Employing real-world photographic imagery directly as a surface characteristic is a method of digitally representing materials. This involves capturing images with a camera and subsequently applying these images to the surfaces of three-dimensional models within computer graphics software. For example, a photograph of a brick wall can be mapped onto a virtual wall, giving it the visual appearance of actual bricks.
This technique offers the potential for achieving a high degree of realism in computer-generated imagery. By incorporating the complexities of real-world surfaces, such as variations in color, texture, and imperfections, a more convincing representation is attainable. Historically, digital textures were often created manually or algorithmically. The utilization of photographic sources represents a shift toward capturing and incorporating real-world data to enhance visual fidelity.
