This page discusses the details of the V-Ray Sky map, which is used within the V-Ray Sun and Sky System.
The VRaySky texture map is typically used as an environment map to help simulate outdoor lighting. The texture can change its appearance based on the position of the VRaySun, which it is normally used in conjunction with the V-Ray Sun and Sky System. The example below on the left is a swatch of the sky map with a visible horizon line and ground. The render on the right is a chrome shader ball rendered with a sky map as an environment along with sun lighting to demonstrate how the sky is reflected in objects. ||Material Editor window|| > Material/Map Browser > Maps > V-Ray > VRaySky The VRaySky texture map is typically used as an environment map, either in the 3ds Max Environment dialogue, or in one of the slots of the V-Ray Environment rollout and behaves very much like a HDRI environment map. The VRaySky changes its appearance based on the position of the VRaySun. Specify sun node – Specifies how the VRaySky determines its parameters: Off – The VRaySky will automatically take its parameters from the active VRaySun that was created last. (In other words, if there are multiple suns in the scene, the most recently created VRaySun that is also enabled will be used.) In this case, none of the other parameters of VRaySky are accessible. Sun light – Specifies which light source is chosen if Specify sun node is On. Sun turbidity – Refers to VRaySun parameters . Sun ozone – Refers to VRaySun parameters. Sun intensity multiplier – Refers to VRaySun parameters. Sun size multiplier – Refers to VRaySun parameters. Sun filter color – Shifts the hue of the V-Ray Sun and Sky system towards the color specified in the field. Sun invisible – When enabled, the sun disk will not be visible on the sky texture. Sky model – Specifies the procedural model used to generate the VRaySky texture. Preetham et al. – The VRaySky procedural texture is generated based on the Preetham et al. method. Indirect horiz. illum. – Specifies the intensity (in lx) of the illumination on horizontal surfaces coming from the sky. Ground albedo – Sets the ground color of the V-Ray Sun and Sky system. Blend angle – Controls the size of the gradient formed by VRaySky between the horizon and the actual sky. Horizon offset – Offsets the horizon from the default position (the absolute horizon). Overview
V-Ray Sky Parameters
On – A different light source can be chosen. It is recommended that only direct lights are used, as the vector for the direction is taken into consideration when computing the appearance of the sky. In that case the VRaySun is no longer controlling the VRaySky and the parameters in the texture map rollout determine the final look of the sky.
CIE Clear – The VRaySky procedural texture is generated based on the CIE method for clear sky.
CIE Overcast – The VRaySky procedural texture is generated based on the CIE method for cloudy sky.
Hosek et al. – The VRaySky procedural texture is generated based on the Hosek et al. method.
Improved - The V-RaySky procedural texture is generated based on the Improved method which has enhanced sunrise and sunset sky.
Example: Sky Model Types
The examples below show the different sky model types, in these examples default values for VRaySky have been used.
Preetham et al.
CIE Clear
CIE Overcast
Hosek et al.
Imrpoved