A question about normalmapping

BlackHat · 10-08-2008, 11:56 AM

Hi
This might be a stupid question but ill ask it anyways.
Is there a program that can turn a lowpoly object with a normal map on it, into a highpoly object?

Perversonality · 10-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Not that I'm aware of, but there was a tutorial on turning a normal map into a displacement map somewhere around here. You can then subdivide the low poly model and use a displacement modifier (if your 3d app has one!) and use the displacement map to alter the mesh

InProgress · 10-08-2008, 12:36 PM

I have done that in Maya 2008. In case you're wondering how, you apply the displacement/bump/normal map to a material, and then go to Modify > Convert > Texture to geometry. It might need a bit of cleaning though.

Mr. Bluesummers-3DT · 10-08-2008, 06:11 PM

Now there's an idea!!

Perversonality was close in saying you could convert it to a displacement map, but I don't think that'll give you quite the same effect. You'll lose the vector information and you'll be down to a plain vanilla heightfield. I'd imagine a program that did this kind of thing would have to create a very ugly mesh structure. Maybe Zbrush could do it; that program's a wizard of nasty geometry.

I don't think it exists, but then again...the need is probably kind of limited.

Perversonality · 10-08-2008, 08:41 PM

CrazyBump would probably do it, but it's not free any more. A google search threw up a dead link for the tutorial I was thinking of... I'm sure you can do it

Perversonality · 10-08-2008, 08:45 PM

Muh-woo-hahahahaha! I knew it was possible...

http://www.shadermap.renderingsystems.com/

The command line version of the tool is free and includes examples, which include an example of converting a normal map into a displacement map. You just need to edit the example batch file to point to your normal map instead of the example one

10-08-2008, 11:56 AM	#1
BlackHat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A question about normalmapping Hi This might be a stupid question but ill ask it anyways. Is there a program that can turn a lowpoly object with a normal map on it, into a highpoly object?

10-08-2008, 06:11 PM	#4
Mr. Bluesummers-3DT Supplies Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: United States Posts: 3,343 Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	Now there's an idea!! Perversonality was close in saying you could convert it to a displacement map, but I don't think that'll give you quite the same effect. You'll lose the vector information and you'll be down to a plain vanilla heightfield. I'd imagine a program that did this kind of thing would have to create a very ugly mesh structure. Maybe Zbrush could do it; that program's a wizard of nasty geometry. I don't think it exists, but then again...the need is probably kind of limited. __________________ Be sure to check out my blog because there's tons of useful resources there: Free 3dsMax Video Tutorials 3dsMax Tutorials and Articles 3dsMax Downloads and Scripts

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10-08-2008, 12:18 PM	#2
Perversonality Nick/Spud/Spudmonkey Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Reading(ish), Engerlandshire Posts: 2,752 Thanks: 21 Thanked 53 Times in 50 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	Not that I'm aware of, but there was a tutorial on turning a normal map into a displacement map somewhere around here. You can then subdivide the low poly model and use a displacement modifier (if your 3d app has one!) and use the displacement map to alter the mesh

10-08-2008, 12:36 PM	#3
InProgress Spoon Holder Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Romania, Timisoara Posts: 168 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have done that in Maya 2008. In case you're wondering how, you apply the displacement/bump/normal map to a material, and then go to Modify > Convert > Texture to geometry. It might need a bit of cleaning though.

10-08-2008, 08:41 PM	#5
Perversonality Nick/Spud/Spudmonkey Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Reading(ish), Engerlandshire Posts: 2,752 Thanks: 21 Thanked 53 Times in 50 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	CrazyBump would probably do it, but it's not free any more. A google search threw up a dead link for the tutorial I was thinking of... I'm sure you can do it

10-08-2008, 08:45 PM	#6
Perversonality Nick/Spud/Spudmonkey Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Reading(ish), Engerlandshire Posts: 2,752 Thanks: 21 Thanked 53 Times in 50 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 8	Muh-woo-hahahahaha! I knew it was possible... http://www.shadermap.renderingsystems.com/ The command line version of the tool is free and includes examples, which include an example of converting a normal map into a displacement map. You just need to edit the example batch file to point to your normal map instead of the example one

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