Following the release of Autodesk AutoCAD 2016 in March, our team of consultants, trainers and technical support provided a review of how the new features can benefit you.
Our Senior CAD Support Engineers have taken a more in-depth look at how to create and use real backgrounds within the program.
AutoCAD’s image based lighting environments are stored in the program folder C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2016\Environments\Half_Hdr.
Make a backup of the standard HDR files in that folder and copy the new panorama, renaming it to the desired HDR image file. I used the plaza pre-set and named the new panorama to mi360_Plaza.hdr. Here’s our model of the Royal Enfield Motorcycle in front of the Symetri offices using the panorama we created.
If we zoom into a detail area of the image, reflections of the surrounding area add to the realism.
To demonstrate the difference between LDR and HDR images, I took another set of images at Tottenham Hale station and created an artistically modified version of the original. Here’s the stitched photography (with a bit of photoshop patching).
Apart from the ground texture having more definition, there is not much improvement in render realism.
And here’s the artistic version.
And the bike has a richer appearance.
Pseudo HDR from an SLR can save a lot of time compared with full HDR but it is also well worth experimenting with Photoshop effects and filters to improve the results.
As cyber threats continue to grow more complex, securing how we store, manage, and share data is critical. This month’s bulletin dives deep into three key topics: how to ensure safe file storage and transfers, understanding the risks and benefits of password managers, and identifying the top cyber threats to watch in 2025. Whether you’re a business leader or an everyday user, taking proactive steps now can prevent serious problems down the road.
In this blog post, our Principal Consultant, Enrique Barriuso, takes a closer look at what's new in Autodesk Civil 3D 2026. Building on previous versions, this release brings a range of new features, enhancements, and updates.
Optimising BIM and digital tools in architecture and engineering is revolutionising the industry. By integrating technologies like AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, professionals can enhance collaboration, reduce errors, and streamline workflows. In this blog, we'll explore how leveraging these tools can lead to more efficient and successful project outcomes.