Environment map

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:57 pm

So... How can I get an environment map to work? I get a 'runtime' error when attempting to render.

Thanks in advance

Thom

Pibuz · Post by **Pibuz** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:15 pm

Hi Thom!
It would be best if you could post an image of the error you encounter, so we can see what's going on...
The first thing that pops in my mind is that you're could be using an hdr image instead of an exr. You know what an exr is, isn't it? However, you need to convert your hdr images to exr for them to work in indigo. "Picturenaut" software will fit your needs

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:20 am

Here's the error.

Pibuz · Post by **Pibuz** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:24 am

..no idea of what it is...so sorry

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:33 am

What about the hdr/exr thing?

Pibuz · Post by **Pibuz** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:35 am

oh: simply, indigo doesn't support the HDR extention, so you have to convert those files to .exr
A good free program is picturenaut; take a tour on the net and you'll surely find it out!

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:42 am

Okay

But I'm a little confused. I'm only using a simple JPEG image.

Pibuz · Post by **Pibuz** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:48 am

uhm...this complicates my ipothesys....
i really don't know, then...

Really sorry, but i'm not a pro of this program

suvakas · Post by **suvakas** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:03 am

jpg is not supported. Well.. at least i see no point in using jpg for environment lighting, cause it is ldr image format.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:14 am

So what's supported?

suvakas · Post by **suvakas** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:21 am

exr and some other hdr format (i don't remember the extension).
There is no option for having a simple background image like in other renderers. You either have to fake it by using a textured plane or do it in post using an alpha channel.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:24 am

I converted the .jpg image to .exr and I get the same error.

crojack · Post by **crojack** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 10:05 am

do a search for .exr images

a jpg can be used but is not that good of an option. it is an LDR image, Low Dynamic Range, and what you need is an HDR image, High Dynamic Range.

an exr is also a high dynamic range image.

if you search for exr than you should find some free ones, either here in the forums or google. there is a thread in the general section with links to exr resources.

as far as the error goes, I'm wondering if you have it set correctly in Skindigo? Do you have the "Enviroment Map" radio button checked? It is possible to Browse for an env. map but not have the button checked, might cause an error.

good luck!

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:41 pm

Bumping quite an old thread here, but still haven't quite figured it out.

crojack
Thanks. I have obtained an HDR image and set it as an environment map in Indigo. However, I am prompted with an error message, stating that the file is not valid.

edit:
I guess I missed what Pibuz said about the lack of support for the HDR extension.

Not sure what to do here. Any free HDR to .exr converters without watermarks? Or perhaps a site with .exr files that anyone uses frequently and is willing to share?

I may just have to resort to using the "jpeg on a rectangular plane" method.

suvakas · Post by **suvakas** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:23 pm

Thom wrote:Not sure what to do here. Any free HDR to .exr converters without watermarks?

You can find several options from this thread:
http://www.indigorenderer.com/joomla/fo ... php?t=1243