Lightmap/Ambient Occlusion Merging Tutorial

[ZURI]

During the recent months, I've been working on improving the look of my lighting. I've discovered a relatively simple way to make a single lightmap texture with standard shading, as well as Ambient Occlusion shading.

For all I know, most of the current writers probably know how to do this already. However, if there are enough people who would like to know how it's done - post here, and I'll make up a tutorial.

Edited: For nomenclature.

[tachzusamm]

That sounds very interesting. I think lighting is one of the most important things in a good looking age, so I would love to read how you made lightmap textures. When I tried, it was always a lot of trial an error. Although I know generally how to create them, there seems to be still a lot to learn to manage the process less time consuming.

Oh, by the way - what the heek is occular shading?

[ZURI]

Doh, I mean't to say Ambient.

Making a lightmap is actually quite simple, once you've done it about 20 times.

I have a few days off coming up - and will put aside a some time to write something up. For starters, I would recommend using Andy's Tutorial @ http://dusty.homeunix.net/wiki/Light_Maps

What I have to share goes beyond that, so you should learn to make simple lightmaps first. I do them exactly as he explains in the tutorial - but take a few extra steps to make them more detailed. Plus, there are several things you do can in GIMP to really make your lightmaps special. In the very near future, I'll be releasing an age showing how it all looks.

However, if you have questions about Andy's Tutorial - I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can.

[ametist]

Glad to hear that Zuri! It seems I never get around to learn complex things , so I for one would appreciate your 'tutorial'.
And a new age too of course

[ZURI]

I'm working on the basic outline for the tutorial now. Obviously, some parts are done in blender - but the real magic happens in Gimp. I'm sure it could all be done in photoshop as well - but I like free, so Gimp is it.

Ametist, there is now a subdirectory in the "folder." The tutorial will be placed there first so that it can be critiqued. After ensuring that it's simple, yet thorough enough, I'll see about adding it to the wiki.

[ZURI]

I have a working tutorial ready. Now, I need volunteers to check it for consistency and ease-of-use. Any takers?

Post here, and I'll give you the link to the tutorial.

Zuri

[tachzusamm]

I would shout "here", but I fear I will not find much time this week to try things out.
So, I don't want to cause delays - but let's give it a try and let's see if I can understand the workflow with my german English.

[ZURI]

Tachzusamm,

Check your Private Messages...

Edit: I'm correcting much of the grammar/nomenclature in the Document. If you download it before I update, you may find some parts confusing. You have my apologies in that regard. The new revision will be up in an hour or so. It is 19:35 EST here.

Edit#2: The updated revision is available. It should be easier to follow.