Environment Maps display the conditions registered inside a model and the Entities within it in the case of fire. They use data from files generated by the FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) fire-modelling software to display factors such as temperature, visibility and toxicity.

LEGION Simulator can overlay data from FDS onto the model file as a Map related to a specific value and colour range. There are two types of data file available for use with an Environment Map:

• Slice file–this file contains data based on a 2-dimensional spatial model and recorded at the specified height of a cross-section.
• Plot 3D–this file contains data based on a 3-dimensional model of a space.

These files must already have been generated using FDS, possibly in combination with the LEGION Model Builder. Each type of data file requires you to set certain properties. These are dealt with respectively in the following two procedures. (see Exporting a model for use with FDS). Each type of data file requires you to set certain properties. These are dealt with respectively in the following two procedures.