Matterport vs Gaussian Splatting
Matterport remains familiar for standardized scans and floor plan workflows. Gaussian splatting is stronger when the listing needs photorealistic feel, flexible capture, and a branded browser-based walkthrough.
Decision matrix
Quick answer
Most buyers are not searching for the rendering technique. They care about whether the tour answers layout, condition, and confidence questions faster than photos alone.
Matterport
Gaussian
Reality check
Comparison
| Criteria | Matterport | Gaussian splatting in Real Horizons |
|---|---|---|
| Capture | Standardized scan path, often tied to supported cameras or trained operator habits. | Phone video, 360 video, image sets, DSLR, and drone-assisted capture can feed the workflow. |
| Visual quality | Reliable spatial scan with familiar navigation. Texture feel depends on device and scene. | Photorealistic property tour feel when capture coverage, lighting, and processing are handled well. |
| Navigation | Dollhouse, scan points, and floor plan views are familiar to many agents. | Guided waypoints, hotspots, floor plan context, and browser-based walkthrough patterns. |
| Hosting and handoff | Client may stay inside a platform-specific hosting and viewer model. | Tours can be published, embedded, branded, shared, and measured through Real Horizons. |
| Mobile | Predictable for supported tours, but viewers may still bounce if the tour feels long. | Requires optimized splat size and viewer testing. Use guided paths and fallback media for phones. |
| Analytics | Depends on plan and reporting setup. | Tour views and CTA clicks can show which listings create real buyer interest. |
| Best package fit | Standard 3D scan, floor plan, and agent-ready handoff. | Premium listing, new development, media agency upsell, or branded sales experience. |
Operator economics
Real estate photographers in discussion threads keep asking whether agents will pay for 3D tours. The answer depends on whether the tour wins listings, saves showings, or supports a premium presentation.
| Package | What to include |
|---|---|
| Starter add-on | Photos, simple hosted tour, 5 to 8 guided waypoints, agent CTA. |
| Premium listing | Photos, drone, splat tour, floor plan context, hotspots, analytics summary. |
| New development | Model unit tour, amenity context, unit selector path, sales handoff links. |
| Agency retainer | Monthly hosting, updates, analytics review, and package recommendations. |
Further reading
When splats help, when simpler media wins, and how to guide a tour.
Read moreCapture paths, gear choices, lighting, artifacts, and real estate checklist.
Read morePackage examples, agent pitch, pricing logic, and client handoff.
Read moreInspect the viewer, mobile flow, and CTA placement first. Then run one small capture before rolling splats into every listing tier.