Heightmap -> Normal Map processing node request

So, I would like to suggest that a normal map node be added as one of the standard processing nodes. What I'm suggesting is a node which you input a grayscale map, and which outputs a normal map.

This would be useful, b/c it allows more interesting maps to be created from the basic heightmaps these maps follow the 'slope' of the object. For example, in this filter, I have the little mossy vine things growing on the lower slope of the rocks.



FF can clearly do this sort of processing from a heightmap to a normal very quickly already - so perhaps it might not be too hard to add.

There ARE jerry-rigged methods to do this which people have come up with, but they are a bit convoluted, and appear rather slow compared to how quickly FF generates a normal map. In the example above I'm using something Crapadilla whipped up http://www.filterforge.com/filters/3647.html.

If there was a dedicated Heightmap -> normal map node, one could achieve the same effect below by simply doing an extracting the Green Channel.

Yup, it would be good. I assume the reason this has not been done is that it would close the gap between the basic and the pro edition for then you could generate normal maps from the basic edition.

BTW; IMHO Photoshop-like batch processing would be a great Pro Edition selling feature. Particularly if you could control put a timer step into your controls.

+1

You can already see I've tried to find a solution for this. Here. I just now realized that the filter probably looked like I was trying to defeat the purpose of the pro version, that wasn't the case: I just assumed everyone could do normal maps. Anyhow- This would be pretty handy to have, I can imagine having a lot of use from such things. Even a limited "illum grad" node as crapadilla has here would be handy. Just be sure you can "illuminate from the front" and create something analogous to the blue channel of a normal map.