How To Scenery

[kiwis]

How do you make scenery files? I'm very good at using imaging applications such as Photo Shop etc and have the latest version of about 3 or 4 different programs.

I've done a lot with them in the past but have never thought about doing game scenery, i want to improve a lot of NZ's scenery for my favourite game so how can I do this?

[kcgb]

What kind of scenery do you want to make?

[toprob]

Yes, as kcgb points out, you may want to narrow it down to one particular area -- and even one particular project -- otherwise you'll be overwhelmed by the scope!
A good place to get the feel for scenery design isFSDeveloper.com.

[Bushmaster]

Well there are lots of different sorts of scenery maker, ADE, Rwy12 object place maker etc.
I know a wonderful Lanclass editor its really easy to use more info here. Remember to NOT use this in FSX, i repeat NOT use this in FSX.
But if you just want to edit the taxiways, add new airports, then i recommend ADE just visit http://www.airportdesigneditor.co.uk/. but if your using FS2004 then go google AFCAD its just the same as ADE escept made by a different person
Now if you want to make photo scenery for FSX and FS2004 then there is a wonderful product out there also freeware called Photo Scenery Maker just google it.
All of this is freeware btw but still works fine, i have used them and had only one problem, maybe someone could help me? pm me if you could help.

[kiwis]

QUOTE (kcgb @ Jul 10 2010, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What kind of scenery do you want to make?

City LandScapes, IE the new Eden Park, Takapuna for Auckland.

[Bushmaster]

Well maybe if you know how to use gmax and convert the file into a .mdl file you could use RWY12 Object Placer its free and you can import your files. Just ask lawrie hes the expert.

[kcgb]

What sim are you using? i.e. FS8/FS2002, FS9/FS2004, FSX

[kiwis]

FSX

[kcgb]

do you have deluxe edition with the SDK?

[kiwis]

Duluxe

[kcgb]

Great in the SDK there are some plugins for gmax so you can export models as MDL's. For help on modeling I would ask Robin (toprob). There some tools on FSdeveloper.com that will help with changing the MDL's into BGL's.
most of what you need to know about model building is on http://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page. go to the scenery section.
to get GMax go to http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

just ask if you need to know anything else

[kiwis]

Thanks I've downloaded GMax, now with this program I can create objects to put in the world?

[kcgb]

yep

[kiwis]

Wow - how lost am I....

[NZ255]

http://windowlight.co.nz/store/index.php?m...5&chapter=1

[kiwis]

Arr the problem is I don't have FSX installed right now, my computer is being upgraded over the next week or two. Can I make scenery in the mean time another way?

[toprob]

If you specifically want to make objects, which I assumed from your post, then you can certainly make a start with Gmax. Just be aware that you are getting into 3D design, and there is no easy way to learn -- for instance, there are not a lot of tools specifically for FS, you just need to learn how to model in 3D, and Gmax is basically a scaled-down version of one of the pro modelling tools, with an appropriate learning curve.
If that doesn't put you off, I'd start with a tutorial -- there is one by MS, how to build a house, I'll track it down for you later, but there is also a simple building tutorial on my site.

Take as much time as you need to get comfortable with the techniques covered in the tutorial. Gmax differs from some of the software you may have used in the past in that it does require training, I suggest 4 -- 8 weeks of getting to know the basics. Once you understand the basic features of FS models, you can start your own. Start small, though -- maybe your own house, or s simple hanger at your local airport.

There are plenty of experienced folk here, so don't be afraid to ask anything.