What Are Displacement Maps

A displacement map is a type of texture map that is used to physically displace the vertices of a 3D model. Displacement maps are typically created using greyscale images, with white representing the highest points on the surface and black representing the lowest points.

How Displacement Maps Work

When a displacement map is applied to the model, the lighter areas of the map will cause the vertices of the model to be raised, and the darker areas will cause the vertices to be indented. With white = 1 which is the maximum value for raised displacement, black = 0 which is the maximum negative value for indented displacement, whereas the mid tone of grey = 0.5 serves as the median point with no displacement.

Displacement Map Use Cases

Displacement maps are typically used to create highly detailed models, but they can also be used to create the appearance of complex surface features on low-resolution models. They can be used in conjunction with other types of texture maps, such as normal, diffuse, ambient osculation, roughness and specular maps to create a more realistic and detailed representation of the surface of a model.

Summary

Overall, displacement maps are a useful tool for adding realism and detail to 3D models, allowing artists to create the appearance of complex surface features without the need for high-polygon models. They are commonly used in a variety of applications, including film, television, and video games, to create realistic and detailed 3D environments and objects.