There are many different versions of virtual tour software on the market. Typically you'll find as you spend more the 360 virtual tour software will have more options and be easier to use. Most virtual tour interactive software applications require that you stitch together multiple digital images together. While it is possible to shoot with a film based camera most photographers choose to use digital camera since your final product will be in digital form.

The first step required to create a virtual tour is to capture the virtual tour images. Virtual tour images are created by capturing from 2-18 or more images from the center point of view of the scene. This is done by placing a specially equipped digital or film camera on a panoramic tripod head at the center point of the scene and rotating the camera after the image is captured. Generally 50% overlap is sufficent for stitching together the virtual tour. The second step required to create a virtual tour is to process and then retouch your stitched image. Here you must have appropiate virtual tour stitching software for doing this step. There are many companies that provide software for creating virtual tours. Some leaders vendors you can find on this site. Virtual tour software comes in a variety configurations from automated to complex, from free to expensive. Depending on your needs and quality your results can vary dramatically.

Virtual Tour software features should include:

No charge per virtual tour. You buy the software and its unlimited use.

Ability to stitch with different lenses and camera configurations.

A good help forum so when questions come up you can get help.

Prices can vary from free (and a difficult learning curve) to expensive $500.00 (and as simple as drag and drop).

Does it produce files that can be used as QuickTime Vr .mov files, Java, or IPIX?

Does it build just the panorama? or can it write the code to deploy it on the Internet.

I hope this gives you a basic understanding of 360 virtual tour software and the process of creating virtual tours. good luck!.

If your project requires professional photography and deployment contact studio360

For more details on how to create a virtual tour. For travel guides around the world.