Bump maps

Researched into bump maps.

Bump mapping basically makes takes a flat texture and adds detail to make it appear more detailed, and in most cases more realistic. Example;

To make a bump map you take the original image and make it black and white, then in 3DS Max you would apply it as a bump map, then change the settings until you acheive the look you want.

This gives a realistic look without changing the model.

http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/Help/iClone3STD/15_Multiple_Channel_Texture_Mapping/Types_of_maps.htm

This link features a few mapping types I'm interested in including;
Opacity mapping
Specular mapping
Reflection mapping

All of these will be useful to me, especially reflection mapping as I'll have quite a few objects which reflect in real life.