User:MaxDZ8/parallax mapping proto

Parallax Mapping is an evolution of bump mapping often used in real-time rendering applications such as video games. To the end user, parallax mapping improves surface appearance giving the impression of more apparent depth and realism without adding extra geometry.

All parallax mapping methods extend bump mapping by using a height map which is used to offset texture so perspective (parallax) distortions can be applied not only to the texture itself but to the simulated complex surface. Because parallax effects are view-dependant, all parallax mapping methods do consider observer's position and according to this information and the heightmap given, compute an approximation of what pixel on the surface could have been viewed if the real surfaces would have been rendered. The method used to compute this effect can range from a very simple displacement to primordial raytracing.

=Algorithm variations= Since rendering hardware shows a great scale on both features and processing power, different parallax mapping methods have been demostrated to address different problems, in the search of a better approximation of a real geometry rendering. In this section, some quick insights will be given about each one.