hi, i have just implemented DotProduct3 Bumpmapping to my app, that works fine, but the problem is how do i make normal maps? is there a tool i can use or is there some method that works? i had an idea of making a mesh in Milkshape for example (like a 64*64 grid etc) then converting each normal from xyz to rgb… is there a better way?? thanks in advance!
NVIDIA texture tools has a plugin that will take a height map and generate the color dot3 maps.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvsdk_home.html#NVIDIA%20Texture%20Tools
For creating a normal map out of a high poly model and it’s corresponding low poly version you can use the program by nvidia called Melody. For creating normals maps from a texture map you can use nvidia’s photoshop plugin that does this. These are located at http://www.developer.nvidia.com
ATI’s dev site has similar tools too.
There is also ‘Open Render Bump’ which does the same kind of thing as Melody.
-SirKnight
Here’s ORB:
http://www.soclab.bth.se/practices/orb.html
It can capture normals and textures from highpoly to lowpoly models.
For testing purposes I recommend HeightmapToNormalmap command, just like the nvidia plugin. That command takes a TGA and turns it into a normal map with a strength value.
You can also use AddNormals command to combine two normal maps (for example a brick normal map and a concrete normal map).
More complex geometry requires capturing from models. If you use Milkshape, export to OBJ, ORB accepts .obj/.ase/.lwo.
/chris
Thanks guys…you have been a huge help!