Shadow Mapping Oh, divide by W, you so crazy

Shadow maps are the current technique for generating high quality real-time dynamic shadows. This article gives a ‘practical’ introduction to shadow mapping (or projection mapping) with numerous simple examples and source listings. We emphasis some of the typical limitations and common pitfalls when implementing shadow mapping for the first time and how the reader can overcome these problems using uncomplicated debugging techniques. A scene without shadowing is life-less and flat objects seem decoupled. While different graphical techniques add a unique effect to the scene, shadows are crucial and when not present create a strange and mood-less aura.