Comparing albedo map creation techneques

In this post I am going to be looking at some different methods of producing albedo maps from a photograph for use in a PBR material system. For these tests I will initially be comparing the possible techniques such as using Photoshop to manually create the map, as well as semi-automatic creation though using software such as ShaderMap. To actually get a good idea of what results are possible I am going to be looking at a variety of materials types.

Test 1: Wood

Results

Using the manual method kept more of the dark information such as the cracks. This could probably be made better with a little more work to balance levels, however this may be a desired look for the material type.

The ShaderMap results have more colour variation as the dark areas are better filled with colour information which better fits the definition of an albedo map.



Conclusion

Close up the difference in dark areas can be seen, but at a further distances the difference is barely noticeable. Other than the dark notch detail which looks washed out in the ShaderMap version, the maps look very similar to each other but for the use of this texture I do prefer the results of the manual process.

Future tests

• Brick
• Fabric
• Ground