Displacement mapping

Displacement mapping is like playing with clay! When you play with clay, you can make it into different shapes and make it taller or flatter. The same thing happens with displacement mapping when you are working with 3D models.

When people make 3D models, they use shapes like triangles or squares to create the surface of the object. But just like with clay, they may want to change the surface of the model to make it look different than the shape that was originally created.

Displacement mapping allows them to do that by taking a flat image, like a picture or a pattern, and using that to "displace" or change the surface of the model. It's like taking a flat piece of paper with a picture of mountains on it and putting it on top of a ball. The ball will start to look like it has mountains on it.

This technique can make 3D models look more realistic and detailed because the surface can have bumps, grooves, or even certain textures. It's kind of like adding a 3D puzzle to a flat surface! Often times, displacement mapping is used in movies or video games to create cool and realistic animations.