How to create a gradient from a profile?

[grillp]

Hey All.

New GIMP user here.

I am doing  some 3D modelling/rendering and want to create a greyscale bump map from a profile...

The profile is for a scalloped panel, as seen here:

   

So I want to use that profile to create a grayscale bump map like this (Dark is lower, light is higher), that repeats in the y direction, but follows a path that is the profile I am after.. kind of like this:

   

I created this one using a feathered Border Selection from a single central line, but it creates, a peak at the top and bottom of the bump which is not what I am after.

I find that using standard gradients are too linear, and I would like to use a Bezier curve path as the source for the gradient. If that makes sense.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Cheers

G./

[Ofnuts]

You best bet is to do a plain repeating gradient, and then distort it (Curve bend, Ripple...).