Projection Mapping - Such Cool Technology.

After dinner out last night I was able to enjoy a 15-minute projection show on the historic Sheldon Theatre. This was a very well done, socially distanced event and the video below showcases a small portion of the experience.

In the current world, this is a great way to continue to have events and experiences that draw larger audiences in a safe and engaging way. The technology to execute something like this is called “Projection Mapping”.

Projection mapping is a projection technique used to turn objects, often irregularly shaped, into a display surface for video projection. These objects may be complex industrial landscapes, such as buildings, small indoor objects or theatrical stages. By using specialized software, a two- or three-dimensional object is spatially mapped on the virtual program which mimics the real environment it is to be projected on.

The software can interact with a projector to fit any desired image onto the surface of that object. This type of technique is used by artists, advertisers and marketers alike who can add extra dimensions, optical illusions, and notions of movement onto previously static objects.

The video is commonly combined with, or triggered by, audio to create an audio-visual narrative. In recent years this technique has also been widely used in the context of cultural heritage as it has proved to be an excellent edutainment tool.

It was very exciting to see this live on the first night it opened. This particular event is planned to run nightly for the next 4 days.

Let me know what you think of this technology/experience in the comments below.