What is the env_cubemap for? Created 19 years ago2005-03-20 12:13:26 UTC by LlamaRama3

err... yeah.

as far as I know I think it adjusts the size of the brush maybe? I know I use it with water, don't use it with too much else though

env_cubemaps are used to calculate enviroment cubic maps to be used in refections: metallic surfaces, glass, windows etc (not water )
they are compiled with the "buildcubemaps" command via the game console. There's more info in the Source SDK FAQ

I found a tutorial on HL2world, but haven't come away enlightened... Source editing is so much harder than HL1! I still can't get a flippin window to work- can someone assist? I have a func_breakable_surf with nodraw on all sides but two, which have glasswindow32a on them. But they aren't there in-game and the console says 'rejected func_breakable_surf because it has multiple faces with nodraw'. This still happens when there aren't any faces with nodraw on!!!

Also, how do you create an area of volumetric light? I tried using the func_smokevolume but I get a load of spinning black & pink squares. Oh dear.

the surf texture has to be placed only in ONE side and the rest should be nodraw

I havent gotten around to making volumetric light yet, and I also get those black and pink squares

If your still having difficulties then download my example map called 'ladders' (for CSS) which has a ladder, breakable glass (as in office) and some lights.

I find HL2 mapping easier and you can make more kistakes without the compiling refusing to compile for you!

What tex on the smokevolume? It should be NODRAW.

You could use a dustmotes ent, or use the vol_light mdl in the effects dir on a prop_static with no collision model.

Thanks everyone. Rabid, I changed tex to nodraw, still no joy. I'll try one of the other methods. Okay, another question on env_cubemaps. Is it desirable to place more than one in a single room with different lighting conditions in it?

of course it is

Yeh for the func breakable surf apply nodraw to all of it (like water) and then texture the first part the player will see with the glass texture.

You should be able to use the eyedropper to choose the side (or sides) for the cubemap to render. You shouldn't use too many cubemaps in a room, though.

OK cheers. I don't have to do this manually if I use the buildcubemaps command though do I? And blackravent where is your avatar from? Looks a bit like the game MDK.

I found it on google images. No I dont think it is from MDK.

SDK Documentation about Cubemaps

When building the map, you need to add the env_cubemap and set it up. After the map is compiled, go into the console and type "buildcubemaps". The "buildcubemaps" is done in console after compile because it's at that point that the function has access to all the geometry and light data.

Damn school won't let me type a rude word :

Anyway as I typed before I said:

If you don't use cubemaps then your maps will look rubbish

Thanks for the help all. I do see how in certain circumstances one would have to choose the surfaces manually. But according to the SDK docs the cubemap will associate with nearby faces, which saves a bit of work.

I prefer to pick faces to make a nice looking map!

Yeah, what he said. By picking the faces, you insure that the reflections you want will be in place. Otherwise you may end up with objects and lights reflecting in ways that aren't natural.

If you don't use cubemaps then your maps will look rubbish

If your GFX card does not support DX9 (i.e. Its native environment is lower than DX9), adding cubemaps won't make any difference when you run your own map. Of course, on other machines it won't be the same story.

Depends if you're running with good or shit shaders

That too.