Question [URP] - Using a Texture Array for Normal Maps

The Sample Texture 2D node supports 2 types - Default or Normal Map.

This type of node is missing in Unity 2021.3.22f1 in URP mode.

Is there something similar when using Texture Arrays?
Thank you!

 

Most devices perform better using a texture atlas (multiple textures next to eachother) compared to texture2Darray.
Maybe you can simply get the raw data and output it to normals without issue? Not too sure

 

I see - didn't really think of that.

The reason we went for a texture array is that we hit the 16-texture limit on the shader.

Do you know what would be the difference between using a texture atlas (getting data with offset) vs. a texture array?

Thanks.

 

Texture arrays get the different textures via an int
For texture atlas if the UVs are setup correctly you don't have to do anything. Just use the same material on multiple different meshes which have a different UV

 

Cheers!

 

I think there is no limit for textures or it's high (I think Ben Golus said that), however there is limit for samplers (but it is possible to reuse them). In any case using so many sampling operations is quite heavy and rather not good idea if there is alternative solution.

I had no occasion to use "proper" texture atlas, but from my observations I think there is limitation if you use it with tiling textures. I guess it's not possible to get rid of seams between chunks caused by mipmaps. Actually I am curious if it is possible to use texture atlas for terrain without problems.