About Sun and Sky Simulation
A special light is available to simulate the effect of sunlight or moonlight. It can
be used in conjunction with sky simulation to provide a dramatic background and show
how the shadows cast by a structure affect the surrounding area.
Sunlight
A “Sun” light is rendered using an accurate sunlight model. For example, the color
of sunlight is computed based on the time, position in the sky, date, and location
specified in the drawing. More properties become available with photometric lighting
than in the standard lighting workflow.
The rays of the simulated sunlight are parallel and have the same intensity at any
distance. The angle of the light from the sun is controlled by the geographic location
you specify for your model and by the date and time of day. Whereas the rays of the
sun are parallel and of a yellowish hue, the light cast from the atmosphere comes
from all directions and is distinctly bluish in color. All settings for the sun except
geographic location are saved per viewport, not per drawing. Geographic location is
saved per drawing.
The Shadow property of the sunlight system is maintained for backwards compatibility.
Sky Background
The simulated “Sky” background is only available with the photometric lighting workflow.
Sky Illumination
Sky illumination can be used to add extra light to a scene, simulating the effect
of light scattered by the atmosphere throughout the scene.