Understanding Ambient Occlusion maps

AO maps are texture maps used to simulate soft shadows on 3D models. Figure 8.1 shows a model without an AO map (left) and a model with one (right). The left model has no shading and does not look realistic, while the right model has visible shading and looks like it is in a real environment.

Figure 8.1 – A model before and after adding an AO map

Now let’s dive into what an AO map looks like. In Figure 8.2, we can see the AO map used on the model from Figure 8.1.

Figure 8.2 – An AO map

As you can see, it is mostly white with some gray and black areas. The purpose of this texture map is to shade the creases of the model. We can use this image texture in combination with other textures to improve their shading and shade creases to make the model look more realistic.

Now that we understand what an AO map is, we will move on to learning how to make one in Blender.

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