Projection mapping aligns media to a physical surface. When that surface has depth, a flat outline does not describe all of the relationships the production team needs to understand.
Depth changes the relationship
A cornice, recess or sculpted form occupies a different plane from the surrounding facade. A 3D representation can help designers understand those differences when developing media and planning the projection workflow.
The useful detail is task-specific. Capturing fine surface texture may be unnecessary for one assignment, while a small but significant edge can matter to another. Identify the features the content actually depends on.
Edges connect content to the environment
Architectural boundaries and scenic features can give media a physical reference. The content team needs to decide how those features relate to imagery, rather than treating geometry as an invisible background asset.
A measured surface can help distinguish the installed shape from design intent. If scenery changes after capture, the model and assumptions need review.
Occlusion limits what can be seen
Recessed or obstructed areas may be hidden from a scanner position or projector position. These are related line-of-sight questions, but their positions and purposes differ. Complete scan coverage does not guarantee complete projector coverage.
Optical planning must also consider lenses, throw, brightness, overlap, materials and ambient light. Geometry informs that conversation; it does not solve every projection constraint.
Viewpoint and UV strategy matter
In perspective-mapped content, a chosen audience or virtual-camera viewpoint can influence how an illusion appears. UV mapping connects a surface representation with the content layout, and different workflows use that relationship differently.
The studio and integrator should agree the model, content-template and calibration responsibilities. A scan-derived mesh is not automatically a finished media template.
Measured geometry supports a workflow
Laser scanning can provide a reference when existing geometry is uncertain. In other situations an existing model, direct measurement or camera-based calibration may meet the need. The capture choice should follow the environment and the production decision.
Explore the interactive process and projection surface capture. The glossary explains common terms.
Technical references
- Disguise perspective mapping: relationships between cameras, UV maps, content and audience viewpoint.
- Disguise OmniCal: camera-based calibration and adjustments to production geometry.