CGTalk - Normal maps query

pappuftp

06-02-2004, 05:59 AM

I have a low poly model for which i have 2 generate a normal map from a high polyversion. The low poly model has been modeled using the high poly version as a guide line but is not a modified version of the high one ( meaning its a seperate model made from scratch.)

both have seperate UV co-ordinates. Would that be a problem when applying the Normal map in the game?.How does a game engine implement the noraml map? is it the same procedure as say color map ( relying on the same uv co-ordinates ) or does it have a seperate UV channel for normal maps?

Please shed some light on this subject thank you

EricChadwick

06-02-2004, 05:35 PM

Normal map uses the same UV as the color map, from the low-detail game model.

You usually use a separate program to extract the normal map. You feed the program the two models, and it usually only looks at the UVs on the low model. It looks at where the high model is different in curvature from the low model, and creates the normal map from that information.

I made a list of tools that can be used with 3ds max, or separately...
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=833112

Also here's a good discussion about techniques.
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=129627

And last but certainly not least, ZBrush 2.0 is becoming very popular for both creating the high-res model and the low-res model, and for extracting the normal map.
http://209.132.68.66/zbrush2/Z2Home.html

Hope this helps.

pappuftp

06-03-2004, 04:03 PM

in other words I need not have matching uv layout fopr the two geometries? ok thnxxx.. for all the help

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