The Mapping Image is a structure that maps each point on a geometry to a point on another geometry. The LOD Processors in Simplygon generate mapping images between the original models and their LODs to be able to cast all the original materials and properties to the corresponding point on the generated mesh. The Surface Mapper can create mapping images between any two meshes.
The mapping image is a texture generated for the LOD during the processing. It uses the LOD's newly generated texture coordinates. Per pixel it contains the original triangle ID and the barycentric coordinate of the corresponding point on the original object's surface. The mapping image is needed to automatically cast materials with any of the material casters (color caster, normal caster etc.). But the user can also use it manually to retrieve any information from the original model for the current surface element on the LOD.
Automatic size (needs a clear explanation), Custom channels (how to set that up so that Simplygon understands them), color casters, normal caster, ambient occlusion caster, opacity caster, Unwrap UV’s
SDK Examples:
•CastingWithTextureBlendExample
This feature works with:
•Parameterizer - To create the new and unique texture coordinates.
•Chart aggregator - To create the texture coordinates based on the original texture coordinates.
•Material caster - Is given the mapping image to cast the materials.
•Vertex color baker - Is given the mapping image to bake the vertex colors.