BF2 graphics question, shadows

[Shivetya]

If people turn off shadows does that mean I cannot hide in them or does the game compensate some how? I have seen pictures with shadows at full level and off and its essentially night and day.

In other words, trying to find reasons other than skill to explain the capabilities of some of the people I go up against. (like they always know where you fired from etc)

 

[WhyYouLoveMe]

Correct me if I'm wrong anyone...

I believe the permanent structures (buildings, trees, wrecks, mountains) cast shadows no matter what setting you use. When you turn shadows off it eliminates any shadows that moving objects create. i.e.: tanks, planes, choppers, soldiers, etc...

Knowing where you fired from is a skill. Your muzzle flash, the sound it makes (if the enemy has positional audio enabled), if birds fly up around you or perhaps the commander has spotted you out through a scan or maybe a UAV is above you. If a teammate of his spotted you earlier your position shows on his 3D mini-map for several seconds giving him time to "track" you.