By having a mapping to RGB values and a calibrated monitor. This of course then only gives an approximation. However this isn't typically used for digital outp

By having a mapping to RGB values and a calibrated monitor. This of course then only gives an approximation. However this isn't typically used for digital output, but the pantone ID is carried along so that when printing (or otherwise producing) the physical object the correct color and material is being used. (And some 3D rendering/CAD tool might also deal with reflections etc. in digital space)