What Is Diffuse/Colour Map?

·     The most frequently used texture mapping method. It wraps the bitmap image onto the 3D geometry surface while displaying its original pixel colour.

·     Any bitmap image, such as scanned images or images captured by digital camera, can be used as diffuse map to represent photo realistic quality.

·     Users can also use image software to make pre-rendered texture effects such as shadow, bevel, bump, lighting or weathering effects.  This approach can effectively simulate real-world 3D effects while greatly saving system resources and rendering time.

What is a Specular Map?

This texture mapping method allows parts of an object to have a specular effect which is to define the maps shininess and highlights.

What is a normal Map?

·     A Normal map (Pixel shader only) is made from a high polygon model. Its color representation will affect surfaces like a regular bump map while providing higher degrees of detail.

·     iClone can import normal maps created in ZBrush or 3D Studio Max. By using normal maps you can make simple low-poly models appear as highly detailed 3D objects.

·     If the image you are loading is not a specially designed normal map the result will not be as good.

What other types of texture mapping are there?

Other types of texture mapping include;

·         Opacity map

·         Bump map

·         Glow map

·         Reflection map

What is PBR rendering?

PBR which stands for physically based rendering is the concept of using realistic shading/lighting models along with measured surface values to accurately represent real-world materials. PBR rendering is becoming increasingly popular and game engines like; Unity 5, Unreal engine 4, Frostbite, Fox engine all use PBR within the engine.