Tekstiurikarttoja

Tekstiurikarttoja, or texture maps, are fundamental tools in 3D computer graphics used to add surface detail and color to three-dimensional models. Instead of mathematically defining every bump and color variation on a complex surface, a texture map is essentially a 2D image that is "wrapped" around the 3D object. This process is known as texture mapping.

These images can represent a wide variety of visual information, such as wood grain, brick patterns, fabric weaves, or even photographic details of a real-world object. By applying these images, artists can create incredibly realistic or stylized appearances for their models without significantly increasing the complexity of the underlying geometry.

There are several types of texture maps, each serving a specific purpose. Diffuse maps, also known as color maps, define the base color of the surface. Normal maps simulate surface imperfections like bumps and dents by altering how light interacts with the surface, giving the illusion of depth. Specular maps control how shiny a surface appears, while roughness maps determine the micro-level variations in reflectivity. Other maps, such as displacement maps, actually modify the geometry of the model based on the texture's information.

The creation of texture maps involves either digital painting using software like Photoshop or Substance Painter, or by capturing images of real-world surfaces and processing them. The efficiency and visual impact of texture mapping have made it an indispensable technique in video games, animated films, architectural visualization, and many other fields of computer graphics.