With the push of a button, projection mapping enables the creation of magnificent displays. No longer are you limited to flat surfaces, since intricate architecture and structures can be turned into stunningly visual displays. However, there are other factors to consider, such as legalities.
Here are the answers to all of your questions about implementing a projection mapping project on a building:
1. How do you do Projection mapping?
Outdoor projection on a flat surface, such as the flat surface of a building, is standard. “Projection mapping” necessitates a pre production stage in which images are matched to a three-dimensional graphic model (of the building). When these images are projected onto the actual building, they appear to “wrap” around its physical features, as if they were painted on or a part of the structure.
Projection mapping is sometimes employed on a smaller scale in advertising: for example, to project images of virtual clothing onto mannequins or onto apparel, shoes, or automobiles to imitate changes in colour and texture.
2. What are the types of projection mapping projects out there?
Projection mapping projects are typically classified into three broad categories, and this classification will dictate how the projection system is designed.
Beyond conventional aspect ratio – A screen surface, typically planar, that does not conform to conventional aspect ratios for screens. While this is not technically projection mapping because the image is not “warped,” this image configuration may require multiple projectors and edge blending to address properly.
Curvilinear – A screen with a constant radius arc, either convex or concave, that requires only minor geometry correction and may require multiple projectors depending on the aspect ratio.
Defined by object – A multiplane, arc, or other geometric shape image surface that requires advanced geometry correction. The object defines this type of mapping project. Building facades, automobile surfaces, extruded walls, physical signage, and physical objects or models are all examples.
3. What’s the best 3D projection mapping, Outsource or In-House?
Depending on the size and scope of your ideas, you may need to enlist some assistance in putting them into action. That said, if your team includes a tech-savvy creative and projection mapping is a regular component of your repeat events, it may be well worth your while to invest in your own team and capabilities for projection mapping.
In-house factors
Is there anyone on your team who is capable of creating 3D projections? If so, it may be more cost effective to purchase cutting-edge projection mapping software and develop it in-house.
However, take into consideration that if you take this route, you may also need to rent equipment that is not currently in your ownership. For example, a hard drive, a server, and projectors.
Several advantages of going in-house include the following:
-Long-term advantages
-Ultimate customization
-A more complete understanding of the project
Having said that, many event planners will lack the in-house expertise and resources necessary to manage projection mapping. In that case, training your team will almost certainly be more expensive than simply outsourcing.
Outsourcing factors
Numerous projection mapping companies can design and implement what you require, particularly if you’re looking to project onto buildings or vehicles. They will have more experience with standard projections and will be better equipped to handle unusual requests.
Likewise, you can work with AV companies like DOREMi that specialize in 3D projection mapping, which has the added benefit of ensuring that your 3D projection requirements and AV setup are properly coordinated.
If you choose to outsource, it is recommended that you consult with your AV provider first to ensure your expectations are reasonable. Collaborate closely with your AV team to vet and prioritize the most feasible ideas, implement their recommendations, and create something amazing as a team.
Several advantages of outsourcing include the following:
-Input from industry experts
-Access to cutting-edge resources, software, and devices
-Excellent expertise to guide event execution
4. How to do 3D projection mapping now that you know how much it costs and what you can do?
A tutorial on projection mapping.
Below is a detailed tutorial that will show you how to get great projection mapping effects, just like professional projection mapping companies would.
Make sure you have the right environment and the right tools to do your job well
To do good projection mapping, you need to make sure that the environment is right.
If you’re making a new surface or using things that are already there, the first thing you should think about is the size of the surface you’re using. This will have a big impact on the cost of projection mapping.
Next, you need to figure out what objects you will be projecting on because some surfaces aren’t good for projection mapping, especially those with reflective surfaces. It’s important to pick the right mapping object, so be careful. Because the light from the projector shines through translucent surfaces, they look ethereal. Opaque surfaces, on the other hand, may be better if you want clearer images.
This is also the first step. You need to measure everything that you need to. You need to figure out the size of the object you will be projecting on, as well as the distance between the projector and the object you will be projecting on, before you start. These things will come into play when you’re using the projection mapping software. The type of lens you’ll need and how bright the projection will be will be based on this.
At this point, you’ll need to decide where to put the projector, so think about where you want it. It needs to be in a place where people won’t trip over it or block the projection. Putting a projector on the ground is not a good idea.
When you choose where to put the canvas or other mapping object, pay attention to areas that are eye-catching. Strategically place the objects in the places where you think your guests will spend the most time.
Lighting is another thing you should pay attention to in this first step. Because it will make the projection look faded or not there at all if the space is too bright, it won’t be good for it. Get a brighter projector or use curtains or tinted windows to make the room less bright.
When everything is ready, you can start taking a perspective picture. It will be used in the next step to mock up the content and also to make a 3D rendering of the project. It should be taken at the same angle as the projector.
Choose the right content for your project
From the start of the project, you should know what you want to do. The type of content you want to show should already be clear to you.
Keep an eye on the resolution and size of the images you choose, because they may change depending on the hardware you have.
It’s a lot of work at this point:
-What kind of picture will best show your message through the object?
-What kind of media (videos, images, etc.) should I use?
-Will the projection be paired with sound?
-Will the content spread across the entire object
-Will the different parts of the object get different things?
It’s also at this point that you will decide whether the projection will stay the same, keep looping, or cycle through a bunch of different ones.
Select the Appropriate Hardware
The hardware you use to do projection mapping affects how well it works. The environment and size of the object you want to project on will help you decide what kind of equipment you need. The gear you need to project on a small object is different from the gear you need to project on a big object like a building.
The bigger the space and the object, the bigger and brighter the projectors that you will need to make the picture clear and bright. If the object is very big, you may need more than one projector to show it.
You’ll also need to think about the bulbs, lenses, and mounts for the projectors when you think about what to buy. If you want to use audio with the projection, you need to have audio systems that are right for the environment or space you’re going to be in.
The process of projecting your object:
Make sure there is something on the object before you start this step.
The first thing you need to do is make a picture of the object you want to project on with projection mapping software. It is very important that you get the size and shape of the object right, because if you don’t, the projection will look messy and you’ll mess up the effect.
Make sure you blend and mask the content together if you’re using more than one projector to make it look like it came from one source.
You might have a hard time mapping things that have depth or curves, but you should be able to wrap the content with your mapping software.
A mask can be used to cover up parts of a projection mapping that don’t line up with the object and spill over into the environment around it. This is because a mask projects black where you don’t want to see anything. This makes your picture look like it fits perfectly with the object from the viewer’s point of view.
After masking, you may need to do a little tweaking to make sure everything is lined up perfectly in the picture.
When you’re done with this step, all that’s left to do is make sure that everything is where it should be and that it works well. It’s ready when everything is set.
5. What is the basic equipment I need for projection mapping?
Projection Mapping is divided into three categories: hardware, media, and software.
The hardware component of the project consists of the following: your computer, cables, projector, power source, midi controllers, and peripherals.
Software connects the gear and the user, allowing for control of the output. This would include your VJ software, which should include projection mapping tools, as well as some sort of video mixer.
Media is the aesthetic component of the experience, typically a series of videos or images that your audience can enjoy while learning about your chosen subject.
DOREMi has the vision technology and expertise to create an immersive experience unlike any other. We can design and create multimedia to be projected onto a custom-made set that perfectly matches the built framework using powerful and high-definition projectors.
