A displacement map is a grayscale image that you can apply to the model just like a texture map. The lighter an area of the displacement map, the more the surface of the model gets pushed out. The main difference between displacement and bump is that a bump map creates an illusion of dents/bulges by changing the color of the pixels, while a displacement map actually alters the 3d model. The difference is plainly visible at the edges of the model.

If you want to see what a displacement map does, download the free gargoyle head by stonemason. The base model is fairly simple, all the details like the warts and so are added using displacement maps.

I don't know Hexagon, so I can't tell you how it works in that app. Poser 5 and 6 support the use of displacement maps; they're very useful.

There's a tutorial in the Poser tutorial section here about making realistic water. It also uses displacement maps. It might help you understand what they're about.

The pen is mightier than the sword. But if you literally want to have some impact, use a typewriter

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