Grouping or creating components out of SketchUp geometry has no impact on rendering time. All geometry must be analyzed by Podium; even components on hidden layers will be analyzed despite their invisibility in the final image. It is very important to model your image efficiently, because the complexity of your modeling will determine the time required for geometric analysis. In SU Podium this analysis stage is referred to as “Processing Scene” in the OOPR. Highly complex geometry requires longer processing times, and in some cases this stage may even take longer than ray-tracing. Texture vs. Model Whenever possible, we recommend that you use textures to convey fine detail rather than putting it into the model itself. This method is more flexible and minimizes file sizes and render times. For example, it is counterproductive to model every panel in a floor when a texture can convey that detail more efficiently. If you’re unable to find a texture, you can create a tiling texture in an image editing software program such as Photoshop, and then use bump mapping to simulate seams or joints between panels. In order to properly render metal siding or perforated materials, you should also use the above technique. If you model this kind of detail, geometry processing will be very slow even in small scenes, and can lead to errors or crashes with large complicated models. You can use materials, textures, or transparencies in .PNG to simulate metal siding or perforation. Some materials in the SU Podium Browser are useful for this purpose. Otherwise, we suggest that you draw an image in an editor, make appropriate areas transparent, and then save the image in a format that preserves transparency (PNG). Mesh materials in SU Podium Browser Reflection of Environment When you have reflective materials in your scene, reflections of the environment can create a very realistic effect. Depending on both context and perspective, it is very common for low windows to reflect the horizon and surroundings, while high windows reflect the sky. This is also applicable when creating a scene where only one side of the room is visible. Consider the following options for bringing realistic reflections into your scene:
Grouping or creating components out of SketchUp geometry has no impact on rendering time. All geometry must be analyzed by Podium; even components on hidden layers will be analyzed despite their invisibility in the final image. It is very important to model your image efficiently, because the complexity of your modeling will determine the time required for geometric analysis. In SU Podium this analysis stage is referred to as “Processing Scene” in the OOPR. Highly complex geometry requires longer processing times, and in some cases this stage may even take longer than ray-tracing. Texture vs. Model Whenever possible, we recommend that you use textures to convey fine detail rather than putting it into the model itself. This method is more flexible and minimizes file sizes and render times. For example, it is counterproductive to model every panel in a floor when a texture can convey that detail more efficiently. If you’re unable to find a texture, you can create a tiling texture in an image editing software program such as Photoshop, and then use bump mapping to simulate seams or joints between panels. In order to properly render metal siding or perforated materials, you should also use the above technique. If you model this kind of detail, geometry processing will be very slow even in small scenes, and can lead to errors or crashes with large complicated models. You can use materials, textures, or transparencies in .PNG to simulate metal siding or perforation. Some materials in the SU Podium Browser are useful for this purpose. Otherwise, we suggest that you draw an image in an editor, make appropriate areas transparent, and then save the image in a format that preserves transparency (PNG). Mesh materials in SU Podium Browser Reflection of Environment When you have reflective materials in your scene, reflections of the environment can create a very realistic effect. Depending on both context and perspective, it is very common for low windows to reflect the horizon and surroundings, while high windows reflect the sky. This is also applicable when creating a scene where only one side of the room is visible. Consider the following options for bringing realistic reflections into your scene:
SUPodiumV2PLUS_Guide1.2.docx