Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 8:41 pmChristmas is only a month away, I dunno how that happened. I've put the gift vouchers back in the Godzone Store, just in case you decide that the ideal Xmas gift is Vector Land Class!
VLC libraries
One good thing about 'resigning' from NZFF admin is that I can concentrate on some of the NZ scenery work which needs to be done. One of these jobs is a New Zealand object library for VLC. I've started this job a few times in the past, but there is always something more urgent to do, so it gets shelved. This time will be different, I'm sure...
Having a more local library gives a better choice for developers who want to build a local airfield, but are usually stuck with some decidedly un-kiwi models. This will eventually included a complete autogen replacement, but in the meantime I'm concentrating on airfield objects, such as hangers, fuel pumps, fences and even some local flora. The idea is to allow anyone to be able to recreate a small airfield which looks like New Zealand, but doesn't require 3D modelling skills.
At the moment the library is roughly divided into airfield-specific objects, and rural objects, as there is quite a lot of overlap at most airfields. So landing at an airfield, even if it only consists of a couple of hangers, you'll see some real kiwi lean-to's, cyclone gates, wire fencing and cabbage trees.
The libraries will be a free download, but will require Vector Land Class. They will be developed over time, but initially I hope that they will be sufficient enough to release as part of the first batch of VLC airfields, due out around the time of the VLC patch. Well, really I'll have to release them anyway, as Ashburton airfield will require them to some extent. I've been trying to plan for a more general model library rather than specific NZAS objects, which goes against the way I normally work, but we'll see...
The problem I have is that whenever I visit an airfield to get some generic library textures, I end up falling in love with it, and I can't bring myself to 'genericise' it. But I just need to harden up! If I intend to build a library of objects for anyone to put together into a New Zealand airfield, then I should try to get some good use out of it myself.
Still, there's no reason why some airfields can't be a combination of library objects and custom buildings.
I'm interested in what tools people have to use the libraries, and whether they will benefit from some tutorials on building a local airfield. As the libraries are designed to build over time, I need to be careful that the current libraries are always available, so there will be some limitations on how these are used -- for instance, it will not be possible to include these in your own libraries, or recompile with a different GUID, as this would create havoc with updates. If you are interested in using the libraries in your own VLC-based projects, let me know.
Also, if anyone has a nice collection of objects which would make a nice NZ-based library, now would be the time to get it out into the community.
VLC libraries
One good thing about 'resigning' from NZFF admin is that I can concentrate on some of the NZ scenery work which needs to be done. One of these jobs is a New Zealand object library for VLC. I've started this job a few times in the past, but there is always something more urgent to do, so it gets shelved. This time will be different, I'm sure...
Having a more local library gives a better choice for developers who want to build a local airfield, but are usually stuck with some decidedly un-kiwi models. This will eventually included a complete autogen replacement, but in the meantime I'm concentrating on airfield objects, such as hangers, fuel pumps, fences and even some local flora. The idea is to allow anyone to be able to recreate a small airfield which looks like New Zealand, but doesn't require 3D modelling skills.
At the moment the library is roughly divided into airfield-specific objects, and rural objects, as there is quite a lot of overlap at most airfields. So landing at an airfield, even if it only consists of a couple of hangers, you'll see some real kiwi lean-to's, cyclone gates, wire fencing and cabbage trees.
The libraries will be a free download, but will require Vector Land Class. They will be developed over time, but initially I hope that they will be sufficient enough to release as part of the first batch of VLC airfields, due out around the time of the VLC patch. Well, really I'll have to release them anyway, as Ashburton airfield will require them to some extent. I've been trying to plan for a more general model library rather than specific NZAS objects, which goes against the way I normally work, but we'll see...
The problem I have is that whenever I visit an airfield to get some generic library textures, I end up falling in love with it, and I can't bring myself to 'genericise' it. But I just need to harden up! If I intend to build a library of objects for anyone to put together into a New Zealand airfield, then I should try to get some good use out of it myself.
Still, there's no reason why some airfields can't be a combination of library objects and custom buildings.
I'm interested in what tools people have to use the libraries, and whether they will benefit from some tutorials on building a local airfield. As the libraries are designed to build over time, I need to be careful that the current libraries are always available, so there will be some limitations on how these are used -- for instance, it will not be possible to include these in your own libraries, or recompile with a different GUID, as this would create havoc with updates. If you are interested in using the libraries in your own VLC-based projects, let me know.
Also, if anyone has a nice collection of objects which would make a nice NZ-based library, now would be the time to get it out into the community.
Been there, done that too many times to count. Hey, a guy's gotta do what he's gotta do to get the shot. 
