sandshading

Sandshading is a digital art technique that simulates the appearance of sand or granular textures on a surface within a 3D model or render. It is typically achieved through the use of specialized shader programming or texture mapping. The goal is to create a visual effect that mimics the way light interacts with individual grains of sand, resulting in a subtle, often matte, and slightly rough surface appearance.

This effect is commonly employed in video games, architectural visualizations, and other forms of digital media to add realism and detail to environments. For instance, sandshading might be used on surfaces like deserts, beaches, or even certain types of terrain to make them appear more believable. The intensity and scale of the simulated sand grains can be adjusted to suit the desired aesthetic, ranging from a fine, dusty coating to a more pronounced, gritty texture.

The underlying technical implementation often involves techniques such as procedural noise generation, which creates random patterns that can be interpreted as individual grains. These patterns are then applied to the surface's material properties, influencing its diffuse color, roughness, and normal mapping. Advanced sandshading can also incorporate elements like parallax occlusion mapping to give the impression of depth and three-dimensionality to the granular surface.