For increased realism, one or more pattern maps can be included in a material definition. Pattern maps are raster images (patterns) that are "mapped" to selected surfaces in the design file, as determined by the material assignments.

You can map an image of a carpet, for example, to a shape in the design file that denotes the floor. When rendered, the shape takes on the appearance of the carpet.

More than one image can be assigned to a material definition. For example, you can map an image of a brick wall, with a second smaller image of a road sign over the top of the first. In the rendered image, you would see the brick wall with the road sign placed on it.

Tools in the Materials tab of the Visualization workflow let you apply and edit projection modes for pattern maps. For example, using projection modes lets you use the same material definition for various shaped objects.