May 23, 2011, 09:09:31 pm
I didn't have a clue that apps like 3dsMax produced superior lighting. Thanks for the tip

Perhaps I'm interpreting the usage of lightmaps a bit differently then you are.
Could be my lack of experience or that I seem to be missing a good eye for detail

I was under the impression a good artist can mimic the effect of GI by baking it in a lightmap
and the results can look very convincing. Depending on resolution, baking quality etc. of course.
This procedure can typically be found where studios just lack the time to render out
real GI, shadows, reflections etc. calculations per frame and need to produce good results in a limited timeframe.
I guess with the example you are sketching, for RT rendering, you should probably contact NASA
and ask if they can install Lumion on one of their computers cause if you'd like all of those lights
to be calculated with GI in RT, you are going to need one very special machine to pull it off

On a more serious note>
Check out these video's on how lightmaps can speed up your workflow:
http://www.texturebaking.com/training-material/For assets utilizing a lightmap in Lumion this proces would be pretty much the same.
@Pete > I can help you from the Lumion end of things but regaring Sketchup you're probably better of waiting for some serious advice from one of the experts on this forum.