Projecting Mapping Earth to a 3D Sphere

[pfelberg]

Hi Everyone.
So, there is this 6m diameter sphere and the client wants to map earth on it. Cool.
I am not so worried about north and south poles, so we know there will be some shadows on those areas.
I am thinking about using 03 projectors triangular positioned, each one covering 120 degrees. Or maybe 04 projectors for better covering and blending.

I can easily render the earth spin animation, 3D if necessary and that´s my question.
If I use a 2D animation mapped onto the sphere, my guess is that I´ll get more phisical and unreal distortions than using a ready distorted 3D renders, according to projector point of view.

Any input is appreciatted.

Thanks

[Oddjobrod]

They have done this at the science museum in London using 4 projectors. You can see them in the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NecTd3vUdHM
They are set up so that the lenses are around equator height.