Tone mapping is a technique used in photography and computer graphics to adjust the brightness and contrast of images. It helps to display a wider range of colors and details, especially in scenes with both very bright and very dark areas. By compressing the dynamic range, tone mapping makes it possible to view images that would otherwise appear washed out or too dark. This process is particularly important in high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, where the goal is to capture and reproduce the full spectrum of light in a scene. Tone mapping algorithms analyze the image and apply adjustments to ensure that details are visible, enhancing the overall visual experience without losing important information.