Angular Mapping
Controls the spherical/angular interpretation of the source image.
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3D UtilityAdvanced
SphereMap
Spherical environment mapping
Converts an image into spherical texture mapping with angular mapping, texture depth, XYZ rotation and separate OpenGL/software filtering controls.
SphereMap
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
SphereMap prepares flat imagery for spherical use in reflections, refractions, environments or technical 3D projections. It is especially useful when a source is already intended to wrap around a sphere instead of a six-face cube.
Overview
What SphereMap does
SphereMap prepares flat imagery for spherical use in reflections, refractions, environments or technical 3D projections. It is especially useful when a source is already intended to wrap around a sphere instead of a six-face cube.
Mental model
Think of SphereMap as a translator between a flat image and a sphere around the scene. Angular Mapping defines how the image wraps, while rotation determines which part of the map faces the camera.
Common uses
Spherical reflection maps
Environment panoramas
Refraction textures
Technical spherical projections
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Image Input
Source image for the operation.
SphereMap
Fusion node
Image Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Texture Depth
Sets texture precision for the mapped result.
Order
Chooses the order in which the sphere-map transform is evaluated.
X / Y / Z
Sets the X, Y and Z components of the control.
OpenGL LowQ / OpenGL HiQ
Sets the processing quality for this operation.
Use a lighter setting while building the comp if needed, then verify the final-quality result before render.
Software LowQ / Software HiQ
Sets the processing quality for this operation.
Use a lighter setting while building the comp if needed, then verify the final-quality result before render.
Material ID
Provides a technical material identifier where relevant.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Prepare the environment image in the correct projection.
- 2
Enable the intended Angular Mapping mode.
- 3
Rotate the map rather than moving scene objects to compensate for orientation.
- 4
Choose filtering based on preview versus final render requirements.
- 5
Check the result around poles and seams.
Typical node chain
Panorama→
SphereMap→
3D Environment→
Renderer3D
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Spherical reflection environment
Use a panorama as the surrounding reflection source for a 3D object.
PanoramaSphereMap3D MaterialRenderer3D
Environment orientation
Rotate the sphere map until its key light direction matches the scene.
SphereMapRotationDomeLightRenderer3D
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Feeding an image in the wrong projection.
Using low-quality filtering for final reflective surfaces.
Ignoring seam/pole artifacts until the final render.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use sufficient texture resolution for glossy reflections.
Match environment orientation to the light rig.
Compare SphereMap with CubeMap rather than forcing one representation into every scene.
Related nodes