====== Derivative Maps ======
The Derivative maps within Knald are generated on the fly from the [[height_maps_knald_1.2|Height maps]] provided by [[the_integrator_knald_1.2|The Integrator]]. They are adjustable in real time in terms of intensity via the [[the_main_tab_knald_1.2#general|Bump Scale]] slider.

You can also create Derivative maps quickly and efficiently from photographs, via pre-rendered Height via Knald's [[color_to_normals_knald_1.2|Color To Normals]] functionality and our world class [[the_baker_knald_1.2|baker]].

Please see the [[color_to_normals_knald_1.2|Color To Normals]] & [[the_baker_knald_1.2|The Baker]] pages for more information.

===== 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.

[{{https://s3.amazonaws.com/docs.knaldtech.com/docuwiki/normal_derivative_knald.png?nolink|Normal/Derivative Settings}}]

===== The Derivative Maps Group's Settings =====

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**Flip Green:** Here you can change the axis in the dropdown to match the Normal/Derivative maps for your engine or application as required. By default Knald is set to X+Y+Z+, so if you are using a [[normal_maps_knald_1.2|Normal]] or Derivative map that differs from this configuration, you will need to change this setting. To change this setting check the Flip Green check box to save your choice.

**Bump Scale:** The global strength of the processed [[normal_maps_knald_1.2|Normal]] and Derivative maps.


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