Ed, I'd like to stress that the tests I've posted here (and the image I put in the gallery) are not intended to show how to use normal maps; rather I've tried to show how much better they are than bump maps by pushing the detail possible. Normal maps will never be as good as actual geometry where only actual geometry will do. What they can do is add detail when you need to keep down the poly count. This probably applies more to animation than stills but even in still renders they could be useful, particularly in fine detailing where the lack of shadows is less noticeable.

Message edited on: 10/07/2004 04:15