Converting releif nmaps, normal maps, bump maps.

[starbase1]

Is anyone aware of a technique that will convert a normal map into a bump map? I am aware of software that will try to do it the other way around, but nothing that will go from normal to bump.

Basically I am trying to generate believable height data for the Moon, and there is a good normal map, (with LW 9 actually), but not a bump / height map.

One other option would be something that can convert a shaded relief map into something without the shading. The USGS has some wonderful maps, but their fondness for relief shading makes them of little use for CGI.

For example see:
http://pdsmaps.wr.usgs.gov/PDS/public/explorer/html/shadeasy.htm

Nick

[brian.coates]

Try out these sites:

http://www.celestiamotherlode.net/catalog/moon.php
http://planetpixelemporium.com/earth.html

[starbase1]

Thanks Brian,
I was familiar with those sites - the celestia is great but only has normal maps(which I would like to convert to height data), and the bump map on JHT's page is derived, and not really good enough for detailled views.

Anyone else got any ideas?

Nick

[MooseDog]

at the risk of sounding cheeky, why?

isn't a normal map considered superior, at least for displacement purposes?

as you said, the other way around, bump--->normal, is easily solved, there are even nodal plug-ins that do it for you.

long story short, no clue atm :).

[Red_Oddity]

http://www.zarria.net/heightmap/heightmap.html

[starbase1]

at the risk of sounding cheeky, why?

isn't a normal map considered superior, at least for displacement purposes?

as you said, the other way around, bump--->normal, is easily solved, there are even nodal plug-ins that do it for you.

long story short, no clue atm :).

Yes, you are exactly correct!

However I have 2 specific applications in mind:

1. Export for use with lesser packages that don't support normal maps.
2. Use of the bump map as a height field . displacement for generating lunar terrains.

So (I hope!) not as siilly as it first appears!

Nick

[starbase1]

http://www.zarria.net/heightmap/heightmap.html

Aha! Exactly what I was looking for! Many thanks, I owe you a pint or three!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: