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3D Model Making - Page 3
Written by: Steve Miles
Modelling Programme: OpenFX. Rendering programme: Vue d'Esprit. Paint Programme: Paint Shop Pro.
Page 1 (Modelling Parts - General --- Making a Wheel)
Page 2 (Altering a model so it works in 3D Rad --- Using "Build from Plan" function)
Page 3 (Creating Scenery for 3D Rad)
12th April 2003
Creating Scenery for 3D Rad
I recently had to build some new scenery for a game I was creating. While I was doing this, I thought it would be a good opportunity to create a short tutorial on the subject. So here it is.
Ok, this tutorial is geared more towards 3D Rad users. But it may also be useful for other 3D game creators.
The methods, outlined below, will allow you to create simple, textured, scenery. The tutorial assumes you are using OpenFX, Paint Shop Pro and Vue d'Esprit. Vue d'Esprit is incredibly easy to use and is a great rendering programme. If you have never used Vue d'Esprit, take a look at their web site at www.e-onsoftware.com. I should add that, this method could be used with any, good quality, rendering programme.
Right, lets get on with the tutorial. First of all, start Vue d'Esprit and select a new "Clear Spring" atmosphere.
Add a new "Terrain".
Double click on the terrain to enter the edit mode. Use the tools to alter the terrain.
Once your happy with the shape click "OK".
Click on "Change Material" and select the material that best suits your intended scene.
Select the Camera and move it, so that it is looking down on the terrain and the terrain fits the window. Also, select the "Sun Light" and move it to it's highest position.
Select "Only Display Main View" and render the main view.
Once the rendering is finished, save the picture as a bit map, at 16 million colours. Close Vue d'Esprit.
Open Paint Shop Pro and open the rendered picture. Re-scale the canvas size so that it is square. It dose not matter how big it is, just as long as it's square.
Using the "Clone" tool, add detail to the blank areas of the picture. Re-save the picture.
This next bit, may be a bit confusing. So please read it carefully.
With the picture open in Paint Shop Pro, change the number of colours to 256. "Colors" "Reduce Color Depth". I have found that "Optimized Octree" and "Nearest Color" produce good results. At this point you need to save the picture, again.
To help you identify it, add "256" to it's name.
Next resize the picture to 128 x 128 and save it again. Add "128" to it's name, for identification purposes. This 128 x 128 is the texture you will need in 3D Rad.
Close all the pictures and re-open the "256" picture. Re-save the picture in the GIF format. This "256 GIF" picture will be used to create the 3D model in OpenFX.
Close Paint Shop Pro.
Still with me? Well done.
Right, open OpenFX. Go to "Build" and "Terrain From Bitmap". Navigate to the location of your "256" picture and select it.
In the pop-up select "Medium" Mesh Detail and change the Rows and Columns to 30. Click "OK".
OpenFX should then build the 3D model. In some cases the model may not build correctly. For instance, some of the peeks may be inverted. It is a simple case of selecting the incorrect vertices and moving them up.
Export the model in 3DS format, combine with the "128" texture and you have your textured scenery.
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SKM Software (c) 2002 - 2003
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