ZMapper Introduction

From ZBrush Info

ZMapper uses some of the unique features of ZBrush, such as multi-resolution subdivision surfaces, to make the creation of normal maps a quick and easy process. Here's a quick preview of a typical use of ZMapper, so you can have an idea of how it fits in with ZBrush.

1. Create a low-resolution model to your liking and (in ZBrush, using the multiple subdivision levels feature) a high-resolution model that is a subdivision of the low-resolution model.
2. Choose a texture size for the normal map.
3. Add a bump map if desired, for high-frequency detail.
4. Start the ZMapper plugin and use it to create a normal map for the low-resolution model. The map will incorporate both the differentials in geometry between the low- and high-resolution models, and the details of the bump map.

The world below shows how well an extremely high-resolution model can be mapped to a very low-resolution model, given the appropriate geometry.

Figure: World Normal Map

The low-res model shown below is less than 600 polygons (the straight lines of the polygons are just visible in silhouette). The high-resolution model used to generate the normal map was more than two million polygons. The smaller inserts on the right show the low-resolution polygon geometry, and close-up detail of the normal-mapped model.