Click Here to download a .zip enclosure containing 4K renders for the dome master images shown below.

Osario scene rendering

Dome master progression

The following image sequence shows a progression of dome renders for a hypothetical camera view in front of the Osario.

Dome render of scene geometry without shading, lighting (Mental Ray)

Above, we start with polygonal scene geometry rendered with general illumination but without textures. Raw scene data processed in Geometry Systems Studio, layout formatted in Autodesk Maya, rendered in Mental Images' Mental Ray.

Dome render of scene geometry with lighting (Mental Ray)

Next scene lighting is added. Click here to view concept art for the Osario image sequence below

Dome render of scene geometry with shading, lighting (Mental Ray)

Above, a dome render with lighting and textures from photography taken on site.

Perspective render of scene geometry with shading, lighting (Mental Ray)

This image shows a perspective camera view of the dome render above.

For a more detailed view, see the 2K render in the .zip enclosure linked at the top and bottom of this page.

Perspective render of scene geometry with shading, lighting (Fryrender)

Part of the rendering pipeline development for Maya Skies involves selecting rendering software--one (or more than one) rendering package to create the visualizations required by the script. In contrast to the dome images above rendered in Mental Ray, the Osario above was rendered with Fryrender. (The gold shader here was applied as a technical test.) We've been considering a long list of rendering software, balancing the aspects we need most for Maya Skies (realism, speed, control) against practical concerns (time and material budgets, community support). Below are a few of the renderers which we currently see as strong candidates:

Rendering Software Candidates

• Mental Ray - A mature, well-supported renderer often used in feature film production
• Fryrender - A newer solution with strong community support and useful features for architectural work
• Radiance - Suitable for large outdoor scenes, with an accent on correct photometry and solar illumination
• Sunflow - One of the most promising open source renderers, in active development

For a reasonably complete list of renderers available, see: http://sunflow.sourceforge.net/index.php?pg=link

Perspective render of scene geometry with alternate shading (Fryrender)

Here, a render to compare with the Mental Ray renders above. The geometry and textures are the same in both examples.

Click Here to download a .zip enclosure containing 4K renders for the dome master images shown below.