Lightmapping an area model.

[Quanon]

Here's my 2 tutorials on how I do most of my lightmapping.

 

It's 2 PDFs; taking you through the steps to get to a nice looking lightmap.

I don't cover any modelling or UVWmapping; just the basic steps to render the lightmap.

 

The second tutorial deals with the lights you can setup in 3Ds Max. I've kept basic again.

There's a lot you can do; to get good looking results in a render. But then you might be waiting for 4 hours for your lightmap to render.

 

With my more basic method you can get a good result, without loosing to much time on just rendering.

I do use this extra script to get my lightmaps, you can find it here:

http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/multi-objects-unwrap

 

This site, explains how to use the script and how you can adjust the interface of Max to easily access the script.

 

http://users.skynet.be/arketip/arketip_multiObjectUnwrapENG.htm

 

Creating Lightmaps

 

Setting up Lights and Render

[Sithspecter]

Thanks for posting these Quanon! I know they helped me a lot. I have a few more insights on the process that I need to write up as well.

[Malkior]

Whenever I'm working on new modules or perhaps fixing the existing module lighting (no promises ), this will be incredibly helpful. Thanks, Quanon.

[JCarter426]

Ah, thanks for reposting these. I haven't had time yet to learn lightmapping yet, but these will definitely come in handy.