Key to both scaling and perspective matching, a ‘measurement cube’ is an essential component of the Image Based Lighting setup process.

Amazingly, they are very hard to find / purchase, so I decided to create my own.

In the past I have used a Gypsy 6 Motion Capture suit calibration cube  – which served the purpose, but also had following shortcomings:

• Physical size was not ideal for IBL sets intended for larger asset renders
• Color of cube made it had to see / work with
• Bars very thin – making them hard to see.
• It was part a system owned by my former employer in UK, so not available to me in USA.

Above : Measurement Cube ‘on location’ – Bentley Motors, Crewe, United Kingdom – Photos Huw Thomas

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Budget Alternative – Cardboard Board

In absence of above, I have used cardboard boxes, although this again has its limitations:

• Not square
• Cannot see through it
• Harder to establish ‘perspective’ viewpoint

Above : Cardboard box ‘measurement cube’

Resultant Images – Test Renders

Above : Renders using budget measurement cube | Rendered Huw Thomas (Keyshot)

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My solution comprises:

• 8 X 3D printed corners – using a MakerBot 3D printer
• 12 X 2 foot PVC tubes (courtesy of The Home Depot)

Cube Measurements (in Millimetres, as working in Metric inside Maya)

• Across Centers = 630 mm
• Tube Diameter = 21 mm
• Sphere Diameter = 50.8 mm

End result – a fairly lightweight, highly visible asset – total cost about $20

Image to be inserted