Absolutely! An image qualifies to be called a panorama if more than one image has been combined/stitched to make a wide image. However, it does not have to cover or include everything in sight. In fact, an image that is stitched from 3 or 4 images that only capture the scene as seen by the eyes without turning around qualifies for a panorama (panned image). Say for example one wants to capture the beach as far left and right as his/her eyes can see, about 190 degrees… that is a panorama!
On the other hand, a spherical image has to capture everything from the floor to the ceiling and all around.
The following image should give a clear picture between a panoramic image and a spherical image.
[Image credit – Semantic Scholar]
Today almost any phone or camera is capable of creating a panorama, however, only a small percentage can actually create a spherical image
