Applet (Java) - A Java Applet is a Java application program designed to run inside a web browser.  For virtual tours, the Java Applet contains the viewer software that loads, displays, and controls the virtual tour.  A version of the 'Java Virtual Machine' must be enabled in the browser in order to use the applet. 

Cubic Panorama - A Cubic Panorama is a 180° x 360° panorama image that utilizes the six facets of a cube. 

Cylindrical Panorama - Cylindrical panoramas consist of multiple overlapping images stitched together to form a single 360° panorama.  They differ from spherical panoramas because they do not cover the zenith (straight up) or the nadir (straight down). Instead, they focus on a region near the horizon. Cylindrical panoramas are well suited for situations where the user does not need to see much detail on the ceiling or the floor (i.e. stucco ceiling).  Cylindrical panoramas have the ability to provide greater detail and have better zoom characteristics when compared to spherical panoramas.

Fisheye Lenses - The circular fisheye lenses captures a circular 180° field of view in all directions.    Fisheye images have curves which the human eye do not perceive because the focal length of the human eye is approx 50mm. Fisheye lens images tend to cause all straight lines to appear curved.

FoV - Field of View.  This term is used to describe the horizontal and vertical viewing area of a virtual panorama tour. 

Immersive Virtual Tour - The definition of this term is varied depending on who you talk to.  Sometimes Spherical Panoramas are referred to as being immersive.  In theory, it provides the illusion of being physically in a location.  A real Immersive Reality System provides a head mounted display system that permits individuals to immerse themselves in a 3D virtual reality environment involving sight and motion.

Hotspots and Hotspot Tours - Virtual tours with hot spots permits users to click on a highlighted area, within the tour, to view the next tour scene.  They are great for creating the illusion of 'walk thru' tour.  

iPIX* - A proprietary virtual tour creation and publishing solution.  iPIX*  makes use of Spherical Panoramas created with two fisheye images stitched together using the iPIX* software. 

OneShot** - The OneShot** method creates cylindrical panoramas using special lenses.  This method does not require stitching together of multiple images. 

Panorama -  A photographic image that displays a wider than normal field of view (FoV).  A panorama may display any variation of horizontal field of view up to and including 360°.   Standard panorama images are useful for vistas or subject areas where there is a wall, or other undesirable element, to eliminate out of the view. 

Spherical Panorama -  A spherical panorama permits users to pan horizontally 360° and vertically 180°  between the ceiling/sky and the floor/ground.  These panorama images are particular useful for displaying ornate ceilings or architecture with vaulted cathedral ceilings.  Typically, Spherical Panoramas are referred to as 180° x 360° panoramas.  Typically Spherical Panorama images have an aspect ratio of 2:1.  iPIX* marketing refers to this type of technology as 360° x 360°.        

Stitching - Stitching is the process for preparing panorama images for use within various virtual tour viewers.  Basically, the process involves placing together multiple overlapping images to create a single seamless image. The process can be quite involved depending on the level of detail (resolution) and the type of panorama (spherical or cylindrical).