A couple of interesting things coming up...

[toprob]

A couple of news items today offer some forward action on the scenery front -- first, LINZ are promising a 'completed' building footprint data, now including 2.5 million buildings. This would give a huge boost to something photoscenery-based, like Aerofly FS2.

The other thing is Prepar3d 4.4, which is apparently due out this week. We've talked here about PBR before, so it'll be very interesting to see it in action in our favourite sim. For me, it might be another nail in the coffin for FSX... I don't foresee any immediate PBR updates for my existing scenery, including NZCH, which is almost finished, but there's no reason why the NEXT Real NZ project shouldn't have a major texture update! If it really offers a big improvement, developers may be more inclined to consider a 64-bit-only path. Real NZ NZCH could well be the last for FSX...........

[Charl]

Yes I saw this on AVSIM and thought: Hmmmmm

[toprob]

Taking another look at Marty's screenshot post reminded me that the 'default' C-130 texturing has been fixed in 4.4, apparently, so our new, old Capt Sim paints should work now!

[emfrat]

Maybe LINZ will finally recognise The Chathams as part of NZ
No sign of improved aerial photos for there

[toprob]

You are right, the aerials are still the weak link, although compared to the old days -- with average to poor quality 2.4 metre res images only -- we are doing a lot better! There's still that annoying missing strip down the Coast side of the Alps, as well, which may never be fixed.

[cowpatz]

Someone on AVSIM had posted a Youtube video of Godzone NZCH and was asking if your sculpture was an example of PBR.

Rob have you seen this PBR image converter program? Looks interesting. Something you could do in your spare time

Watch on youtube.com

[toprob]

Yeah, I was playing with Materialize before I started work this morning... I need plenty of practise, but it does seem like it does all you'd need for PBR. The only problem I have is that I don't develop in a way which makes the most of PBR -- I just make my textures out of actual photos of things, which could work with PBR at a pinch, but it isn't really how it's meant to be. Single tiled materials are best, so that if you want a stone frontage on your building, you use a tiled stone PBR texture for that part, whereas I just have one single photo of the whole frontage as a tiny part of a much larger texture sheet.
But for some things, like ground textures, it will be great, and I can't wait to give it a go.

[Splitpin]

Man of the Corn , I understand about 1/4 of what you discuss , but , I really think you need an apprentice

[Splitpin]

Rob, I'm working on a tree at the moment ..... will add it to my CV.
Should be ready for placement in about 3 weeks.

[toprob]

Marty, great oaks from little acorns grow.... I feel like I've planted a seed, and now I'm just awaiting the tree:)

Yes I saw this on AVSIM and thought: Hmmmmm

Oops, missed that, an interesting find. Hopefully 2019 will be a good year for NZ, so thank you for your patience!

[Splitpin]

" I feel like I've planted a seed, and now I'm just awaiting the tree:)" ...oh, it's been planted alright.

[chopper_nut]

" I feel like I've planted a seed, and now I'm just awaiting the tree:)" ...oh, it's been planted alright.

Scenery design is somewhat addictive. I spend far more time working on my own projects now than I do exploring other peoples....