8

Types of Maps 1427
from lights (see Advanced Effects Rollout (page
2–1185)
).
Maps can simulate textures, applied designs,
reflect ions, refract ions, and other effects.
Used with materials, maps add details without
adding complexity to the geometry of an object.
(
Displacement mapping (page 2–1352) can add
complexity.)
Accessing M ap Types
Yo u u s e t h e Materia l/Map Browser (page 2–1256)
to load a map or create a map of a particular
type. TheBrowsergroupsmapsintocategories
according to their type. You can choose whether
the Browser lists maps, materials, or both; you can
choose which map types.
To list map types by category:
1. Open the Material Editor.
2. Click Get Material to display the
Material/Map Browser .
3. OntheleftsideoftheMaterial/MapBrowser,
in the Show group, turn off Materials. Leave
Maps turned on.
4. In the lower set of buttons, choose the category
you want listed, or choose All to show all map
types.
The list is displayed in the right pa nel of the
Browser.
To open the B r owser f rom the M ater i al Edi tor :
As you work with materials, you can open the
Material/Map Browser from the Material Editor.
1. Open the Material Editor.
2. On the Material Editor toolbar, click Get
Material to display the Material/Map Browser.
Understa nding M ap Ty pes
Different t yp es of maps create different effects and
behave in particular ways.
•
2D maps (page 2–1434) are two-dimensional
images that are typically mapped onto the
surface of geometric objects, or used as
environment maps to create a background
for the scene. The simplest 2D maps are
bitmaps; other k inds of 2D maps are generated
procedurally.
•
3D maps (page 2–1472) are patterns generated
procedurally in three dimensions. For example,
Marble has a grain that goes through the
assigned geometry. If you cut away part of an
object w ith Marble assigned as its texture, the
interior matches the exterior.
•
Compositors (page 2–1497) are for compositing
other colors or maps.
•
Color Modifiers (page 2–1502) alter the color
of pixels in a material.
• The"Other"categoryincludesmapsthatcreate
reflections and refractions (page 2–1505) .It
also includes
mental ray shaders (page 2–1520)
, Normal Bump maps, (page 2–1541)
and
Camera Per-Pixel Projection maps (page
2–1542)
.
Maps and mental ray Shaders
When mental ray extensions are enabled (using
mental ray preferences (page 3–867) )andthe
mental ray renderer (page 3–77) is active, the
Material/Map Browser also lists mental ray
shaders. Shaders appear similar to maps, but with
yellow icons. You assign them the way you do
maps. The mental ray shaders don’t fit into the
map categories described in the previous section,
and aren’t described in this topic. See
mental
ray Shaders (page 2–1520)
for links to shader
descriptions.