Lumion

Last updated
Lumion
Developer(s) Act-3D B.V.
Initial release2010
Stable release
Lumion 2023
Operating system Windows
Type 3D visualization
License Proprietary
Website lumion.com

Lumion is a real-time 3D architectural visualization software developed by Act-3D B.V., a privately owned Dutch company, developer of the Quest3D engine, headquartered in Sassenheim, Netherlands. [1] Primarily used in architecture, landscaping, urban planning and interior design, Lumion allows the creation of high-resolution renders and visualizations. It is available in 180 countries worldwide. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

History

Act-3D, a company behind Lumion, was founded in 1998 in Leiden, Netherlands. [5]

In September 2001, the company developed Quest3D, a proprietary 3D engine utilized in the areas of architecture, product design, computer games, training software, and simulation environments. [6] [7]

Act-3D shifted focus to architectural 3D rendering shortly after its inception. The first version of Lumion software was released in December 2010. [2] [8]

Overview

Lumion has Pro and Standard licenses for commercial use. Pro license includes the complete visualization software with access to the full content library and support. The standard license includes access to the support team and a portion of the content library. Lumion also has two educational licenses for non-commercial use only, Lumion Student and Lumion Faculty. Lumion Student is a free 1-year license designed for students. It can be renewed throughout their studies and is intended for non-commercial use only. Lumion Faculty is a free 3-year license for faculty members representing educational institutions. Lumion Faculty is restricted to use on university computer labs only. [9]

Features

Lumion offers real-time rendering, allowing users to view changes and updates instantly. [8]

It also has integration with popular CAD software, such as Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Archicad, and many more. Lumion LiveSync was introduced for the first time in 2018 for Sketchup, enabling real-time model-to-render synchronization. [10] [8] [11]

LiveSync feature allows CAD modeling and Lumion rendering integration for simultaneous work in both environments with modifications that are instantly visible within the context of a lifelike landscape, including realistic skies, vegetation, furniture, and other rendered elements. [10] [12]

Lumion’s render engine combines rasterization technology with ray tracing for realistic light behavior and automatically generates realistic indirect lighting, reflections, and shadows. [13] [14] [8] [15] [16]

It is compatible with both Nvidia and AMD GPUs. [17] [18] It supports PBR material workflow, utilizing 8 material maps. Renders natural physical properties through the calculation of light conditions and gives control over the material settings. [19]

System requirements

Lumion's system requirements vary by version, generally recommending a powerful graphics card, sufficient RAM, and a high-speed processor for optimal performance. A benchmark test is available for individual assessment (Lumion benchmarks the user's computer graphics card, graphics memory, CPU, and system memory; if any of these components have a red score, the user may need to upgrade this component for a better Lumion use). [20] [21]

Related Research Articles

Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has offices worldwide. Its U.S. offices are located in the states of California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its Canada offices are located in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shader</span> Type of program in a graphical processing unit (GPU)

In computer graphics, a shader is a computer program that calculates the appropriate levels of light, darkness, and color during the rendering of a 3D scene—a process known as shading. Shaders have evolved to perform a variety of specialized functions in computer graphics special effects and video post-processing, as well as general-purpose computing on graphics processing units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quadro</span> Brand of Nvidia graphics cards used in workstations

Quadro was Nvidia's brand for graphics cards intended for use in workstations running professional computer-aided design (CAD), computer-generated imagery (CGI), digital content creation (DCC) applications, scientific calculations and machine learning from 2000 to 2020.

SpeedTree is a group of vegetation programming and modeling software products developed and sold by Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (IDV) that generates virtual foliage for animations, architecture and in real time for video games and demanding real time simulations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray-tracing hardware</span> Type of 3D graphics accelerator

Ray-tracing hardware is special-purpose computer hardware designed for accelerating ray tracing calculations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D rendering</span> Process of converting 3D scenes into 2D images

3D rendering is the 3D computer graphics process of converting 3D models into 2D images on a computer. 3D renders may include photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autodesk Revit</span> Building information modelling software

Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling software for architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, and contractors. The original software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997, renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000 and acquired by Autodesk in 2002. The software allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements and access building information from the building model's database. Revit is 4D building information modeling (BIM) application capable with tools to plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D computer graphics</span> Graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data

3D computer graphics, sometimes called CGI, 3-D-CGI or three-dimensional computer graphics, are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering digital images, usually 2D images but sometimes 3D images. The resulting images may be stored for viewing later or displayed in real time.

Sun Visualization System was a sharable visualization product introduced by Sun Microsystems in January 2007. It used other Sun technologies, including Sun servers, Solaris, Sun Ray Ultra-Thin Clients, and Sun Grid Engine. The Sun Visualization System software was based on several open source technologies: Chromium to perform distributed 3D rendering, VirtualGL to re-route 3D rendering jobs to arbitrary graphics devices, and TurboVNC to deliver the rendered 3D images to a client or clients. Sun sponsored and/or contributed changes back to these projects throughout the life of the Sun Visualization System.

HOOPS Visualize is a 3D computer graphics software designed to render graphics across both mobile and desktop platforms. HOOPS Visualize provides 3D Graphics API to render CAD models. It's part of the HOOPS 3D Application Framework SDK. Since June 2018 it's licensed via Siemens PLM Software.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute</span> Research institute at the University of Utah

The Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute is a permanent research institute at the University of Utah that focuses on the development of new scientific computing and visualization techniques, tools, and systems with primary applications to biomedical engineering. The SCI Institute is noted worldwide in the visualization community for contributions by faculty, alumni, and staff. Faculty are associated primarily with the School of Computing, Department of Bioengineering, Department of Mathematics, and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with auxiliary faculty in the Medical School and School of Architecture.

Maxwell Render is an unbiased 3D render engine, developed by Next Limit Technologies in Madrid, Spain. This stand-alone software is used in the film, animation, and VFX industry, as well as in architectural and product design visualization. It offers various plug-ins for 3D/CAD and post production applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D modeling</span> Form of computer-aided engineering

In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical coordinate-based representation of a surface of an object in three dimensions via specialized software by manipulating edges, vertices, and polygons in a simulated 3D space.

Lightwork Design Ltd. is a computer software company specialising in 3D Rendering software. Its headquarters are in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kubity</span> Cloud-based 3D communication tool

Kubity is a cloud-based 3D communication tool that works on desktop computers, the web, smartphones, tablets, augmented reality gear, and virtual reality glasses. Kubity is powered by several proprietary 3D processing engines including "Paragone" and "Etna" that prepare the 3D file for transfer over mobile devices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nvidia RTX</span> Development platform for rendering graphics

Nvidia RTX is a professional visual computing platform created by Nvidia, primarily used in workstations for designing complex large-scale models in architecture and product design, scientific visualization, energy exploration, and film and video production, as well as being used in mainstream PCs for gaming.

Enscape is a commercial real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin. It is mainly used in the architecture, engineering, and construction fields and is developed and maintained by Enscape GmbH, founded in 2013 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany with an office in New York, United States. In 2022, Enscape's developer Enscape GmbH merged with Chaos, developer of competing rendering software V-Ray.

References

  1. Bella, Alberto; Cascone, Santi Maria (2015-11-05). BIM IN A PROJECT MANAGEMENT _ Revit 2016 | Ecotect Analysis | Lumion 5 Software (in Italian). Alberto Bella | OcMare.
  2. 1 2 "Act-3D ships Lumion 2023.0 | CG Channel" . Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  3. Corporation, CGarchitect Digital Media (2021-06-16). "Discover 'Aedas City', the largest ever architectural visualization rendered with Lumion | Jeff Mottle". CGarchitect.com. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  4. Purcell, Aaron D. (2019-02-08). The Digital Archives Handbook: A Guide to Creation, Management, and Preservation. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN   978-1-5381-2239-6.
  5. "3D Visualization Software: The Features, Capabilities, and UX in Lumion 10". www.easyrender.com. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  6. "Athens Journal of Technology Engineering. Experimental Research in Urban Spatial Cognition by Using Virtual Reality Technology" (PDF). atiner.gr. March 2014. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  7. Vergara, Diego; Extremera, Jamil; Rubio, Manuel Pablo; Dávila, Lilian P. (2020-01-31). "The Technological Obsolescence of Virtual Reality Learning Environments". Applied Sciences. 10 (3): 915. doi: 10.3390/app10030915 . ISSN   2076-3417.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Lumion vs Twinmotion: how they compare". www.easyrender.com. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  9. "Act-3D B.V.-Featured - Mad Macs Technology Distributions Limited". www.mmhk.com. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  10. 1 2 "Lumion 8.3 with LiveSync • sketchUcation • 1". sketchucation.com. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  11. "Experimental Research in Urban Spatial Cognition by Using Virtual Reality Technology" (PDF). atiner.gr. 2013-11-06. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  12. Ioannides, Marinos; Magnenat-Thalmann, Nadia; Papagiannakis, George (2017-04-26). Mixed Reality and Gamification for Cultural Heritage. Springer. ISBN   978-3-319-49607-8.
  13. "Act-3D Has Shipped Lumion 2023". 80.lv. 2023-03-15. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  14. Lily, Yen (2023-06-15). "How does Lumion perform on RTX4090? | Lumion Cloud Rendering". iRender Cloud Rendering Service. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  15. "Lumion Australia". CAD International. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  16. Staff, CGPress (2023-03-17). "Lumion 2023 released". CGPress. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  17. "NVIDIA DLSS & GeForce RTX: List Of All Games, Engines And Applications Featuring GeForce RTX-Powered Technology And Features". NVIDIA. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  18. Corke, Greg (2023-03-16). "Lumion 2023 launches with built-in ray tracing". AEC Magazine. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  19. "Act-3D Has Shipped Lumion 2023". 80.lv. 2023-03-15. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  20. Alaa, Majed. Using Lumion like a vray pro: Learn Lumion Rendering software from zero to hero. Majed Alaa.
  21. Cardoso, Ciro (2013). Getting Started with Lumion 3D. Packt Publishing. ISBN   978-1-84969-949-5.