Alpha mapping
Alpha mapping or transparency mapping is a technique in 3D computer graphics involving the use of texture mapping to designate the amount of transparency/translucency of areas in a certain object.[1][2]
Alpha mapping is used when the given object's transparency is not consistent: when the transparency amount is not the same for the entire object and/or when the object is not entirely transparent.[1] If the object has the same level of transparency everywhere, one can either use a solid-color alpha texture or an integer value.[citation needed]
The alpha map is often encoded in the alpha channel of an RGBA texture used for coloring, but can also exist as a standalone greyscale or coloured texture.[1][2] An alpha map is often used in conjunction with a textured flat surface as part of billboarding.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Birn, Jeremy (4 November 2013). Digital Lighting and Rendering. Pearson Education. pp. 288–289. ISBN 978-0-13-343917-5.
- ^ a b Goulekas, Karen (27 July 2001). "transparency mapping". Visual Effects in a Digital World: A Comprehensive Glossary of Over 7000 Visual Effects Terms. Morgan Kaufmann. p. 520. ISBN 978-0-12-293785-9.
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