The current render engine in InfraWorks needs to be replaced. I work recommend the Autodesk Ray tracer or ART (RapidRT) as a replacement to bring it in line with the other Autodesk applications such as Revit, Navisworks, Autocad(s) and 3ds max. This would benefit InfraWorks in the following ways:
1. Standardized rendering – This would ensure a consistent look across the entire Autodesk product line.
2. Cloud Rendering – The Autodesk Cloud Renderer is based on the ART (RapidRT) platform and having a single renderer allows more cloud rendering capabilities. This could open up IW rendering for storyboards using the cloud renderer.
3. Network Rendering – Use the ART platform could also add network rendering capabilities for IW using Backburner or other 3rd party render management systems such as Deadline.
4. Animation support – The ART renderer supports animation, which would provide support for rendering storyboards.
5. Stereo Panoramic Rendering – While not unique to the ART renderer, it does support panoramic rendering capabilities and in stereo for VR applications. Even better, combined with animation, an IW user could render a 360 VR video using ART with cloud or network rendering.
6. Simulation rendering – ART supports analytic rendering such as lighting analysis and others, which could be incorporated with the thematic features of IW. In conjunction with a more robust material subsystem, you could test the effects of sun glare from a solar array or highly reflective windows from a new high-rise on the surrounding areas.
