Gigapanorama

Spherical HDR Gigapanoramas – A New Dimension in Documentation and Presentation

Spherical HDR gigapanoramas are an advanced form of panoramic photography, capturing a full 360° horizontal and 180° vertical view with a resolution of 1 billion pixels or more. By utilizing HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, these images offer a wide tonal range, allowing for detailed rendering of both bright and dark areas.

The creation process for spherical HDR gigapanoramas begins with capturing individual component photographs. A DSLR camera with an appropriate lens and an automatic panoramic head, which precisely controls the camera’s movements, is used. The number of component photos depends on the required resolution and typically involves at least several hundred shots per panorama. These photos are taken in RAW format, enabling later adjustments to exposure and tonality.

Once the photos are captured, initial post-production involves processing RAW files, adjusting color and density, and exporting them to specialized panoramic stitching software. This software combines the images based on their content and positional data from the panoramic head, creating a flattened panoramic image. Further editing includes correcting geometry, enhancing HDR tonality, and fixing stitching errors.

Final processing involves refining minor imperfections, perfecting color and tonal balance, and fine-tuning the HDR effect. The finished gigapanorama is saved as a multi-layer file, weighing at least 18 GB, containing both the HDR image and its individual components. After the final edits, the panorama is exported in a format suitable for viewing in dedicated panoramic viewers.

Spherical HDR gigapanoramas are invaluable in heritage documentation, virtual tours, scientific research, conservation, and digital arts. They enable detailed analysis of objects, provide immersive virtual exploration experiences, and create stunning visual presentations. These tools are ideal for cultural institutions, museums, and conservation projects seeking to transition their assets into the digital world with the highest quality standards.