Once you’ve had that fantastic, one-of-a-kind display idea that you know will engage your audience, it can be hard to know how to get things moving. That’s where Motion Mapping comes in. In this post, we share what a professional team like ours needs to get the projection mapping ball rolling, from the essential details to the footage that helps us streamline the process.

What is projection mapping?

Projection mapping is a technique where any object, from buildings to wind turbines, can be turned into a display surface for digital content projection. With the right software and expertise, a surface can be transformed into a canvas for projection, setting it apart from basic video projection.

To learn more about projection mapping in detail and the incredible things that can be achieved with it, take a look through our guide to projection mapping, discover our case studies, and get inspired by our vibrant project gallery.

Why choose projection mapping professionals?

For expert-quality projection that engages audiences, blows people away, inspires, moves, and delights, you’ll need professional projection mappers. By reaching out to a highly experienced team such as ours, we can make the impossible happen.

From incredible visual effects on Stonehenge to an interactive video game on the side of the V&A museum in London, we have helped individuals achieve beyond memorable experiences that place your business, brand, or cause in people’s minds for years to come.

Hiring professionals means opening doors otherwise locked when it comes to realising projection potential.

What we need to kickstart your projection mapping project

Before we get started, there are some essential and some helpful details our team needs to ensure the projection mapping planning process runs as smoothly as possible.

The purpose

First, we need to know what the projection mapping project is. Is it a public outdoor event? An indoor exhibition? Is it a guerrilla marketing move on a massive scale or an interactive experience for shoppers? What WOW factor are you aiming for? The incredible thing about projection mapping is that it can be utilised by a vast range of industries, with multiple services available to cover every kind of idea.

It’s essential that we have at least a base idea of what you’re trying to achieve through projection mapping, so that we can start to understand and plan appropriately. We’ll need to think differently for each type of mapping project, so giving us any info you can will help streamline the process.

The type of projection project will also dictate what other kinds of details we’ll need. For example, if the project is external, dimensions are essential, but if it’s a guerrilla project where it’s not necessary to cover the entire surface, then dimensions aren’t always necessary. Are you running an event? How long is the event running for? Do you have an exhibition stand, and if so, what are the ambient light levels and the size of the stand? These are the kinds of questions we’ll need answers to when getting started.

The surface

Next, we’ll need to know what we’re mapping onto. Tell us all you can about the surface – is it a red brick building, the side of a cable bridge, a skyscraper, or even a wooden barrel? Include details about the colour and texture, as this can affect how the projection will be mapped. Are there any obstacles? We need to know about any obstructions such as pillars, telephone wires and lamp posts so that we can take these into account when mapping your project.

The dimensions

As mentioned above, dimensions are essential for external events with large surface areas, as well as interior spaces. We need to know what we’re working with, how much room we have, the size and position of any obstructions, and the measurements of what exactly we’ll be mapping. This can be anything, from a small section of wall in a retail store to display interactive projected elements, to the entire side of a museum building for a more permanent, out-of-home projection mapping installation.

One of the most important things for us is to identify the number of projectors we’ll need to make your project work, which is why dimensions can be a crucial part of the planning and quoting process.

Pictures and video walk-throughs

Some of the most important information you can give to your projection mapping team is accurate visuals of the space they’ll be mapping.

We at Motion Mapping are happy to work with the information we have, which can include pictures of the space and even drawings. It’s essential for the experts to figure out where projection and audio equipment can be positioned, and photos can help teams identify where those zones might be. Photos can also reveal elements such as ambient light, which can affect the projection quality if not mentioned.

If you’re able to go a step further than photos, then a video of your space can help a huge deal in visualising what we will be working with. While photos are great, a video walkthrough detailing a customer’s, visitor’s, or passerby’s journey through the area can give us excellent insight into exactly what it is you need and what you’re trying to achieve through projection. Videos also allow us to offer a more accurate indicative cost, helping you better manage your project budget.

Let’s get your projection project started

When you’re ready to discuss projection and what can be achieved through this exciting and show-stopping technique, get in touch. We’re here to help and inform, giving you all the info you’ll need to make a decision that works for your business, event, press stunt, or anything else you believe can be turned into a WOW moment with projection. We’re highly experienced in mapping all manner of surfaces and structures, ensuring your projection project goes off without a hitch and sticks in people’s minds long past the event.

Give us a call on +44 (0)1206 586277 for a chat, or use our online enquiry form and we’ll get in touch.