Radiance is a free, highly accurate ray-tracing software system for UNIX computers. It is a suite of programs designed for the analysis and visualization of lighting in design.
Radiance is superior to simpler lighting calculation and rendering tools in that there are no limitations on the geometry or the materials that may be simulated. Scene geometry, materials, luminaires, time, date and sky conditions (for daylight calculations) are specified; spectral radiance (ie. luminance + color), irradiance (illuminance + color) and glare indices are calculated. Simulation results may be displayed as color images, numerical values and contour plots.
Radiance is useful for architects and engineers in predicting illumination, visual quality and appearance of innovative design spaces; and for researchers in evaluating new lighting and daylighting technologies.
Project Samples
