Difference between revisions of "A Simple First Terrain"
(→Building the Mesh) |
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* Anything complicated | * Anything complicated | ||
| − | == Building the Mesh == | + | == Building the Terrain Mesh == |
[[Image:simpleterrain_mesh.png|thumb|400px|A simple terrain mesh created in Blender]] | [[Image:simpleterrain_mesh.png|thumb|400px|A simple terrain mesh created in Blender]] | ||
Use your preferred modelling package to create a basic terrain mesh that is exactly 32,768 units long and wide. | Use your preferred modelling package to create a basic terrain mesh that is exactly 32,768 units long and wide. | ||
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It is preferable to keep the terrain as basic as possible, so it can be refined later on during the mapping process. For this reason, the terrain mesh here only contains a very very rough formation of bumps (or 'mountains' as they might be known) | It is preferable to keep the terrain as basic as possible, so it can be refined later on during the mapping process. For this reason, the terrain mesh here only contains a very very rough formation of bumps (or 'mountains' as they might be known) | ||
| − | + | ''While you can use any dimensions for your terrain mesh - it is strongly advised to stick to 8k*8k, 16*16k or 32k*32k'' | |
| + | {{clear}} | ||
| − | + | == Creating a Caulk Hull == | |
| + | [[Image:simpleterrain_caulkhull.png|thumb|400px|The caulk hull]] | ||
| + | Since maps must be leak-free/sealed, maps with terrain must have a caulk hull to ensure this is the case. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In this case, since the terrain is 32768 units long and wide, the caulk hull should also be the same dimensions. The caulk hull is quickly created from a brush 32768 units long, 32768 wide and 16384 units tall, which is then hollowed. The brushes are also assigned the 'editor/noimpactcaulk' texture, which prevents gunshots and projectiles from hitting the surfaces of the hull (they simply disappear instead.) | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{clear}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Setting The Terrain == | ||
| + | The mesh must be triangulated before it is exported as an .OBJ, and saved in the {{filename|/models/terrain}} folder. At this stage, a texture is not necessary, and can be set later. | ||
Revision as of 16:18, 26 November 2007
This is the barebones guide towards creating your first simple terrain and adding it to a map. This terrain won't be as detailed or as attractive as a full terrain, but will demonstrate the basics of creating a terrain mesh, assigning a texture, and adding it in-game.
Introduction
For this tutorial you must:
- Have a modelling package that can export as OBJ
- Have basic modelling skills
- Have basic mapping skills
If you can't do any of the above things, this tutorial is not for you!
This tutorial covers:
- How to create a terrain mesh and caulk hull
- How to add a terrain mesh to a map
- How to assign a texture
- How to work with terrain meshes and map geometry
This tutorial does not cover:
- How to use Blender/Maya/Lightwave/ZBrush/Mudbox/3DSMax
- How to create a megatexture
- How to create displacement maps
- Anything complicated
Building the Terrain Mesh
Use your preferred modelling package to create a basic terrain mesh that is exactly 32,768 units long and wide.
It is preferable to keep the terrain as basic as possible, so it can be refined later on during the mapping process. For this reason, the terrain mesh here only contains a very very rough formation of bumps (or 'mountains' as they might be known)
While you can use any dimensions for your terrain mesh - it is strongly advised to stick to 8k*8k, 16*16k or 32k*32k
Creating a Caulk Hull
Since maps must be leak-free/sealed, maps with terrain must have a caulk hull to ensure this is the case.
In this case, since the terrain is 32768 units long and wide, the caulk hull should also be the same dimensions. The caulk hull is quickly created from a brush 32768 units long, 32768 wide and 16384 units tall, which is then hollowed. The brushes are also assigned the 'editor/noimpactcaulk' texture, which prevents gunshots and projectiles from hitting the surfaces of the hull (they simply disappear instead.)
Setting The Terrain
The mesh must be triangulated before it is exported as an .OBJ, and saved in the /models/terrain folder. At this stage, a texture is not necessary, and can be set later.
