UVS

UVs is the plural form of UV, and in many contexts it can refer to ultraviolet radiation or to texture coordinates in 3D computer graphics. The term appears across disciplines, where UVs often denote a mapping between a two‑dimensional image and a three‑dimensional surface or object.

Ultraviolet radiation is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from about 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers, shorter than visible light. It is subdivided into UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm). UV-A is the most abundant at Earth's surface, UV-B drives sunburn and contributes to skin cancer risk and vitamin D synthesis, while UV-C is largely absorbed by the atmosphere and ozone layer. Exposure carries health considerations but also beneficial effects in vitamin D production. Applications include sterilization, fluorescence, polymer curing, and forensic analysis.

In 3D computer graphics, UVs describe how a texture image is mapped onto a model. The U and V coordinates specify positions on the two‑dimensional texture, while X, Y, Z describe the model’s geometry. UVs are created by unwrapping the model’s surface onto a flat layout, generating a UV map that links surface points to texture points. Proper UV layouts minimize distortion, seams, and texture stretching, and enable textures, normal maps, and lightmaps to be applied consistently. UV maps are stored in common model formats such as OBJ or FBX and play a central role in the shading and rendering process.