# VBAO Docs

## Overview

VBAO is a high-performance ambient occlusion plugin for Unreal Engine 5. \
It is based on the **Visibility Bitmask** algorithm, which serves as an advanced, modernized alternative to traditional GTAO.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/qyRMrQdevqpZuqYDiIbU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

***

## How It Works?

Based on the research paper: <https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.11376>

Instead of utilizing traditional ray marching to determine if a point is occluded, the Visibility Bitmask algorithm divides the hemisphere above a surface into discrete angular sectors. \
As it samples the surrounding geometry, it sets "bits" in a bitmask to indicate whether a specific direction is blocked by an object.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/dyS6J0oK4uxvm0PR8oty" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

By analyzing this bitmask, the algorithm can rapidly compute how much ambient light is blocked. \
This approach avoids many of the common visual artifacts associated with older SSAO/GTAO techniques, provides superior multi-layer occlusion, and allows for highly efficient temporal noise reduction. The result is a richer, more physically plausible shading effect.

***


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://ark-kra.gitbook.io/vbao/vbao-docs.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.