A Survey of Shadow Algorithms

This survey characterizes the various types of shadows. It also describes most existing shadow algorithms and discusses their complexities, advantages, and shortcomings. The authors examine hard shadows, soft shadows, shadows of transparent objects, and shadows for complex modelling primitives. For each type, they examine shadow algorithms within various rendering techniques. This survey attempts to provide readers with enough background and insight on the various methods to allow them to choose the algorithm best suited to their needs, and to help identify areas that need more research and point to possible solution