====== Derivative Maps ======

[{{https://s3.amazonaws.com/docs.knaldtech.com/docuwiki/sci_fi_derivative.jpg?nolink&512|Derivative Map}}]


The Derivative maps within Knald are generated one the fly from the [[height_maps_knald|Height maps]] provided by [[the_integrator_knald|The Integrator]]. They are adjustable in real time in terms of intensity via the [[the_main_tab_knald#general|Bump Scale]] slider in the [[the_main_tab_knald|Main Tab]].



===== What are Derivative Maps? =====

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Derivative Maps are a recent method of bump mapping that does not use tangent spaces. This has numerous advantages over traditional normal map based workflows((http://mmikkelsen3d.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/derivative-maps.html))((http://mmikkelsen3d.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/derivative-maps-in-xnormal.html)).


These are as follows:
  * Reduces foot-print
  * Is much better suited for synthesized surfaces/tessellation
  * Does not distinguish between regular geometry and tessellation.
  * Works with per pixel generated texture coordinates such as [[http://www.slideshare.net/icastano/cascades-demo-secrets|Tri-Planar Texturing]].
  * No issues regarding multiple standards for implementation of tangent space generation.
  * Mirroring trivially works.
  * No need to recalculate tangent spaces on meshes with complex geometric deformations.
  * Better visually during texture magnification.