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Is it possible to supply a shadow map to a light?

Discussion in 'General Graphics' started by LightStriker, Nov 1, 2016.

  1. LightStriker

    LightStriker

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2013
    Posts:
    2,716
    Let's say I want a good quality spot light, but I don't want the overhead of baking lightmap for the whole scene.

    I've noticed CommandBuffer now exist for lights.

    Is it possible to bake the shadow map of a spotlight, and reuse it at runtime so that spot light wouldn't to refresh it every frame? (Assuming I don't have anything dynamic in front of it)
     
    LightStriker, Nov 1, 2016
    #1

  2. Deleted User

    Deleted User

    Guest

    what you can do is to create a light cookie for the light/lights and use that. I don't think there is a way to cache shadows yet. Maybe if enough people suggest it to unity they will implement that.
     
    Deleted User, Nov 2, 2016
    #2

  3. LightStriker

    LightStriker

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2013
    Posts:
    2,716
    The issue with a light cookie is that if something come in front - even if you want that thing to not cast shadow - it will appear black as if something was in front of it. The shadow map also have a depth map to know if an object is in front or behind the shadow caster.
     
    LightStriker, Nov 2, 2016
    #3