unwarped

Unwarped refers to the state of an object, image, or dataset after the removal of warping distortions. In practical terms, to unwarp is to apply a geometric transformation that maps distorted coordinates to a standard, typically rectilinear, form. The concept is used across imaging, measurements, and data visualization, where distortions can arise from optics, projection, or acquisition geometry.

In photography and computer vision, unwarping is commonly used to correct lens distortions such as barrel or pincushion distortion, or to convert curved panoramic projections into flat images. Fisheye and wide-angle images often require dewarping to produce rectilinear representations suitable for analysis or viewing. Panoramic stitching and texture mapping frequently rely on unwarping steps to ensure consistent geometry across overlapping images.

In medical imaging, unwarping addresses geometric distortions that can occur in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) due to magnetic field inhomogeneities. Unwarping improves spatial fidelity, enabling more accurate localization of structures and better cross-subject comparisons. Techniques typically involve field maps and image remapping, sometimes combined with distortion correction models.

In remote sensing and cartography, unwarping is related to rectification and orthorectification, processes that remove distortions caused by terrain, sensor geometry, or map projections. The result is a georeferenced image or map in a predictable coordinate system suitable for analysis and integration with other spatial data.

Methods for unwarping generally rely on a distortion model and interpolation to remap pixels or data points. Accuracy depends on the model's fidelity and the quality of calibration data, with residual artifacts possible where distortions are complex or poorly characterized.