Normal maps

Neverwinter Nights 2 uses a rendering technique called "Normal Mapping", taking bump-mapping to another level where you apply the details of a high polygon model onto a low polygon model.

The reason it is called normal mapping is it takes the X, Y, Z direction of a polygon's normal and creates an RGB image, which is used to define which direction on the model the polygon will face. Then, when rendering using per-pixel shading it will adjust the lighting on the low-poly model, creating the illusion there is more detail than there really is.

( example )

( hi / low res example )

Links

 * Wikipedia
 * http://www.monitorstudios.com/bcloward/tutorials_normal_maps1.html

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