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UV Texture mapping

PostPosted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:02 pm
by Jan Huewel
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UV mapping is a process of defining how to represent a 2D image on a 3D model.
The UV mapping transforms a 2D source image in our case a Bitmap or Video into a image buffer called a texture.

In contrast to "X", "Y" and "Z", which are the coordinates for the rendered 3D object, "U" and "V" are the coordinates of the texture.

This creates the effect of painting the image onto the surface of the 3D object.

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There are several standard mapping techniques available to map a texture onto an object.

The techniques are called: planar, cubic or box, cylindrical and spherical Mapping

Planar Mapping can be referred to an image Projection from one side onto an object.

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A cubic Mapping for example maps the texture to all sides of a object like a box

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The cylindrical mapping wraps an imagare around an object like a cylinder the left and right edge will join each other

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Spherical mapping warps the image all around an object as a sphere. Please be aware that the top edge of the texture shrinks down into the top north pole and the bottom edge in the south pole.

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For proper spherical mapping textures with an aspect ratio of 2:1 apply best to a spherical object.