Maya 2015

Lecture Details

NVIDIA Texture Tools for Adobe Photoshop
httpsdeveloper.nvidia.comnvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop

Using NVIDIAs texture tools we can create a texture based normal map using nothing more than the diffuse texture we created for our rope. This process is fairly common practice as an alternative to high poly to low poly projection. The overall outcome, while decent, generally will not produce the same quality of results as that of a high poly to low poly projection but is a quick time saver none the less. For our purposes this texture based process will suit our needs and often times is all that will be necessary when developing certain aspects of the models texture maps. We will first need to download and install the texture tools before we can begin.

A normal map is nothing special really other then three bump maps layered on top of one another. The texture itself has an R, G and B channel with each channel representing the X, Y and Z bump maps. When these three bump maps are layered on top of one another they give the normal map its interesting blue hue. The important thing to realize here is that developing normal maps is an essential step to the development of any 3D asset. A normal map can bring a model to life and make it appear to be a much higher resolution then what it really is. You can make a face that only has four points on it appear as though it has several hundred. This concept can be useful for saving on resources while not sacrificing visual appeal.

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