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Normal maps play an important role in 3D modeling, simulating the tiny details and uneven parts of the surface, allowing the model to look more realistic when rendered. Normal maps capture the tiny bumps, grains, and details on the surface of the model, making the rendered results more realistic. This approach allows for more detail to the surface without increasing the geometric complexity of the model.
In this article, we'll show you how to map a 3D model using the GLTF Editor - NSDT online material editing tool, but let's take a look at some of the basic concepts of texture mapping in Textures.
GLTF编辑器支持GLTF/GLB在线预览、材质编辑、重置原点、以及模型轻量化（将相同材质Mesh合并）。 GLTF editor supports GLTF/GLB online preview, material editing, reset origin, and model lightweight (merging the same material Mesh)
1. What is a model texture map?
1: 3D model without textures 2: Identical model with textures
A texture map is an image that is applied (mapped) to a shape or polygonal surface. This can be a bitmap image or a procedural texture. They can be stored in common image file formats, referenced by 3D model formats or material definitions, and assembled into resource packs.
They may have 1-3 dimensions, although 2 dimensions are most common for visible surfaces. For use with modern hardware, texture map data can be stored in rotation or tiled order to improve cache coherence. Rendering APIs typically manage texture mapping assets (which may be in device memory) as buffers or surfaces, and may allow "render to texture" for other effects, such as post-processing or environment mapping.
They typically contain RGB color data (stored as direct colors, compressed formats, or indexed colors) and sometimes additional channels for alpha blending (RGBA), especially for billboards and decal overlay textures. You can use the alpha channel (which can be convenient to store in a hardware-resolved format) for other purposes, such as specularity.
Multiple texture maps (or channels) can be combined to control specular reflection, normals, displacement, or subsurface scattering, such as for skin rendering.
Multiple texture images can be combined in a texture atlas or array texture to reduce state changes on modern hardware. (They can be thought of as a modern evolution of tile map graphics). Modern hardware often supports cubemap textures with multiple faces for environment mapping.
2. The role of texture mapping
Texture maps play a vital role in creating visually stunning and realistic 3D models. There are several types of texture maps used in 3D modeling, each with its own unique purpose. For example, a diffuse map is used to define the surface color of a 3D model, while a specular map defines the glossiness and reflectivity of a surface. Normal maps are used to add depth and structure to the surface of the model, while displacement maps are used to modify the surface geometry itself. The importance of using these different types of texture maps lies in their ability to work together to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer. By using these textures, 3D artists can create intricate details that make the model appear more realistic and believable, ultimately improving the overall quality and impact of the final product.
3. How to set texture maps in GLTF?
Using professional modeling software to set the texture map of the model is indeed a good choice, but it is not so friendly for novice whites, the installation and use of the software are more troublesome, and GLTF editor -NSDT as an online material texture editing tool, based on the development of Three .js, can run in any browser that supports webGL, without installing and downloading additional plug-ins or since opening the browser can be used.
Here's how and how to set up a texture map using the GLTF Editor -NSDT:
Open the GLTF editor -NSDT in the browser, import the model into the editor, how the model itself has a material, the right panel of the software will read the material information of the model and display, the material panel information on the right side supports the editing and modification of the material, as shown in the following figure:
Without further ado, let's start by importing a 3D model without a texture map:
In order to show the more realistic appearance and details of the model, and make the model look more realistic, now we add texture maps to the model, and you can search for texture maps on the Internet, there are still many such resources, such as https://3dtextures.me/:
After finding the texture map file you are using, select the texture type in the Material panel on the right, upload the texture map, and the system will automatically calculate the UVs and map the texture map to the 3D model perfectly, as shown below:
GLTF Editor - NSDT is a rare and practical online model editing tool that can not only set the texture map of the 3D model, but also set the geometric origin of the model, and merge the mesh with the same material properties to realize the lightweight of the model.
Note: Achieving an effect usually requires several Material Maps to achieve the effect.
Reprint: Normal map for wrinkle effect on clothing