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Landscape engine...

Started by 3D_nOOb Apr 20, 2003 at 11:42 AM 4 replies 1k views

Original Post

3D_nOOb

Apr 20, 2003 at 11:42 AM

I''m about to start working on a landscaping engine and I need some ideas from you guyz - Yann especially

First thing to note - I''m only 15 and I''m just started in 3D programming. Keep that in mind :D. I do have some experience already though. - The engine should be capable of handling huge terrains because of the game it should be used in later. (A 3D RPG-type game) - Which algorithm is the best suitable for such an engine? A heightmap is no option since overhangs and stuff should be possible without making cover-up models and stuff. - How do I get the sky to look as real as possible for example in the screenshots Yann posted back a while. I would appreciate it if Yann would explain, in simple english :D, how he did create such skys, which algos he used and where he did find information about those algos. - Any tips & pointers to get the landscape to look as detailed & realistic as possible. For example grass and lighting. - Any tips on how to create the most realistic lookup bushes and trees. I thought I read something about XFrog in one of Yann''s posts. What is it? Thx in advance

Greg K

Apr 20, 2003 at 11:51 AM

Hate to be a downer but I suggest that you get your feet wet with some brute force terrain engine before you go on to something like ROAM or another LOD algo. You won''t be able to use the brute force terrain in your 3D RPG but it should prove a good learning experience. Take it in steps.
-Greg

3D_nOOb

Author

3D_nOOb

Apr 20, 2003 at 11:55 AM

I said already that I have some experience already (atleast I thought I said that :D)

Anywayz, I have used the brute force method already and that simply won''t do for a huge terrain. I hope you do agree with me on that

I agree that taking things step by step is good but I''d like to finish that engine before I''m turning 99 lol.

Furthermore, I was asking you people for advice on which algos to use so I can study them. This way I know what to be prepared for 8)

Thx in advance

Greg K

Apr 20, 2003 at 12:10 PM

I would suggest ROAM but you said you needed overhangs. Maybe try a LOD implementation interpolating between different resolution meshes. Just an idea, I have nothing to back that up with.
-Greg

Yann L

219

Yann L

Apr 20, 2003 at 12:16 PM

quote:
Original post by 3D_nOOb
- Which algorithm is the best suitable for such an engine? A heightmap is no option since overhangs and stuff should be possible without making cover-up models and stuff.

Geomipmapping, or a variant, is a good choice. Also look into chunked LOD.

quote:

- How do I get the sky to look as real as possible for example in the screenshots Yann posted back a while. I would appreciate it if Yann would explain, in simple english :D, how he did create such skys, which algos he used and where he did find information about those algos.

Click.

quote:

- Any tips & pointers to get the landscape to look as detailed & realistic as possible. For example grass and lighting.

First get your engine to work on a basic level, eye candy comes after that

But if you want, there are some links in the forum FAQ, in the special effects section.

quote:

- Any tips on how to create the most realistic lookup bushes and trees. I thought I read something about XFrog in one of Yann's posts. What is it?

XFrog is the industry leading software package to create realistic organic objects. Xfrog homepage. There is a free trial version available.

[edited by - Yann L on April 20, 2003 1:17:53 PM]

mxsimgames

Apr 20, 2003 at 12:26 PM

Here''s an idea: (not that I know too much about landscaping engines...)

You could use the heightmap idea but use several heightmaps at regular intervals (0m,5m,10m,15m,...)
This could be used to make overhangs but the terrain still may look choppy. Worth a try however.

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