Bump Mapping
What is bump mapping and how does it create the illusion of depth on 3D surfaces?
GLOSSARY
Bump Mapping is a method used in 3D modeling and motion graphics to give surfaces the appearance of texture and depth without the need for complex geometry. By manipulating the way light interacts with a surface, bump mapping creates the illusion of physical details like bumps, grooves, and scratches, enhancing the realism of 3D objects with minimal impact on rendering times.
To add realism to a digital landscape, bump mapping might be applied to the ground surface, simulating the appearance of rocks, dirt, and irregularities seen in natural terrain, without the computational load of modeling each detail.
Technical definition
This technique uses grayscale images (bump maps) where white, black, and gray values correspond to height information on the surface. When rendered, the software calculates lighting reflections as if the surface had physical texture, creating the illusion of depth.