3D vs. 2D Projection Mapping

One of the key considerations

when analyzing the potential of projection technology for your events is deciding between 3D and 2D techniques.

Both techniques have their value, but it’s important to analyze the benefits of each option and how they can be used before making a final decision for your company.

2D Projection refers to the process of projecting an image on a flat surface, such as a screen or building wall. The technology can help to bring a shop wall to life for example, with a moving image presented on the wall to promote the business.

3D Systems project content onto three-dimensional objects. This style of equipment is capable of producing mind-warping effects, such as altering the color of an entire car or bringing a wedding cake to life with unique colors and designs during a wedding event.

What You Should Know About 2D vs. 3D Projection Mapping

One of the leading considerations when choosing a mapping service is the total cost for that service. You should know that 3D services will cost more than 2D services, simply because of the amount of preparation work, as well as the cost of the technology involved in the 3D process.

3D Projection Mapping also requires a lot more time for the design team to work with the 3D object and to ensure that the design of the projection fits the purpose of the event.

2D Projection Mapping also requires a high degree of talent from the technology operator, as they must line up the edges of the beams from multiple projectors while coordinating the content so that the eye sees it as one complete image.

3D Projection Mapping is another level higher on the complexity scale.

Technologists must blend an image using multiple projectors onto three-dimensional objects. The result is 3D content that can, for example, change the color of cars before your very eyes and project animated characters into a theatrical product. It’s a technology that is empowering creatives and inspiring audiences across the advertising and media marketplaces.

Capitalizing on the Value of 2D and 3D Projection Mapping

While 2D systems might be less innovative than 3D alternatives, you can still gain lasting value from your company’s investment in 2D. For example, if you’re planning an event at which you’ll be using 2D visuals, you might incentivize audience members to share pictures of the projection via their social media accounts. That can help disseminate information about your brand without you having to over-extend your budget.

For those with a little more room in their brand finances, 3D projection mapping is having a transformative impact on companies in a range of industries. You can now use the technology to make an instant impact at upcoming events and drive a clear return on investment in your event attendance. Event audiences will want to highlight share-worthy moments across their social media, significantly increasing attention on your brand and driving long-term ROI in project mapping systems.

3D projection mapping is having a transformative impact on companies in a range of industries.

Projection Mapping vs. Video Mapping vs. Projection

When choosing a mapping option for your events, you’ll need to understand the differences in the technologies and understand the value of projection mapping compared to the leading alternatives. Let’s review the differences between the leading event projection options.

The major difference between projection mapping and camera projection is that with projection mapping, the rendering of the 3D object is happening live, and there is a real tangible object. So, the canvas can be anything that the projector is pointed toward. This provides a completely different level of immersion for the audience, compared to traditional video mapping and projection techniques.


Traditional projection technology has long been used to project still images on screens for presentations. The goal with each new iteration of the technology has been to captivate audiences and to ensure the content of presentations is more engaging and more entertaining.

With newer systems, the technology has taken a significant leap and is reshaping what event organizers and planners thought was possible with projection technology.

Interaction with the Environment

A key benefit of projection mapping compared to traditional camera projection technology is that mapping systems support a greater level of interaction in the environment between the projection and the space. For instance, projection technology can now be used to project images onto a moving object.

See some exciting examples of the technology in use here.

Theatrical productions might show a 3D object moving with a change in the weather in the scene. In fashion shows, the technology has been harnessed to project changing outfits on models walking across a catwalk. It’s an innovation that’s changing how companies are using their branding and supporting a new level of interactive experiences for audiences.

3D Animation Compared to Projection Mapping

One of the key questions many event organizers face is whether to work with projection mapping technology or to use a projector to project an already-animated image and add sound, motion, and voice effects.

As with most traditional forms of projection, animated projections can only be projected onto a flat surface such as a digital screen. However, projection mapping is primarily used with a changing environment, and the technology is considered to be far more immersive than 3D animation techniques.


Learn more about Projection Mapping

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