Problem

How to use Visible Environment Maps.

Solution

Pre V8 2004 edition:

An element with a transparent material will need to be present to reflect the environment on the outside o f the element while the scene is inside the element.

1. Place a solid (preferably a cylinder or sphere) that will encompass the entire design
2. Apply a transparent material (see help for more information on applying and defining materials).
3. Click "Assign Environmental Maps", browse and select desired image(s).
4. Enable "Environment Maps" in Ray Trace Settings box.<(><<)>CR >5.

Render view.

In V8 (2004 Edition), Visualization Enhancement is needed prior to 08.05.02.27.

- A new option has been added to the Ray Trace settings called "Visible environment". If this is enabled, the Rendering will display the loaded environment map behind the elements in the scene. The size of the rendered visible environment is controlled by the file's maximum range.

<(><<)> CR>

To use this effectively:

1. Place a solid (preferably a cylinder or sphere) that will encompass the entire design.
2. Set the Solid to be either on a construction class element or on a level that is displayed off.
2. Render view.

Notes: -To change the size of the image, just adjust the size of the solid.
- It is recommended to have MicroStation to re-adjust the range in the file with the key-in:

MDL LOAD FIXRANGE