Three.js Shadow Issue with PointLight and OrthographicCamera

Based on the information provided, you're experiencing an issue where objects become invisible when using a PointLight with castShadow = true in combination with an OrthographicCamera.

This is likely related to how shadows work in Three.js, particularly with PointLights. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

Possible Causes

1. Shadow Camera Configuration: PointLights use a PointLightShadow class which creates 6 perspective cameras (one for each direction) to render the shadow maps. When switching to an OrthographicCamera for your main view, there might be conflicts in how these shadow maps are being rendered or applied.

2. Shadow Map Size: The default shadow map size might be insufficient for your scene, especially with an orthographic view.

3. Near/Far Planes: The shadow camera's near and far planes might need adjustment when using an orthographic view.

Potential Solutions

1. Adjust Shadow Parameters:

   JAVASCRIPTCopied
   // Increase shadow map size
   pointLight.shadow.mapSize.width = 1024;
   pointLight.shadow.mapSize.height = 1024;
   
   // Adjust shadow camera parameters
   pointLight.shadow.camera.near = 0.1;
   pointLight.shadow.camera.far = 500;

2. Use Different Light Types: DirectionalLight or SpotLight might work better with OrthographicCamera for shadows.

3. Update Shadow Maps: Ensure shadow maps are being updated properly after camera switch:

   JAVASCRIPTCopied
   pointLight.shadow.needsUpdate = true;
   renderer.shadowMap.needsUpdate = true;

4. Check Renderer Configuration:

   JAVASCRIPTCopied
   renderer.shadowMap.enabled = true;
   renderer.shadowMap.type = THREE.PCFSoftShadowMap; // Try different shadow map types

5. Verify Material Settings: Ensure your materials have receiveShadow and castShadow properties set correctly.

If the issue persists, you might need to consider using a different lighting setup when in orthographic view, or implement a custom solution for handling shadows in this specific case.