What are HDR maps?

For design visualizers and marketers, HDR maps provide a way of quickly and easily placing products in multiple real-life situations, locations and environments by only changing the HDR map and background image. No more wasted hours on modeling complex 3D lighting rigs, HDR maps can be used to present 3D models of new and concept products, in real world lighting and environments, before they have been manufactured.

Let us elaborate and explain in more detail…

A little bit of background on HDR images

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Images are based around the idea that a computer image can contain a range of light intensities far greater than can actually be displayed by a computer screen or monitor. By utilizing different exposure values, the full range (or gamma) of light is present in the HDR image, meaning that it is possible (using software) to adjust the range and intensity of light that is shown.

HDR images are made by combining several still photographs taken with different lighting conditions and combined into one ’super’ file which contains all the lighting information across all these files.

So what are HDR maps, and how do they help me?

The greatest influence HDR images have had on the CG community is the use of HDR maps for lighting, opening up the possibilities of rendering 3D scenes with the exact lighting conditions present at the time in which the HDR map was created.

HDR maps for 3D are created using the same principles of HDR images; multiple shots at varying lighting conditions are combined into a single HDR file type. When used in a 3D environment, these multiple images or shoots are taken of of a chrome ball in the desired scene. The chrome ball provides the required convex image that is perfect for mapping your scenes global lighting conditions onto a flat surface in a 3D environment.

The real power of HDR maps for lighting come into play when we look at compositing 3D objects or models into real-life photo’s or scenes. Traditionally the 3D artist would have to manually set up a complex lighting rig around a model to try to mic or replicate specific real world lighting. A very tiring and complex process believe you me, especially if maximum realism is to be achieved. Instead with an HDR map workflow, your 3D model is created, the HDR map is applied and your 3D software does the rest. If the 3D model is then composited into a separate photographic image that was taken at the same place as the HDR, your 3D model will sit in and be lit as if it was actually in the original photograph.

I think it is best understood and demonstrated using the workflow below:

Step One: Create your model

Step Two: Add materials to yor scene

Step Three: Apply HDR map according to 3D application

Step Four: Add background image

… and Voila, Chrome 3D ball presented and lit with real world conditions purly by and HDR map of the California Desert.

Looking for HDR Maps? Head over to our studio HDR map store.