Digital Twins for Commercial Buildings: Your Guide to 3D Mapping Solutions
Contents
Choosing and incorporating 3D Mapping and Digital Twins into commercial building management is much more than meets the eye. 3D mapping technology has matured significantly since its early days, when it was used primarily for basic floor plans. Today’s solutions offer detailed, interactive models that can integrate with your building management systems (BMS). Property managers can now purchase tools that provide actionable insights, not just static data.
When comparison shopping for 3D mapping options, you need a framework that goes beyond initial cost and features. Think about Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI) as guiding metrics. It’s also essential to consider data security and user experience tailored to different roles within your organization. As your team adopts digital twins, ensuring that the system is secure and user-friendly will speed up onboarding and help you achieve those ROI’s faster.
A Quick Digital Twin Case Study
Consider a commercial high-rise building that uses a digital twin for ongoing maintenance. Normally the property management team would schedule recurring physical checks. But they could also monitors HVAC systems across multiple floors on the digital twin. Coupled with physical sensors, they can analyze and identify specific areas with higher energy consumption and temperature discrepancies. This proactive approach allows the team to investigate potential issues before they escalate.
The analysis could reveal things like insufficient insulation or inefficient airflow designs in specific zones. This information helps the team pinpoint problems and plan future retrofits to optimize the HVAC system. Digital Twins can drive both immediate and long-term benefits.
Comparison Chart
Here are 6 companies highlighted in this article. I am not sponsored by any of these companies, and I’ve gathered pros and cons drawn from actual customer reviews.
| Company | Hardware Type | Ease of Use | CAD Exports | Third-Party Integrations |
| Eye Spy 360 | Compatible with standard 360 cameras | User-friendly interface, drag-and-drop tools, mobile app for quick edits | ✓ | MLS systems, CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), property management software |
| iGuide | iGuide Camera System (IMS-5), LiDAR technology | Intuitive interface, easy setup, minimal training required | ✓ | MLS systems, CRM platforms, building management software |
| Integrated Projects (IPX) | 3D laser scanners (e.g., Faro, Leica), drones | Streamlined workflows, user-friendly BIM interfaces, customizable dashboards | ✓ | Construction management platforms, ERP systems, cloud storage solutions |
| Matterport | Matterport Axis, 360 cameras like Ricoh Theta, Insta360 | Intuitive app, guided setup, automatic stitching and processing, easy sharing options | ✓ | MLS systems, CRM platforms, CAD software, cloud storage services, VR platforms |
| Rescan 360 | 3D laser scanners, 360-degree cameras, drones | Automated processes | ✓ | Construction management platforms, CAD/BIM software, cloud storage solutions, ERP systems |
| Vpix 360 | 360-degree cameras (e.g., Ricoh Theta, Insta360), DSLR cameras with fisheye lenses | Simple drag-and-drop interface, customizable tour features, user-friendly editing tools | ✓ | MLS systems, CRM platforms |
Eye Spy 360
Website: https://www.eyespy360.com
Unique Point: Eye Spy 360 is designed for real estate agents who want to create stand-out virtual tours. It’s simple, easy to use, and integrates well with other marketing tools.
Eye Spy 360 is a virtual tour platform that offers 360-degree tours, 3D models, and floor plans. It’s aimed at real estate professionals who need an easy-to-use tool to create immersive experiences for potential buyers. The platform emphasizes accessibility and simplicity, targeting tech-savvy users and those who might be new to digital real estate tools.
Pros of Eye Spy 360
- Ease of Use: Eye Spy 360 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Even those with limited technical experience can quickly create virtual tours. The interface is intuitive, and uploading 360-degree images and linking them together is straightforward.
- Cost-Effective: Eye Spy 360 offers competitive pricing compared to other virtual tour platforms. It provides a decent range of features without the premium costs associated with more advanced tools like Matterport.
- No Need for Specialized Equipment: Eye Spy 360 works with standard 360 cameras. Users don’t need to invest in expensive, proprietary hardware. This makes it accessible for smaller real estate agencies or independent agents.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: The platform supports viewing on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This flexibility is crucial for reaching a broad audience.
- Good Customer Support: Lots of users highlighted Eye Spy 360’s willingness to help with technical issues and setup.
Cons of Eye Spy 360
- Limited Integration Capabilities: The platform doesn’t offer as many integrations with other real estate or marketing tools as some competitors. This might challenge users looking for a seamless workflow across multiple platforms.
- Limited Advanced Features: Eye Spy 360 lacks more advanced features like high-end 3D modeling, detailed analytics, and integrations with other software.
- Image Quality: Some users noted that the image quality isn’t as sharp as they’d like. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something to consider for those who prioritize image clarity.
- Basic Customization: Eye Spy 360 offers some customization options, but they are relatively limited. Users looking for more robust branding and design tools might find the platform a bit restrictive.
- Lack of AR/AI Features: Eye Spy 360 sticks to the basics. This could be a downside for users interested in cutting-edge technology.
Pricing Plans:
- Basic ($15/month): Provides essential tools for creating virtual tours.
- Advanced ($70/month): Offers higher quality images, more storage, and additional features for professional use.
Eye Spy 360 offers a tiered pricing system for basic features, starting at $15/month. Their more advanced packages, which include higher-quality images and more storage, can cost up to $70/month.
iGuide
Website: https://goiguide.com/
Unique Point: iGuide is tailored for precision. It combines floor plans with immersive 3D tours and accurate measurements.
iGuide offers a comprehensive virtual tour and floor plan management solution, primarily used in real estate and property management. It employs a proprietary camera system to capture 360-degree images and laser measurements, allowing users to create interactive 2D floor plans and virtual tours.
Pros of iGuide
- Ease of Use: Users find iGuide very intuitive, making it accessible for those new to virtual tours as well as seasoned professionals.
- Customer Support: The company receives high marks for its customer service, with numerous reports of responsive and helpful support.
- No Monthly Fees: Unlike some competitors, iGuide doesn’t charge monthly fees, which can be a significant saving over time.
- Fast Capture and Processing: The system allows for quick capture of images and floor plans, facilitating a faster turnaround for projects.
- Continuous Updates and Education: iGuide is praised for its commitment to improving its software and providing ongoing educational resources to its users (Capterra) (Capterra) (Capterra).
Cons of iGuide
- Image Quality: Some users note that while the image quality is generally good, it is not as high as some other systems on the market.
- Hardware Cost: Initially, the cost of purchasing the necessary hardware can be quite high, although this may be offset by the lack of ongoing fees.
- Learning Curve: New users may face a learning curve, although this is mitigated by strong customer support and training resources.
- Software Navigation: There are some reports of difficulties with placing scans and navigating the software, although these seem to be less common (Capterra) (Capterra) (GetApp).
Pricing Plans:
- Pay-per-scan ($29/scan): It is ideal for occasional users who only need to pay when using the service. I hate subscriptions.
Integrated Projects (IPX)
Website: https://www.integrated-projects.com
I try to remain unbiased and give objective reviews of companies in these articles, but Integrated Projects, or IPX, is one of my favorite companies. The founder, Jose Cruz is not distracted by the startup ecosystem hype. He bootstrapped solid business with happy customers before taking any VC investment. To date, IPX has mapped thousands of buildings around NYC, and is capable of mapping an entire building in a day.
Pros of IPX
- Accuracy: Integrated Projects offers millimeter-grade accuracy in their scans, which is crucial for architectural and engineering projects that require precise measurements.
- Comprehensive Platform: The IPX platform serves as a digital hub, enabling users to manage, view, and share data in 2D, 3D, and even 1D formats, which many competitors lack.
- Scalability: Integrated Projects can handle large-scale digitization efforts, making them ideal for commercial real estate portfolios rather than just single-building projects.
- Turnaround Time: The company promises quick delivery times with predictable costs, a significant advantage in industries where delays can be costly.
Cons of IPX
- Cost: While the service is transparent about pricing, it might be on the higher end.
- Complexity: The comprehensive nature of the IPX platform might be overwhelming for smaller clients who do not need such detailed data management and visualization tools.
Pricing Plans:
- Custom Quote: Pricing is based on project needs and is tailored to large enterprises with extensive collaboration requirements.
Matterport
Website: https://www.matterport.com/
Unique Point: Leading 3D models with advanced AI enhancements.
Matterport has been around long enough to become a household name in the world of 3D floor planning, and for good reason. It’s not just another 3D modeling tool; it’s a platform that allows you to create fully immersive digital twins of physical spaces. The company’s technology is a favorite among real estate agents, architects, and anyone who needs to present a space with an unparalleled level of detail and realism.
Pros of Matterport
- High-Quality Virtual Tours: Matterport is practically synonymous with the 3D dollhouse view. They essentially made the idea of virtual tours go mainstream during the pandemic. (TrustRadius) (Sherpa Media).
- Ease of Use: Matterport has a very user-friendly interface. The platform offers step-by-step instructions that guide even non-technical users through the process of capturing and creating virtual tours. This makes it accessible for a wide range of users, from individual real estate agents to large enterprise teams (CloudPano).
- Comprehensive Toolset: Matterport integrates well with its other products, offering features like AI-based data synthesis, measurements, and customization of digital twins. This makes it a robust solution for industries that require detailed documentation and collaboration, such as construction and facility management (SaaS Reviews) (CompareCamp.com).
Cons of Matterport
- Cost: The platform requires a substantial initial investment in specialized cameras, and ongoing expenses include monthly hosting fees and costs associated with additional features like schematic floor plans. For some users, particularly small businesses or individual agents, these costs can be prohibitive (Sherpa Media).
- Customer Support Issues: Users have reported less-than-ideal experiences with Matterport’s customer support. Complaints include slow response times and unhelpful, “robotic” interactions, which can be frustrating when dealing with technical issues or unexpected charges (TrustRadius).
- Storage Limitations: Users must pay for cloud storage even when they are not actively using the service, which some find inconvenient and costly. (TrustRadius).
Pricing Plans:
- Free: Basic features with limited usage, suitable for personal projects.
- Starter ($9.99/month): For individuals with small projects, it includes 5 active spaces.
- Professional ($69/month): Targeted at businesses with higher needs, including 25 active spaces.
- Professional Plus ($129/month): It includes 50 active spaces for growing businesses.
- Business ($309/month): This plan is for enterprises with high usage and includes 100 active spaces and additional features like advanced integrations.
Rescan 360
Website: https://rescan360.com/
Unique Point: Re Scan 360 is flexible, allowing users to create digital twins with a smartphone or a high-end 3D camera. This versatility makes it an excellent option for both casual users and professionals.
Re Scan 360 is a relative newcomer in the digital twin world, but it’s quickly making a name for itself with its user-friendly interface and versatile scanning options. Unlike some platforms that cater only to high-end professionals, Re Scan 360 aims to be accessible to both beginners and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re capturing a single room or an entire building, this app offers the tools you need without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.
Pros of Rescan 360
- High Speed and Efficiency: Rescan 360 can capture up to 250,000 square feet per hour, which is significantly faster than others on this list. This makes it particularly suitable for large-scale projects where time is critical.
- Interoperability: Rescan 360 supports a wide range of industry-standard file formats and integrates well with existing workflows.
- Government Contracts and Validation: The company has secured several government contracts, including SBIR Phase I and II, indicating a strong endorsement of its technology by public sector entities.
Cons of Rescan 360
- Limited Market Presence: Compared to giants like Matterport, Rescan 360 is relatively less known, which may pose challenges in gaining widespread adoption, especially in industries outside of its current focus.
- Smaller Company Size: With a small team and limited resources, Rescan 360 might struggle with scalability and rapid innovation compared to larger, better-funded competitors like NavVis and Matterport.
- Complexity in Use: It may have a steeper learning curve and non-technical personnel will need more training.
Unique Selling Point: Rescan 360’s unique selling point lies in its speed and efficiency for large-scale scanning operations, coupled with its strong government validation. This makes it an ideal choice for large-scale, high-stakes projects where speed, accuracy, and reliability are non-negotiable.
Pricing Plans: Re Scan 360 offers a free basic plan that allows you to create a limited number of scans. If you need more features, like higher-resolution models or cloud storage, you’ll need to opt for one of their paid plans, starting at $25/month. They also offer a pay-per-scan option, which is perfect for users who don’t need a full subscription but still want access to advanced tools.
Vpix 360
Website: https://www.vpix360.com/
Unique Point: Vpix 360 is all about immersive, interactive experiences. Its 360-degree virtual tours are designed to keep users engaged, making it a hit with real estate agents and marketers.
Vpix 360 is for those who want to take virtual tours to the next level. This platform creates immersive, interactive 360-degree tours that keep viewers engaged. It’s an excellent choice for real estate agents, marketers, and anyone who needs to create a memorable, interactive experience.
Pros of Vpix 360
- Camera Compatibility: One of VPiX 360’s standout features is its broad compatibility with numerous camera models, including professional DSLR cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Sony, as well as popular 360-degree cameras like Insta360 and Ricoh Theta. This flexibility allows users to leverage existing hardware, making the platform accessible to a wide range of professionals.
- Customization Options: VPiX 360 offers extensive customization capabilities, including custom navigation icons, deep pano-tag linking, and white-label branding. These features allow businesses to create personalized virtual tours that align with their brand identity.
- Industry-Specific Solutions: VPiX 360 has developed tailored solutions for various industries. For instance, their MotorStreet custom car photo studio automates vehicle spins for automotive dealers, while their 360° tours for real estate offer interactive floor plans and rich media integration, making it a versatile option for different business needs.
- Customer Support: Users frequently praise VPiX 360’s customer support, which includes comprehensive training and responsive assistance from their Colorado-based team. This hands-on support is particularly beneficial for users new to virtual tour creation.
- Flexible Pricing Plans: VPiX 360 offers a range of pricing options, including pay-as-you-go plans and discounts for annual payments. This flexibility can accommodate both small businesses and large enterprises.
Cons of Vpix 360
- Learning Curve: While VPiX 360 is feature-rich, some users have noted that the platform can be complex to navigate initially. The extensive customization options, while powerful, may require a steeper learning curve compared to more straightforward alternatives.
- Cost: For users or small businesses looking for a basic virtual tour solution, VPiX 360’s advanced features may come with a higher price tag than simpler, more budget-friendly options. The high level of customization and industry-specific tools might not justify the cost for those needing only basic functionalities.
- Limited Third-Party Integrations: Compared to some competitors, VPiX 360 has fewer direct integrations with other software platforms. This could be a limitation for users who rely on specific tools for their workflows.
Pricing Plans:
- Basic ($49/month): Includes limited storage and essential tour creation tools.
- Pro ($100+/month): Offers more robust features, higher quality images, and increased storage.
Vpix 360’s pricing starts at $49/month for their most basic plan. This includes limited storage and tour creation tools. If you’re looking for more robust options, you’ll need to upgrade to one of their higher-tier plans, which can run you over $100/month.
There’s a lot more Digital Twin options out there!
3D Mapping and Digital Twins is actually one of the largest segments in proptech, so I definitely couldn’t fit them all in this article. Browse hundreds of other 3D Mapping companies around the world in this segment in my directory here.
Derek is the founder of The Proptech Scout, as well as an NYC landlord and real estate developer. In a former career, he bootstrapped and exited an e-commerce business while side hustling as a strategy consultant.
