Cubemaps and reflections

This implementation applies cube mapping and reflection techniques.

Models are loaded of a human-form encircled by a ring of rocks. A background environment is created by mapping 2D images to the interior of a large cube surrounding the scene. Reflections on the human model are simulated with reflection textures and vector calculations.

The code follows examples outlined in:

• https://learnopengl.com/Advanced-OpenGL/Cubemaps

Changes over example code

• The ability to toggle between two cubemaps.
• Integration with model-loading and lighting code to create an immersive scene.
• Reflection-maps are extracted from the model files and used to create reflective effects on surfaces.

Running the implementation

• Navigate the Solution Explorer to path:

  Solution -> 04.advanced_opengl -> 06.cubemaps_and_reflections

• Left-click the project name and select Set as Startup Project from the pop-up window.

• Press F5 to run the project.

Interfacing with the implementation

Exiting

Press the ESC key to exit the implementation.

Movement

The movement key-bindings follow an FPS-style scheme:

• W move forward
• S move back
• A move left
• D move right
• Spacebar move up
• Left-Shift move down
• Mouse-movement look around the world.

Rendering manipulations

The numeric keys 1-7 are used to switch rendering modes:

• 1 Directional lighting: A white light from the ceiling illuminates the models.

  

• 2 Point lighting: two point lights illuminate the models. An intense red light illuminates from the front while an equally intense blue light illuminates from the lower back.

  

• 3 Wire mesh mode

• 4 Vertex point mode

• 5 Normal fill mode

• 6 Space cubemap: a cubemap is loaded depicting a space environment.

  

• 7 Lake cubemap: a cubemap is loaded depicting a lake environment.