Rendering in SketchUp

Image-Based Lighting
Using and mastering IBL concepts takes some practice. If you are new to rendering, you should 
start using Physical Sky as your primary exterior lighting option because it is so easy to use 
and set up.
Image-based lighting offers unique exterior lighting options based on real-world locations 
and light. Using special cameras, photographers can capture the metrics of light (strength, 
quality, and color) in a real-world scene (Fig. 23.3). These specially captured images can be 
inserted into IRPs that offer this option. Once they are inserted, the IRP references the light 
data in the image to simulate the exact lighting in the rendering (Fig. 23.4, Fig. 23.5, Fig. 23.6).

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Chapter 23: Exterior Light
Fig. 23.3: 
A high-dynamic 
range of images used for 
rendering

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Part 5: The Iterative Rendering Process
Fig. 23.4: 
Model rendered with noontime HDRI
Fig. 23.5: 
Model rendered with late afternoon HDRI 

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Chapter 23: Exterior Light
Fig. 23.6: 
Model rendered with early morning HDRI
The IBL format typically used for these types of photographs is called high dynamic range 
images (HDRI). Compared to Physical Sky settings, HDRI images can generate more realistic 
lighting in a scene.
HDRIs are delinked from the SketchUp Shadow menu (Fig. 23.7). The direction and expo-
sure of light are adjusted through the IRP menu only.
Fig. 23.7: 
Twilight Render v1 provides the 
options to insert HDRI images to use for 
rendering.

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