panoramas

Panoramas are wide-format representations of scenes that aim to convey an expansive field of view, often enveloping the observer. The term derives from Greek roots meaning "all view." In art, panoramas began as large circular or cylindrical paintings displayed in rotundas to immerse viewers.

History: The panorama as a distinct form was popularized in the late 18th century by the Irish painter Robert Barker, who presented a large circular painting designed to surround spectators. In the 19th century, panoramas spread as both painting and later photography, spurring public exhibitions and the dissemination of travel and urban views.

Types and methods: Photographic panoramas include cylindrical, spherical (also called equirectangular), and planar formats. They are usually created by capturing a sequence of overlapping photographs with a tripod or panoramic camera and stitching them with software to produce a seamless image. Other methods include rotating lens systems or single-camera panorama cameras. Display projections and lens distortions influence composition and require correction.

Display and uses: Panoramas appear in galleries, museums, and digital media. They are used for landscape and cityscape representation, cartography, virtual reality, real estate tours, and tourism promotion. Digital panoramas enable interactive viewing, 360-degree tours, and immersive experiences on monitors and head-mounted displays.