remap

Remap refers to the process of changing the mapping between two sets of values, coordinates, or resources. It is used to adapt inputs to outputs, reassign resources, or adjust how information is interpreted or displayed.

In computing, remapping often means redefining the correspondence of input events or addresses to new outputs. Keyboard remapping changes what happens when a key is pressed, by swapping keys, producing alternate characters, or triggering different actions. This is implemented in software, firmware, or at the operating system level, and is commonly used for accessibility or customization. Memory remapping describes the reassignment of physical memory addresses to virtual or higher-level address spaces, helping systems manage limited address space or map device memory into a process’s view. In graphics and image processing, remap refers to transforming pixel coordinates or color channels, such as remapping a source image to a different grid or correcting lens distortion; libraries provide remap operations to interpolate pixel values.

In data engineering and software development, remapping can involve reinterpreting keys or fields when migrating data between formats, applying translation tables to convert values, or reassigning identifiers. In geographic information systems, remapping or reclassifying values may refer to reclassifying raster data or reprojecting spatial data between coordinate systems.

Limitations of remapping include potential distortion, aliasing, performance costs, or unintended semantics if the mapping is not well defined. Proper specification and testing are important when implementing remapping in any domain.