Swyvl Path View capture, don’t forget to also record a GPX file using a separate app on your phone. This adds a GPS track to your capture, ensuring accurate path mapping. Learn how to create a GPX file in the Swyvl Knowledge Base here.

3. Establish Security Protocols

When you’re capturing a remote or sensitive site, security should be top of mind. Ensure that your data is securely stored from the moment it’s captured. If you’re working in areas with restricted access, ensure that all personnel have the necessary clearance and follow safety protocols.

4. Prepare Your Team

360 captures often require a team effort, so make sure your staff knows how to use the equipment properly. Conduct a brief training session if needed—it’s a small investment that can prevent costly errors down the line.

How to Capture 360-Degree Images for Tours

Now comes the fun part—capturing the images! Whether you're walking, driving, or using a drone, here’s how to ensure a smooth capture:

1. Setting Up the Camera

Depending on the situation, you have several options:

• Handheld captures with a selfie stick are quick and perfect for walkthroughs.
• Car-mounted captures cover a lot of ground quickly—ideal for large sites.
• Tripod captures provide stable shots at specific points of interest.

Personally, I’ve attached a 360 camera to my car and driven along long stretches of road—literally like Google Street View. It’s a fantastic way to capture expansive sites quickly and comprehensively.

2. Quick Capture Tips

• Use Timelapse Mode: Timelapse mode captures images at regular intervals—perfect for creating continuous Path View tours.
• Capture GPX Data: As mentioned earlier, a GPX file is key for path mapping. Use your phone to record this as you walk or drive, making sure your 360 images sync up seamlessly.

3. Drone Captures for Large Sites

For larger sites, drones can be a lifesaver. Use a drone with 360-degree capabilities to get overhead views. Just remember to stay within legal flying limits and avoid capturing areas without permission.

4. Capture Verification

Before leaving the site, review your images to ensure that everything is captured correctly. There’s nothing worse than realizing you missed a critical area and need to return to the site. A quick review on-site can save you a lot of trouble later.

Creating the Virtual Tour

Once your images are captured, it’s time to create the tour.

1. Processing 360 Images

First, process the raw images using stitching software to create seamless 360-degree views. If you’re new to this, most 360 cameras come with basic software to help you get started.

2. Uploading to the Tour Software

Upload the processed images to Swyvl. Swyvl will automatically geolocate the images based on the captured GPX data, but you can manually adjust their placement for accuracy.

3. Adding Annotations and Notes

Add annotations and notes to the map, not directly to the images. This helps users understand site details better and makes collaboration more effective.

4. Publishing the Tour

Once your tour is ready, Swyvl offers two publishing options:

• Public: Anyone with the link can view.
• Private: Only those with a password can access the tour.

This gives you full control over who sees your data and how it’s shared.

Using 360 Virtual Tours to Improve Operations

Creating the tour is just the start. Here’s how you can put it to use:

1. Remote Team Collaboration

Virtual tours enable teams to discuss site conditions in real-time, making decision-making faster and more informed. One of our clients captures their site every two weeks and displays the most up-to-date tour on a big screen in their office. Bringing up the tour during meetings to clarify site discussions has made a significant impact.

2. Compliance and Safety Checks

Share the tour with compliance teams for remote inspections. It’s like bringing the site to the inspector, without the travel.

3. Training New Staff

360-degree tours are fantastic for onboarding new employees. They provide a realistic view of site conditions before anyone sets foot on the ground.

4. Planning and Resource Allocation

Use the tour to plan ahead. Whether it’s identifying potential hazards or calculating resource needs, the data from a 360-degree tour is invaluable.

5. Capturing at Different Project Stages

Capturing 360 images at different stages of a project provides a valuable record to look back on. It’s like having a time machine for your site, allowing you to see how things have progressed over time.

Conclusion

Private 360 virtual tour software offers a wealth of benefits, from increased visibility to improved safety and collaboration. Ready to take your site management to the next level? Start creating your first 360-degree tour and see the impact it has on your team’s efficiency and productivity.