Creating Realistic Depth Effects in Three.js

If displacement maps aren't providing the realistic depth effect you're looking for on a plane geometry, there are several alternative techniques you can try:

1. Using Depth Textures

The DepthTexture class in Three.js can be used to create more convincing depth effects. This is particularly useful for rendering techniques that require depth information.

JAVASCRIPTCopied
// Create a depth texture
const depthTexture = new THREE.DepthTexture();
const renderTarget = new THREE.WebGLRenderTarget(width, height, {
  depthTexture: depthTexture,
  depthBuffer: true
});

2. Parallax Mapping

Parallax mapping (or height mapping) can create the illusion of depth without actually modifying the geometry:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
// In your shader material
const material = new THREE.ShaderMaterial({
  uniforms: {
    heightMap: { value: heightTexture },
    heightScale: { value: 0.1 } // Adjust for desired effect
  },
  // Include parallax mapping in your vertex/fragment shaders
});

3. Multiple Layered Planes

Using multiple transparent planes with different parts of your image can create a convincing depth effect:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
// Create multiple planes with different z-positions
const frontPlane = new THREE.Mesh(
  new THREE.PlaneGeometry(1, 1),
  new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({ 
    map: frontTexture,
    transparent: true 
  })
);

const backPlane = new THREE.Mesh(
  new THREE.PlaneGeometry(1, 1),
  new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({ 
    map: backTexture,
    transparent: true 
  })
);

backPlane.position.z = -0.1; // Position slightly behind
scene.add(frontPlane, backPlane);

4. Normal Mapping with Lighting

Combining normal maps with strategic lighting can enhance the perception of depth:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
const material = new THREE.MeshStandardMaterial({
  map: colorTexture,
  normalMap: normalTexture,
  normalScale: new THREE.Vector2(1, 1),
  roughness: 0.7,
  metalness: 0.2
});

// Add directional lighting to emphasize the normal details
const light = new THREE.DirectionalLight(0xffffff, 1);
light.position.set(1, 1, 1);
scene.add(light);

5. Custom Shader Approach

For maximum control, you can create custom shaders that combine multiple techniques:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
const material = new THREE.ShaderMaterial({
  uniforms: {
    colorMap: { value: colorTexture },
    depthMap: { value: depthTexture },
    normalMap: { value: normalTexture },
    lightPosition: { value: new THREE.Vector3(1, 1, 1) }
  },
  vertexShader: /* your vertex shader */,
  fragmentShader: /* your fragment shader */
});

Based on your image example, a combination of normal mapping with carefully positioned lighting and possibly a subtle parallax effect might give you the most realistic results without requiring complex geometry modifications.