Gog, many packages have this feature, it doesn't matter if it's permanent or not, the outcome upon rendering is an actual deformation of the geometry of the mesh and not a mere visual illusion as provided by a bump map. This contouring of the mesh geometry, permanent or not, is better realized, and executed, on high poly count models for better visual impact and therefore comes at the cost of increased file size and render time. Therefore the artist/modeler must determined before hand whether its cost effective and worthwhile to use a deformation map (high poly count) or if he/she can get away using a bump map (low poly count) for the finale illusion. Yes Phantast, because the deformation map actually deforms and distorts the mesh geometry, the profile of such a mesh will be contoured to the map, whereas using a bump map will not alter the geometry and therefore would not produce a contoured profile.