I have found the solution to reorienting a 360 degree panorama for the proper view as a backdrop. It is found in Chief X14 and probably in the earlier versions. It does not require reorienting the building, which would be a disaster. I own and use a Ricoh Theta SC which is a 360 camera and quite affordable. The iPhone panos are stitched and the pics don't work as well as the Theta. Here's the deal:
Import (as a backdrop) the 360 into the CA file and name it. When you double click the Full Camera, the Full Camera Defaults window opens, select the backdrop image, then check Spherical Panoramic Backdop. Notice the edits and the Horizontal Offset. The default setting is 0. You will have to experiment with the adjustment. I started with 90 degrees and adjusted iin 10 degree increments in both directions, then dialed it in.
I have included an image of a preliminary design for a residence at a lake front showing the correct orientation.And here's the Grand View! BTW: the Ricoh Theta takes very crisp images. Something is lost in the import to Chief that makes it look fuzzy. I need to work on that. I should add that I also edit the 360 in Photoshop to rid the pic of unwanted things.....in this case, an abandoned garden where the house will sit......in the past, I've eliminated trees, autos and even structures from the pic with Photoshop....and I have only basic skills with that software.
I hope this helps you folks out there!
Ted Broussard
(user since Version 8.5 (2003? I think)
