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Prior research has tested the validity of Cycles Engine render in Blender for the creation of physically correct lighting models; however, a research gap still exists in examining the use of Arnold render engine in 3DS Max for accident reconstruction and other forensic settings [1]. Specifically, the process presented in this paper utilizes the Arnold render engine within 3DS-Max to analyze the lighting models. Arnold is a physically-based render (PBR) engine and can be used to recreate an accident scene geometry and lighting conditions. The goal is to create light sources within Arnold that represent the real-world light sources. The light sources in Arnold are quantified by several variables, including intensity, color, and size. The intensity and size variables determine the self-emitted radiance of the light source and require further explanation to determine the relationship between these variables in Arnold and real-world lighting quantities.

Laser scanners are typically used in vehicle accident reconstruction and forensic applications to measure roadway and vehicle details. However, laser scanners used near congested roadways can digitize unwanted passing vehicles, which produces a scan with noisy and poor image quality point clouds. On the other hand, small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) images of reflective objects may result in a less accurate mesh, and capturing vertical surfaces such as telephone poles, traffic lights, and building faces is more difficult. Prior research has tested the accuracy of sUAS-captured images processed with commercially available software, such as AgiSoft or Pix4D, as well as in comparison to the accuracy of laser scan data. Research still has yet to be conducted on combining the laser scans and sUAS images for use in accident reconstruction and other forensic settings.