Vector vs Normal Mapping Visualization - Graphics & Shading Explained #1858105 (License: Personal Use)

The left panel illustrates a 1D vector mapped to a linear RGB gradient (red → yellow → green → blue), where the normal axis points downward. The right panel shows a 2D normal map with a radial heatmap-intensity indicates angle from the surface normal-with vector components marked along horizontal and vertical axes. Both diagrams highlight how directional data is encoded visually for real-time rendering and shading pipelines.

Used in game development, 3D modeling tutorials, and GPU programming guides to explain how normal maps store surface orientation for lighting calculations; targets developers and technical artists seeking to understand shading fundamentals.