displacementmap

A displacement map is a texture that is used in 3D computer graphics to simulate small-scale details on a 3D model's surface. Unlike bump maps or normal maps, which only affect the way light interacts with the surface, displacement maps actually alter the geometry of the mesh. This is achieved by using the grayscale values of the map to push vertices outwards or inwards, creating genuine geometric relief.

Typically, white areas of a displacement map represent the highest points of detail, while black areas represent the lowest points. Grayscale values in between correspond to intermediate heights. When applied to a 3D model, the renderer reads these values and moves the corresponding vertices of the mesh along their normal vectors. This process results in a more physically accurate representation of the surface detail, especially when viewed up close or under strong lighting conditions.

The use of displacement mapping can significantly increase the complexity of a 3D model, as it effectively subdivides the existing geometry. For this reason, it is often used in conjunction with techniques like tessellation, where the mesh is dynamically subdivided at render time based on the displacement map. This allows for high levels of detail without an overwhelming initial polygon count. Displacement maps are commonly employed in the creation of realistic textures for characters, organic surfaces, and intricate architectural elements.