Version
1.0.1.1 (latest)
Language
English

Light and sky

Two groups give a map depth. Light sets the light source that shades 3D columns and extruded shapes. Sky colors the space above the horizon when the map is tilted, and the glow around the globe. Both belong to the map, so they work with every background map.

A tilted map of 3D columns, lit from one side, with a blue sky fading to a pale horizon above the map
Light on 3D columns, and the sky on a tilted map

What each one does

Group What it does Visible when
Light Shades 3D columns, and cells and shapes that are extruded into 3D. Also sets where the sun sits for the glow around the globe The map has 3D objects, or is on the globe
Sky Colors the sky and the horizon, and sets the glow around the globe The map is tilted far enough to show the horizon, or is on the globe

Both groups are at the bottom of Format pane > Background Layer, below the background map settings.

Light

Light is always on. Its settings change how 3D objects are shaded.

Setting What it does Default
Anchor Whether the light's position is measured against the screen (Viewport) or the map (Map). With Map, the light turns with the map when it is rotated Viewport
Color The color of the light #FFFFFF
Intensity How bright the light is, 0 to 10 5
Radial Coordinate The distance of the light from the objects, 0.1 to 2 1.15
Azimuthal Angle The direction the light comes from, 0 to 360 degrees, measured clockwise from the top of the screen (or from north, with the Map anchor) 210
Polar Angle / Height The height of the light, 0 to 180 degrees. 0 is straight overhead, 90 is on the horizon 30
Diagram: the Polar Angle sets the light's height, from 0 degrees overhead to 90 degrees at the horizon; the Azimuthal Angle sets its direction around the map, clockwise from the top
Where the light sits: height and direction
The same 3D columns lit from the default direction and from the opposite side
Azimuthal Angle at 210 degrees (left) and 30 degrees (right)

Sky

Sky colors the space above the horizon on a tilted map, and sets the atmosphere around the globe. Switch on the Sky group to use it.

Setting What it does Default Visible when
Sky Switches the group on Off
Sky Color The color at the top of the sky #88C6FC The map is tilted far enough to show the horizon
Horizon Color The color at the horizon, blended upward into the sky color #FFFFFF The map is tilted far enough to show the horizon
Sky Horizon Blend How far the horizon color reaches up into the sky, 0 to 100. 0 uses the sky color alone 80 The map is tilted far enough to show the horizon
Atmosphere Blend The strength of the halo around the planet, 0 to 100 80 The globe projection
The globe with a soft blue atmosphere around it
Atmosphere Blend on the globe

Tilt and the globe are described in View, zoom and projection.

Tips and limits

  • If the sky does not appear, tilt the map further. At small tilts the horizon is off the top of the map.
  • The glow around the globe shows only against a dark background. On a white report page the area around the globe is transparent. Set a dark background for the visual (Format pane > General > Effects > Background) or for the report page.
  • Icon Map Lite has no 3D terrain, hillshade or 3D buildings. The light shades your own 3D data: 3D columns, and cells and shapes extruded into 3D.