Normal Mapping
Normal mapping is a computer graphics technique used to simulate detailed surface geometry on 3D models without increasing polygon count. It works by encoding surface normal vectors in a texture map (a normal map) that perturbs lighting calculations, creating the illusion of bumps, dents, and fine details. This allows for high visual fidelity while maintaining performance, commonly used in real-time rendering for games and interactive applications.
Developers should learn normal mapping when working on 3D graphics projects where performance and visual quality are critical, such as video game development, architectural visualization, or VR/AR applications. It's essential for creating realistic surfaces like brick walls, wrinkled fabrics, or rocky terrains without the computational cost of high-polygon models, enabling efficient real-time rendering on various hardware.