Parallax Mapping

While we are on the subject of mapping images to 3D meshes, you might want to learn about parallax mapping.

Parallax mapping finally begins to overcome the problem with all the other mappings (texture, bump and normal), which is that they all look painted on and flat when viewed up close, especially at an angle.

That is because they are in effect painted on. Parallax mapping works by actually displacing the coordinates of the texture, so that bumps actually obscure dents as you move round in 3D space. Hoorah.

Comparison of mapping methods (Brown University, Rhode Island) click to enlarge.