Why are some virtual tours horizontal while others allow viewing in all directions?
The panoramic-only (horizontal) virtual tours represent older, less sophisticated technology. Many photographers have not switched to the “omniramic” type of photographic equipment used by Netstrom because it is more expensive, the images are more labor-intensive to develop, and there is a steep learning curve when it comes to producing professional quality omniramic images. Netstrom only builds Total 360° images so that nothing is left to the imagination. Not only is this format much better for showing beautiful marble floors, vaulted ceilings and skylights, but it has a psychological effect on the person viewing the image. Total 360° images leave an impression in the user’s mind of having “stepped inside” the picture. These images are shot with a Nikon CoolPix digital camera, whereas the panoramic tours are either composed of 6-10 still photos or filmed with a video camera. Using more than two still images to create the final 360° image leads to far greater distortion (e.g., walls ap
