Step 1 – Preparing the SketchUp model
To follow the steps in the book, you can download the Cornell Box SketchUp file from www.packtpub.com/support. In this demo scene, the model is already prepared for 3D rendering, and there are scenes set up to follow the steps below. If you imported our test box from the 3D Warehouse (search for Cornell Box) or used your own SketchUp model, you should do some preparations before you can start rendering:
Create a copy of your SketchUp file just for rendering. You will create new scenes and content dedicated to the rendering process, and you can save all this in a dedicated SketchUp file.
Remove unused content. Check the model for hidden geometry, unused and obsolete scene tabs and layers, and especially materials. Purge the material list.
Identify the important materials in the scene, especially those that are used for windows and nearby large objects.
Double-check the orientation of surfaces that you want to convert to emitting surfaces or to which you want...
