CGTalk - displacement map or normal map?

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Silentstep

07-07-2005, 06:40 PM

Greetings,

I'm new to Zbrush, but I'm enjoying the challenge.

I started working in Zbrush, and then started to wonder, when should I use a normal map, and when should I use a displacement map or bump map?

I have normal mapped characters before through 3ds Max, using the normals information of a highpoly character onto a low poly one.. here lies my dilemma..

My work isn't for a game, it's for my demo reel..but I'm gearing it towards the gaming industry.

Should I cram all the deformation and painting (alphas, etc.) into the normal map or should I make a seperate map with all the skin pores, scars and etc as a displacement or bump map?

Thanks.

marcus-civis

07-07-2005, 10:04 PM

A good all-round approach would be to use a displacement map for the medium/high detail and then a normal map for the ultra high stuff. But what you do does rather depend on your other apps and what they can handle.

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07-07-2005, 10:04 PM

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