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LODs and visability distances

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unitedkingdom
Is it possible to tweak the distances at which different LOD models are displayed, either within gmax or with another program.If not then can somebody please explain to me exactly how FS decides when to switch and why.
Also, I am currently intending to compile my gmax objects with the 2004 game pack using MDL tweaker to set V1 distances and then compile into a library via Library-creator before finally placing into my scenery with scenegenx. Is this currently the best method to create forward compatible frame efficient scenery.
I very much look forward to your answers.....thankyou
 

rhumbaflappy

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us-wisconsin
Hi Vincent.

I believe the LOD is determined by the % of the viewport occupied ( not sure if the factor is horizontal or vertical ).

For example, if your screen view is fully occuied vertically by the object, then LOD100 is used. If the object is 1/2 the size of the screen, the sim uses LOD50.

If this is true, you really only need about 3 LODs... maybe LOD100, LOD40 and LOD10. And LOD10 could possibly have a conditional display that will stop showing the object at a defined distance from the viewer.

Dick
 

arno

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To check the LODs the VSize command is used, so it checks how many pixels a certain amount of meter occupy on the screen. Depending on this value a LOD model is selected. By tweaking these values (in the ASM code) you can influence which model is shown.

If you just want to imitate the v1 value, it might be easier to just add a distance condition to the entire object.
 
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