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Old 17th February 2008, 08:33 AM   #6
lisa
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Default Re: Hello & Questions

A specular map doesn't make things shiny per-se. A specular map controls the intensity of highlights (hotspots) on a per-pixel level.

While hot spots are important to a metal look, the type of map that most people associate with "shiny metal" is an environment map. An environment map causes the object to reflect the environment around it.

All of the map types you mentioned influence the shading of the object in different ways. You can use all, some, or any combination of maps depending on what kind of effect you want to achieve.

Here's a quick run-down of some of the most common types of maps:

(I'm breaking this into multiple posts as there is a limit on number of images per post, which apparently counts smilies. )
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