2. Overview
Texture mapping is a technique for adding
detail to 3D geometry (or objects) by using an
image.
Surface texture, Colour, Transparency,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texture_mapping
3. Bump maps
Bump mapping is a method of simulating
bumps and wrinkles on to the surface of an
object. The surface of the underlying object is
not actually changed.
4. Normal Mapping
Normal Mapping is the most common variation of
bump mapping used. It is a technique used for
faking the lighting of bumps and dents.
A common use of this technique is to take a low
resolution model and using tricks to make it look
like a higher resolution.
5. Parallax mapping
Parallax mapping (also
called offset mapping or
virtual displacement
mapping) is an
enhancement of the
bump mapping
techniques .
At steeper view-angles,
the texture coordinates
are displaced more,
giving the illusion of
depth due to parallax
effects as the view
changes.
6. Displacement Mapping
Displacement mapping is an
alternative technique that uses
using a height map to cause an
effect where the actual
geometric position of points
over the textured surface are
displaced.
It gives surfaces a great sense
of depth and detail, permitting
in particular self-occlusion, self-
shadowing and silhouettes;
It is the most costly of this class
of techniques owing to the
large amount of additional
geometry.