'Skin Basics', please.

[Mungee]

I'm a little confused as to how the "normal map" fits into the whole skinning process and would appreciate some guidance on this.

 

When "skinners" started producing 4K skins, obviously new 4K templates had to be created - that I understand.

 

However, how does the "normal map"/map fit into this?

 

Does one need a revised/updated "normal map" to get the full effect of 4K skins or not?

 

Does one need to update all "normal maps"?

 

Thanks, in anticipation.

 

 

[9./JG27golani79]

A normal map is used to fake smaller geometry through lighting information so in the final render it looks as if those smaller details were there when they are actually not. 

 

So if you create skins with higher resolution it would be best to also update normal maps because if you just rescale the normal map the details get blurry.

Edited March 13, 2018 by 9./JG27golani79

[BlackHellHound1]

The Normal Map is a trick used by game developers to introduce 3D effects without the cost of a large polycount in the 3D model. 

 

Models in games are often made incredibly simple. Things like panel lines, rivets, screws and warped metal are left out of the 3D model. These elements could be added to the 3D model but the model would be incredibly hard to render in a game.

To solve this, the Normal Map is used to create a "fake" 3D effect by controlling how light is reflected off the object. A higher resolution normal map (just like a higher resolution texture map) can add new and more detailed effects that a 2K normal map does not have. 

 

If you want the most detailed version: get both the 4K skin and 4K normal maps.

 

BlackHellHound1

 

 

Edited March 13, 2018 by BlackHellHound1

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Normal maps are most noticeable on details such as panel lines, rivet heads and the courugates metal of the Ju 52. The higher the resolution the better the effect ingame.

 

A 4k normalmap is also benefitial for 2k skins since it's a completely seperate texture.

Edited March 13, 2018 by 6./ZG26_5tuka

[Mungee]

Is there a central place which has all of these 4K normal maps or does one need to search for each one, individually?