Normalmap

{ width=300 |

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Normalmap for a bowl model

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Heightmap for parallax mapping

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Normal maps are images that store per-pixel surfaces normals directly in the RGB values of an image. They can dramatically increase object detalisation without adding more polygons. Therefore, normalmaps have a bunch fo limits and quirks.

Recommended articles on normalmaps:

• Polycount Wiki
• Normalmaps for the Technical Game Modeler

In Darkplaces Engine, normalmaps are:

• Tangent-space RGB
• OpenGL-oriented (X stores horizontal, Y vertical)
• Optionally can store alpha component which represents height that will be use for parallax mapping.

See also

• Texture