2008

■ 3ds Max integrates linked AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or Revit data

with non-AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or Revit data.

In addition to the linked AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or Revit

geometry and material assignments, 3ds Max allows you to create or merge

into your scene many types of data from other sources, including:

■ Lighting objects for simulating light fixtures and daylight conditions.

■ Entourage objects such as surrounding buildings, terrain, trees, cars, and

people.

■ Advanced rendering material effects that simulate the rich visual variety

of any imaginable material. You can take advantage of materials that

appear on objects created in 3ds Max, and you can create your own

material effects using the Material Editor. Materials created with the

Material Editor can be assigned to any component in your scene.

■ Bitmaps for use as environment backgrounds. You can use still images

in a variety of formats, or even animated movies, as a rendering

background to create stunning photomontages that appear to place

your proposed design right into the actual location.