How do you export AI Models with LODs and Optimized Shadows

integral · Post by **integral** » 05 Sep 2009, 12:32

Hi.

I'm currently modeling several planes, and I've exported Models with 2 or more LODs successfully using GMax :

All the LODs are in the same model using a Dummy "Exterior" empty object at the top of all sub-objects that are the main fuselage of each Lods :

Exterior <- Dummy with no polygons
- Fuselage_LOD_400 (with children for all animated parts of that LOD1)
- Fuselage_LOD_350 (with its own animated parts.LOD2)
- (...and so on)

It exports OK using MakeMDL with Middleman or MDLCommander (I don't remember)

The what I want to do is using optimized shadows for each LODs, ie, the shadow model of the LOD3 used by LOD1, LOD5 used by LOD2 (...)

When I export, I get both the *.x file and the *.asm file(s), and I want lowest LODs without shadows.

So how can I achieve this (for the B707-320C StageIII of LOWA Ltd to start with) ?

Post by **Weescotty** » 06 Sep 2009, 09:57

I use FSDS and it automatically uses the a shadow based on the next LOD down for the current LOD.
I would hope that GMax does something similar.

You could try asking here
http://www.aerodynamika.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi

Sorry can't be of more help.

djc · Post by **djc** » 07 Sep 2009, 15:12

You can't do anything to the shadows, when the model exports it will automatically assign the shadow from LOD2 to LOD1, LOD3 to LOD2 and so on as has been stated.

integral · Post by **integral** » 15 Sep 2009, 14:28

Hi!

Thanks to everyone.

(sorry, I'm not connected often as I live in a country which is at the beginning of Internet : Madagascar)

I'll try the FreeFlightDesign forum next week.

The model is about to be finalized, but without the shadow trick. I've done a scenery with LODs and custom shadows for each building, and I thought that would also be possible for aircraft models.

I've also checked the ASM file, using both Middelman and MDLCommander, and it looked like similar to an ASM for an FS9 scenery object (MDL) so I still believe that the what I want to do is still possible (using a custom shadow for each LOD, but not only the shadow model of the next LOD)

The LOD1 has 3600 polygons, that's why I still want to decrease the impact on FPS...

Post by **Weescotty** » 15 Sep 2009, 16:04

integral wrote:Hi!

Thanks to everyone.

(sorry, I'm not connected often as I live in a country which is at the beginning of Internet : Madagascar)

I'll try the FreeFlightDesign forum next week.

The model is about to be finalized, but without the shadow trick. I've done a scenery with LODs and custom shadows for each building, and I thought that would also be possible for aircraft models.

I've also checked the ASM file, using both Middelman and MDLCommander, and it looked like similar to an ASM for an FS9 scenery object (MDL) so I still believe that the what I want to do is still possible (using a custom shadow for each LOD, but not only the shadow model of the next LOD)

The LOD1 has 3600 polygons, that's why I still want to decrease the impact on FPS...

Maybe about 5 years ago or so 3600 polys 'might' be considered large.

Nowadays for military AI it's peanuts, I wouldn't bother about it.

My Gripen with the most complex stores came in at 7500+ polys, but the big thing is LODs.
They are what are most important for frame rates.