The Lighting Options is accessed by clicking on the lighting options item in the Display Options dialog. The sphere shown on the tab is shaded according to the current setting for the lighting options. The light angle can be changed by clicking on the sphere with the cursor at the location where a direct ray from the light source to the center of the sphere would strike the sphere. The sphere shading is updated instantaneously to reflect the chosen light angle.
If the Use light source option is selected for generating shaded images, a light source is used in the shading process. This light source controls the intensity of the colors on the shaded image and highlights the relief or geometrical variation in the surface of the objects being shaded.
The Ambient Light scroll bar and edit field are used to edit the value for ambient light used when shading with the smooth features shading options. Ambient light is the minimum amount of light that will be used to calculate the color of all surfaces in the scene. If the angle between the light and the surface normal is greater than or equal to 90°, the surface will only see the ambient light. If the angle between the light and the surface normal is less than 90° the surface will see the ambient light and a percentage of the light coming from the light source.
Related Links:
Shading Options
Display Menu