Bump map

[Wavada]

Hi all,

Perhaps a silly question here;

What is actual the purpose of a Bump map? As far as I'm aware, it should create some depth to a texture map. But isn't it easier just to use a suitable texture map in the first place?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Cad64]

Yes, a bump map gives the illusion of detail and depth to what otherwise may be a flat surface where detail doesn't really exist. You can't use a standard texture as your bump map. The bump map is a greyscale image and the bump is produced by the degree of black and white in the image. The further you go toward black, the greater the bump. White produces zero bump and grey provides transition and smoothing between the black and the white.

 

There are many tutorials about bump maps online, just Google it.