360-degree Photography: A Step-by-step Method for Collecting and Analyzing Spherical Visual Data in the Social Sciences

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Abstract
360-degree photography is an emerging form of visual media that is increasingly used in research. However, little methodological evidence exists on the use of this technology for field-based data collection and analysis. Drawing on an “urban objects” research project, we describe procedures to capture, process, store, code, and analyze 360-degree digital photos, highlighting considerations particular to this imaging format. 360-degree photography is a powerful field method, particularly for research that requires “whole scene capture” and/or strives to analyze the relational connections between objects and their wider surrounding environments. The procedures outlined are applicable to field-based research projects across the social sciences.

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