Method for automatically mapping light elements in an assembly of light structures

One variation of a method for automatically mapping light elements in light structures arranged in an assembly includes: defining a sequence of test frames-each specifying activation of a unique subset of light elements in the assembly-executable by the set of light structures; serving the sequence of test frames to the assembly for execution; receiving photographic test images of the assembly, each photographic test image recorded during execution of one test frame by the assembly; for each photographic test image, identifying a location of a particular light element based on a local change in light level represented in the photographic test image, the particular light element activated by the set of light structures according to a test frame during recordation of the photographic test image; and aggregating locations of light elements identified in photographic test images into a virtual map representing positions of light elements within the assembly.