๐งโ๐ป Reflectance Transformation Imaging
This chapter will show you how to create Reflectance Transformation Images and how to process them. At first, we will learn how to take the photos in a way, that the software can process it and then we will learn how to use the open access software. The purpose of this resource is to prepare you for each course as part of your time for self-study (Selbststudium) as well as to operate as a general reference for the remainder of the term. It will not replace the content of the course, rather then be an additional resource.
Everything here is written in English and as always work in progress. As this is no traditional Wiki, where you are able to participate, I still would enjoy your comments on this online resource.
๐ธ Taking the photos
Chapter 1: Highlight RTI (manual method)
The Highlight RTI method (H-RTI) is the manual way of taking the images for post-processing. Although it seems a bit difficult at first, high quality results can be achieved and objects to big for the dome can also be documented.
๐ Estimated reading time: 14 minutes -> Go to lesson!
Chapter 2: The Kรถlner Dome
For better RTI images, we can utilise a so-called dome. As we work with the Kรถlner Dome in Cologne, this tutorial is focussing on the procedure using this machine. The process is more or less similar with other domes though.
๐ Estimated reading time: ?? minutes -> Go to lesson!
๐งฎ Post-Processing the photos
Color and Lens Correction
The post-processing of images taken with a DLSR is common to many methods, may it be just for.. well taking photos. RTI images have to undergo the same procedure however and this general tutorial will help us to proceed.
๐ Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
| Date/Version | OS | Software | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-06 | ๐ช Windows, ๐ง Linux & ๐ Mac | RawTherapee | 5.11 | Go to lesson! |
| 2024-02-29 | ๐ช Windows | Adobe Bridge & Camera RAW | CS5.1& 6.7 | Go to lesson! |
Exercise 1: Building the RTI image
There are different ways of transforming the images into a RTI image. Traditionally, the RTIBuilder was used, but a newer software ReLight is currently developed. Both software work however and when in doubt, choose ReLight.
๐ Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
| Date/Version | OS | Software | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-13 | ๐ช Windows, ๐ง Linux & ๐ Mac | ReLightLab | 2024.01 | Go to lesson! |
| 2020-12-09 | ๐ช Windows & ๐ Mac | RTIBuilder | 2.0.2 | Go to lesson! |
๐ผ๏ธ Viewing RTIs
Exercise 2: Viewing RTIs offline
The RTI we created can be seen in many ways. If we want to have the most options, offline software is the best solution. Traditionally the RTIViewer is the best choice, but there are also alternatives.
๐ Estimated reading time: ?? minutes
| Date/Version | OS | Software | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-04-24 | ๐ช Windows | RTIViewer | 2024.01 | Go to lesson! |
Exercise 3: Viewing RTIs online
Lastly, we can also view RTI imges online. This is a great way of building repositories in the web and it is - thankfully to a ReLight export - fairly easy.
๐ Estimated reading time: ?? minutes
| Date/Version | OS | Software | Version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-04-24 | ๐ช Windows | XAMMP | 3.3.0 | Go to lesson! |