Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design

Physical Sky

The Physical Sky setting is the quickest way to get exterior lighting results. For most users utilizing Physical Sky will be enough. The following settings yield good, consistent results (Fig. 28.3):

• SketchUp Shadow Menu: Time: Between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
• SketchUp Shadow Menu: Date: Between August and September.
• SketchUp Shadow Menu: Set Dark slider to 35.
• Shaderlight Render Settings: Under Lighting, select Physical Sky.
• Shaderlight Render Settings: Make sure that Auto Exposure under the Shaderlight options is unchecked and Exposure is set to zero (0).
• SketchUp Solar North: Adjust SketchUp Solar North for the best lighting results.

Fig. 28.3: These Physical Sky and SketchUp Shadow settings are useful for many exterior renderings.

You can use different Time settings but with a caveat. Earlier or later times will cause less light to be generated in the rendering, which will cause it to appear somewhat flat. Adjusting the Date (month) yields more or less light, depending on the month. For example, summer months produce more light and greater exposure than winter months, which have less light, longer shadows, and less exposure.