What is UV mapping?

UV mapping is a 3D modeling process of projecting a 2D image onto a 3D model's surface for texture application. It involves unwrapping the 3D model's surface onto a 2D UV coordinate space, allowing artists to paint textures in 2D and then have them accurately mapped onto the 3D object. This is commonly used in video games, animation, and architectural visualization to add surface detail and visual realism to 3D models.