New 3D tool
State-of-art 3D technology introduced in Eastern Cape
TAKING a giant leap into the future of online marketing and other virtual reality applications, an Eastern Cape couple has introduced a futuristic new dimension to the property, game reserve and hospitality industries with the launch of the province’s first 3D virtual reality imaging services.
Cannon Rocks-based entrepreneurs Garry and Tracey Bull, both 47, own Kre8tiv Spaces, a 3D imaging company that deploys state-ofthe-art cameras and software to produce accurate, lifelike 3D scans of real spaces.
They launched their services in the province late last year.
Kre8tiv Spaces, according to GarryBull, is the only company in the province to own and operate the specialised equipment commercially and is also one of a handful of companies operating the equipment in South Africa.
Through the use of a Matterport camera and related equipment and software, Kre8tiv Spaces has taken the traditional panoramic 360-degree tours of premises to a new level by offering an “immersive experience” to viewers.
“We are very excited about this technology,” Bull said.
The technology had been imported from the US at a significant cost.
“It is at the cutting edge and brings a range of benefits to sectors like the traditional hotel and hospitality industry and to the real estate industry particularly.
“Think about online services such as Airbnb. You have no idea what it looks like where you have booked and you have no idea whether your booking will suit your needs.
“But if you can take a proper 3D tour of the premises, you will know exactly whether it will suit your needs.
“The same goes for hotel rooms and game reserve offerings.”
Bull said the technology was particularly suited to the estate agency industry which markets properties online.
“This technology allows potential buyers to whittle down their choices before even getting into a car by taking an accurate, fully immersive tour of a house they would like to view.
“There is also the option of putting scannable codes onto the boards advertising show houses. Potential buyers can simply scan the code with their cellphone and then later take the virtual tour of the building.”
Bull said the Matterport camera was equipped with lasers and lenses which accurately measured the interior of buildings and that the software associated with the system then rendered the images produced by the camera into a model.
“The scan software features allows one to zoom out for a full layout view and gives the viewer an accurate feel for the space’s dimensions.
“Accurate schematic 2D and 3D floor plans can also be generated from the scans.
“One can view scans on web browser, on a cellphone, or with a virtual reality headset. Scans can also be put onto Facebook pages, which opens up a wide range of possibilities.”
Bull said his company had already successfully completed imaging projects for the likes of Collegiate Girls’ High School in Port Elizabeth, Oceana Private Game Reserve and 43 Air School.