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Bump mapping is a method that lies in "cheating" the user through the appropriate 3d model shading in such a way, that it looks like it's In 3d ...

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Bump mapping in Photoshop and GIMP

Bump mapping is a method that lies in "cheating" the user through the appropriate 3d model shading in such a way, that it looks like it's In 3d, without interfering in the object's geometry. The effect is very convincing, most people don't notice that the edges of the 3d model are indeed flat. Because additional polygons are not created, render doesn't use too much of the computer resources and is used in 3d computer games. Bump map is a grayscale map made of displayed texture.

This tutorial shows how to create bump map in Photoshop and GIMP.

Photoshop

1. Open texture File->Open,
2. Go to Image->Adjustments->Levels and click Autolevels,
3. Set texture to grayscale mode Image->Mode->Grayscale,
4. When texture is sharp it's good to make it a little blurred Filter->Blur->Gaussian Blur,
5. If you want to enhance highs and lows of bump texture, you can use Image->Adjustments->Brightness/Contrast.

GIMP

1. Open texture File->Open,
2. Go to Select Color->Levels and click Auto,
3. Set texture to grayscale mode Image->Mode->Grayscale,
4. Very often, when texture is sharp it's good to make it a little blurred Filters->Blur->Gaussian Blur,
5. If you want to enhance highs and lows of bump texture, you can use Colors->Brightness-Contrast.

Final effect.