Transfer Maps Normal Map Issue

[Hans Schrijvers]

I am trying to use Maya's transfer maps to bake out a normal map from a high res model and apply it to a low res model, yet I am having some problems and I am not sure what the cause is, but the normal map of the bolts and indents is slanted towards the bottom center instead of just centered like they are on the high res model. What's the cause of this and more importantly how do I get them to show up properly in the normal map?

[rburke]

your not in the proper space. you are in object or uv space or world space or something. I can tell because you are getting a red to blue gradient on a flat surface. That surface should show up as that light blueish purple color. The reason it would do that is if its trying to create object space normal as appose to tangent space normals, or if its transferring the normal info in the wrong space. There is like 3 option to control this in the surface sampler.

And as far as displaying it that is simple. Just make sure the normal map is plugged into the bump node of the material and then make sure its set to tangent space normal in the bump node. then just turn on high quality mode. It will look better too if you setup a 3 point light setup.

If you still get issues lemme know and ill post up a screen of the proper settings to use in the sampler. Also good rule of thumb is to delete history and often freeze transforms before sampling. oh and no overlapping uvs either, you'd have to do your overlapping after making normal maps unless you wanted to make like 10 separate normal maps and combine them.

[Hans Schrijvers]

Hey Ryan, thanks for the help. I have my map space set to tangent normal space and my maya common out is set to world space. I have tried a variety of different combinations but they all show the slant among other issues.

Yes, can you please post an image for me of the proper settings and if there is anything else I am missing during the process, can you do a step by step for me?

Thanks.

[rburke]

okay here is some images of how id setup a super simple transfer. Notice the objects are in the same orientation, ive also centered the pivots of both objects. I have adjusted the envelope of the low res mesh so that the high res is contained within. Also the last setting in advanced there is on closest to envelope, but this depends on what your mapping sometimes you need to use inside only or inside then outside, jsut need to experiment.