hdri-locations.com

What It Is

HDRi-Locations is an HDRI environment asset library for 3D rendering. Its core product is “one high-resolution spherical HDRI map plus multiple matching backplate backgrounds.” The page clearly states that all content has been migrated to CG-Source.com for sales, and that orders, files, and invoices from users who purchased on the old site have also been moved to the new platform. Its positioning is highly specialized, with a particular emphasis on realistic automotive rendering.

Core Capabilities and Assets

Asset resolution is its main selling point: HDRIs commonly come in 11500x5750 or 14000x7000, while backplates include sizes such as 4368x2912, 5616x3744, and 5760x3840. A single location usually includes anywhere from a dozen to several dozen backplates; in the projects listed on the page, the number of backplates ranges from 14 to 77. In terms of file formats, HDRIs are provided as .hdr files, while backplates are low-compression JPEGs. The page also states that the assets are shot with professional DSLR cameras rather than Spheron equipment, and offers selection logic based on lighting, ground surface, and location type, such as sunny, sunset/sunrise, dusk/dawn, overcast, shadow, indoor, and more.

Pricing, Licensing, and Delivery

The main text does not provide specific pricing, so it is not possible to assess the competitiveness of individual product prices. The FAQ states that all prices exclude VAT, and EU businesses can be exempt from VAT by providing a valid VAT number. For licensing, the page clearly states that the assets are royalty free and can be used multiple times after purchase, though the full legal details need to be checked on the legal page. Delivery is handled by downloading files after payment via Account -> My orders, where invoices are also available; the payment information only explicitly mentions that files become available immediately after PayPal payment.

Pros and Cons

The advantages are that the assets come as complete sets, offer high resolution, are highly practical for vehicle rendering scenarios, and include matching backplates from real locations, helping reduce perspective and lighting inconsistencies in compositing. The downsides are also clear: the business has migrated to a new site, and information on the old site is somewhat scattered; prices are not disclosed; tutorials are not yet available; there is no visible support for team collaboration, multi-user licensing, APIs, or asset management; and some explanations around 3ds Max, gamma, and similar topics feel oriented toward more traditional workflows.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is suitable for automotive advertising renderers, CG artists, product visualization teams, and individual creators who need real-world environment lighting. It is less suitable for teams looking for free HDRIs, online collaborative asset management, or local Chinese payment options. The main text does not provide enough information to judge access from China; CG-Source access, PayPal payment, and download speeds would need to be tested in practice. Alternatives include Poly Haven, other HDRIs on CG-Source, NoEmotion HDRs, or domestic Chinese CG asset platforms.