1. An image processing apparatus for a non-planar image for processing a non-planer image represented on a three-dimensional coordinate system, characterized in that it comprises: two-dimensional planar image mapping means for mapping a non-planar image represented on a three-dimensional coordinate system to a two-dimensional plane; and mapping information production means for producing mapping information which describes a corresponding relationship between the three-dimensional coordinate system representing the original non-planar image and the mapped two-dimensional image coordinate system.