Most textures CDs contain color maps only and do not include the additional surface maps needed for 3D rendering. In most cases, using a grayscale version of the color map is not adequate. For example, take a look at the picture below of different color pebbles embedded in concrete.
Converting this image to grayscale and using it as a bump and specular map in a rendering creates a rather dull, flat image with the dark pebbles appearing as indentations rather than pebbles raised above the concrete. Moreover, there is quite a bit of artificial roughness caused by the speckling in the pebbles.
The surface maps in True 3D Textures are not just grayscale versions of the color map. Instead, the maps are meticulously hand crafted to provide maximum realism. The concrete is darkened and the darker pebbles are individualy lightened to create the desired effect. Then, the map is carefully and selectively blurred to remove the speckling. The results are much truer to the original image.
Considering the full texture has over a thousand pebbles, this bump map saves you hours of tedious work.
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