Adaptive Probe Volumes Release HDRP/URP
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Summary
Adaptive Probe Volume (APV) is an improved workflow for pre-computed probe-based global illumination for 3D objects as a replacement for the existing Light Probe and Light Probe Proxy Volume (LPPV) systems in Unity.
Use Case/Intended Outcome
The probe placement workflow using the current Light Probe system is often tedious. It requires manual workflows and artist/developer intervention for set up and configuration to achieve quality results. The APVs improve on the existing probe system with an automatic probe placement workflow. ProbeVolumes are simple boxes that contain an adaptive 3D grid volume of probes, with the density of probes being configurable for each axis.
In the existing Light Probe system, a 3D Renderer receives lighting from a single Light Probe interpolated between the surrounding Light Probes in the Scene. Because of this, 3D objects have constant ambient lighting across the surface. This is especially noticeable on larger 3D objects or Particle Systems. With the APVs, probes in a volume are interpolated per-pixel rather than per object. This is similar to the existing LPPV system. However, APVs benefit from a much better workflow as compared to the LPPVs.
APVs will only be supported in Scriptable Render Pipelines and will not be available in Built-in Renderer.
(The image above uses assets from ArchVizPro Interior Vol.7 HDRP from the Unity Asset Store.)