I could not believe my eyes: A very nice NormalMap plugin for GIMP (Linux) with all the options known from the corresponding NVIDIA tool is now available as source code!
In addition, it has further, even better quality edge detecting algorithms to offer that lead to amazing views!
http://nifelheim.dyndns.org/~cocidius/normalmap/
Doug has posted the URL on his page. Thanks!
I tested the program with an 8k earth bumpfile with excellent results, using the new edge detect algorithm.
It is FAST! Now an 8k normal map including the subsequent conversion to DXT1 is done in less than 1 minute with GIMP under Linux on my 1GHz PIII.
There is also a very nice OpenGL preview, etc...
So first thing tomorrow, is a 16k dds normal map from earth;-)
Bye Fridger