Height Map (Displacement)

A Height Map (often called a Displacement Map) is a texture used to store height data for a 3D surface. Unlike Normal maps which only fake lighting, Height maps can actually change the shape of the model.

Black and White Depth

Height maps are simple grayscale images:

• White: The highest points of the surface.
• Black: The lowest points.
• Gray: Values in between.

When to use Height Map?

Use Height maps when you need "real" depth that affects the silhouette of the object, such as:

• Brick walls where bricks truly stick out.
• Terrain landscapes (mountains and valleys).
• Detailed carvings or engravings.

For fine details like skin pores or scratches, a Normal Map is usually preferred because it is faster to render.