Video Mapping: What is it and the simplest way to achieve it!
It is now common to see architectural buildings and monuments lighting up at night in large and small cities. The enthusiasts as well as the simple curious are attarded and amazed by these wonderful visual miracles. If walkers don't know how to name these « illuminations », they may not even be aware of having seen it and on smaller structures. For the aficionados, this wonderful technological device of which they are witnesses is other than the video mapping.
Exceeding its function, video mapping is now used to enhance artistic performances in concerts and theatre, create an atmosphere for the launch of a product or animate a corporate event. And with the rise of mapping solutions, the way to offer immersive experiences has never been clearer. But we must first answer some questions: what is projection mapping? What are its specific features? How do we make projection mapping? Is there training to learn projection mapping? We provide all the answers in this article.
What is the mapping video?
First of all, let's define what video mapping is. Video mapping is a projection technique used to transform objects and elements into a display surface for video projection. This method appeared in the 2000s is to project videos and visual animations by playing with their aperities thanks to one or more projectors.
The goal of mapping is to create optical illusions by placing visual content on static volumes.
The projection surface is the fundamental distinction between 2D and 3D mapping video.
Even if the nomenclature is not necessarily known to the public, the examples which can be given are sufficiently explicit.
Indeed, the monumental mapping – projection of videos on monuments – is the best known form of video mapping. It takes into account 3D elements and therefore uses 3D video mapping.
2D mapping is usually done on flat or curved surfaces where the measurables are length and height. When working with textured objects and surfaces, 3D video mapping is used to account for depth and other spatial considerations.
So we know that any 2D and 3D physical element can become a projection surface. This literally means everything and everything.
In general, the three-dimensional factor brings more attention and interest to creation. The more dimensional interest, the more spectacular and relevant the mapping video. A 3D mapping video inherently generates more value and takes on real meaning.
In effect, going from 2D to 3D provides an enhanced experience for the spectator.
For example, here are a few the most exceptional 3D mapping video.
Where to do video mapping?
So far, we have emphasized the importance of distinguishing 2D mapping from 3D mapping. Similarly, video mapping surfaces are infinitely varied. They range from the facade of a monument to an architectural detail, from a theatre decor to a small object or a simple wall... Geometrical accessories are also an excellent option to easily obtain a strong visual impact.
All elements of reality can be transformed and transformed by this virtual technology. This technique goes further than light design thanks to software that allows you to create moving trompe-l'oeil, spectacular optical illusions and 360° projections!
Video mapping is the possibility of designing surprising graphic and visual environments that plunge the public into an immersive atmosphere to experience an experience where reality is transformed... into another reality!
Video mapping: who can practice it?
Big projects
We know that mapping video can be applied to absolutely any physical element. That is, anything, from infinitely small to gigantic. And for the latter part, the market is occupied by the major players in the audiovisual sector.
They create massive works combining several high performance projectors for a single project. The visual rendering is exceptional, and the financial cost is just as much.
The major players in the audiovisual sector are, in general, technical providers who provide the technology essential for large-scale experiments. They work with creative agencies to create the audiovisual content that will be broadcast.
The agency is responsible for generating 3D content which will correspond perfectly and exclusively to the building. The agency receives plans, prototypes or drawings in any format so that it can work on them before the event. The process of content development is essential, and it is sometimes offered as a service by audiovisual companies.
Video Mapping for all projects
On the other hand, video mapping software has democratized this discipline, once reserved for technical experts, by making it accessible to as many people as possible. Video mapping is now accessible to event professionals and agencies, experienced artists and entertainment specialists.
Examples include:
This mapping of a stone quarry is a real-time audiovisual performance in which music and image are created live underground.
In this 5-part trip, the visuals are linked to sound using audio and CV information, driving generative patches in TouchDesigner.
The creative technologist Data.Flaw has created an exciting gamified experience. Indeed, he propelled interactivity to another level by connecting a Playstation 5 to
Ns New Systevent 2 via OSC.
The French music band Free for the Ladies used the mapping video in its set during the shooting and the result is electrifying. Filling their instruments and faces with waves of colours thanks to Most intuitive video mapping software, musical vibrations cross the screen.
How to make video mapping?
The creation of a video mapping requires a certain discipline and consists of several steps:
- Prepare your material: The tools for video mapping are few, you will need a computer, a video projector, a projection surface, a cable to connect the computer to the projector and software: we recommend you
Ns New Systevent.
- Identify the projection surface: It consists of choosing the projection surface: an object, architectural element, decoration or accessory specially designed as a structure adapted to 3D video mapping: the Kit Olga. This triangular structure kit is a reference for the construction of 3D mapping video sets. Easy to assemble, hang and composed of fire resistant M1 material, it is perfect for creating beautiful animations!
- Choose a projector(s) and identify the appropriate positioning(s): The next step is to select and position the projector based on a distance calculation from the projection surface to be covered. The power of the projector is chosen according to the size of the projection surface (5,000 lumens for small projections and up to 40,000 lumens for monumental projections) and the ambient brightness. The projector must be stable, at the right height and properly designed to achieve optimum rendering of the animations. After several settings, its placement must be definitive to avoid any risk of lag with the upcoming mapping. See our detailed article to help you choose your video projector.
- Develop a storyboard, model the projected surface, create a motion design: certainly the most creative step, but also the most complex. It's time to create animations that match perfectly the projection surfaces. These creations are usually made by motion designers and then exported as video files. The technicians in the field will then adapt these video creations to the projection medium thanks to video mapping software.
To avoid complications,Ns New Systevent offers simplified solutions for an intuitive and stress-free creative process. The software has built-in visual effects that can be combined without limits and adapts all imported photos and videos, as well as the content of other applications, directly to the projection surface. It's a phenomenal saving of time!
Ns New Systevent: your essential to create a unique mapping video!
A turnkey and easy-to-use solution that allows you to achieve a 5 step quality mapping:
1) Choose your mapping surfaces
You can use
Ns New Systevent in any place and on any type of surface. The projection surface can be a facade of a building, your car, a pair of shoes, or any decor of your choice. You can also use our Olga kits specially designed for video mapping. The simplicity of use and rendering of video mapping designed with
Ns New Systevent and the Olga kit have prompted some customers to turn artistic projects into permanent installation. This is the case with the Sheron project below.
2) Place your projector
All models are compatible with
Ns New Systevent. You just need to make sure you position your projector properly so that your volume is fully covered by the projection field.
Find our advice to help you choose the most suitable projector for your project.
3) Draw the mapping areas
Playful and intuitive interface of
Ns New Systevent, thanks to its drawing tools, allows you to draw contours perfectly suited to your projection areas. The operation is done with your mouse, quite simply.
The mapping video appears directly and instantly on the projection surfaces you have chosen.
(4) Add visual effects
Create your video mapping in just a few minutes using ready-made animations designed by our teams. They automatically adapt to your surface drawings. Animate, color and give life to your decors easily thanks to the most complete and varied effects library in the world.
5) Import Your Own Content
You can use your photos or video clips,
Ns New Systevent automatically adapts them to your mapping video surfaces.
You can also integrate video content from other applications,
Ns New Systevent is compatible with Syphon & Spout technologies, for example.
Already several actors have tested the software
Ns New Systevent to boost their corporate events, stage installations or artistic decorations. This is particularly the case of the YMCA which has built via
Ns New Systevent and on the occasion of the comics festival of Angoulême an elegant scenography to sublimate a DJ Set. The spectators found themselves transported into a visual universe inspired by the world of comics!
You also want to create an incredible graphic installation? Go for
Ns New Systevent!
Video mapping: which license
Ns New Systeventchoisir?
Whether you are a professional, amateur, student or teacher...
Ns New Systevent offers you an offer tailored to your needs. To choose:
- Supply
Ns New Systevent Live offer, is ideal for live performance and artistic projects . It includes all essential features.
- Supply Ns New Systevent
Pro includes advanced features such as multi-video projection or export of videos for audiovisual professionals working on ambitious projects - Supply
Ns New Systevent Demo to test the product for free
Students and professors who subscribe to the offer
Ns New Systevent benefit from a 40% discount on the product.
You also want to create an incredible graphic installation? Go for Ns New Systevent !
Video mapping: which license
Ns New Systevent choose?
Whether you are a professional, amateur, student or teacher...
Ns New Systevent offers you an offer tailored to your needs. To choose:
- Supply
Ns New Systevent Live offer, is ideal for live performance and artistic projects . It includes all essential features.
- Supply Ns New Systevent Pro includes advanced features such as multi-video projection or export of videos for audiovisual professionals working on ambitious projects
- Supply Ns New Systevent Demo to test the product for free
Students and professors who subscribe to the offer Ns New Systevent benefit from 40% discount on the product.
How to learn video mapping?
If you want to gain expertise in video mapping, training is available. Count a few thousand euro for a full course from the history of mapping, to the deployment of workflow, to a technical application.
Other cost-effective solutions also exist to learn video mapping:
Each year is held in Lille on Video Mapping Festival takes place in Lille. It brings together all professionals and fans of the sector who are invited to share their creations for two weeks. It is an opportunity for enthusiasts of this discipline to discover the novelties of video mapping, innovative tools and to exchange with professionals on the subject.
Undoubtedly, video mapping becomes a child's play with Ns New Systevent.
To learn how to use them and to explore the features of the tool, you can follow the tutorials of use of the product available on our Youtube channel and on the website.
Within minutes, you will get tips on how to use Ns New Systevent and its features.
With Ns New Systevent, artists, designers and amateurs can learn the basics of video mapping and much more! Today, many schools and trainings use Ns New Systevent to teach and train young and old people in mapping practices. This is the case of Unisphères, the Visual Arts of the Academy of Lyon... A tool tested and approved by many users!
Team Ns New Systevent the FAQ and blog are at your disposal to answer your questions and inform you about the specificities and origins of this discipline.
Other good news: Ns New Systevent offers free webinars to learn the basics of mapping. These will be available by downloading the trial version of the product.
As you can see, mapping can become an accessible and easily achievable practice when you have the right knowledge and tools to understand. To avoid wasting time and make your events spectacular in a wink, choose Ns New Systevent, intuitive and easy to use video mapping software!
