Image-based virtual reality refers to photo-based images, stitched together to develop a realistic panoramic virtual environment. Despite limited interaction function in IBVR, it is expected that users still can feel-being located in the panoramic virtual environments. However, lack of research investigating spatial presence experience in IBVR application has been found. Developing the right IBVR characteristics in IBVR application is important, if not, users will not feel user's spatial presence experience. Accordingly, spatial presence theoretical model is adapted to this research in purpose to confirm that IBVR can produce spatial presence. An initial model namely spatial presence model for image-based virtual reality (SPM4IBVR) is developed and validated. This research used PLS-SEM for validating this model because in the initial model a few items are combined to measure a variable. Following the steps of validation in PLS-SEM, six steps are conducted which are data collection and examination, the proposed model is transformed into the PLS-SEM conceptual model using software namely Smartpls3, assess the result for the proposed model from the reflective measurement model and assess the result for the proposed model from the structural model. The results from model validation shows that IBVR can enhance user's spatial presence. The results from those steps are analyzed and discussed. © 2019 Author(s).