Model Import Wizard

The Model Import Wizards is used to import 3D models of objects that you have downloaded online or created yourself in another program. To import, the model must be in SketchUp (skp) or 3D Studio (3ds) format. Both of these formats are popular for sharing general 3D objects online.

To import a model:

1.   Click Tools and Model Import Wizard.

2.   Click the Next button.

3.   Select the type of model you wish to import and then click the Next button.

4.   Select the model you wish to import and then click the Open button.

5.   A preview of your model will be displayed. Click the Next button; the following dialog will appear:

6.   If necessary, modify the size and orientation of the model by entering values in the appropriate fields. Click the Next button when finished.

7.   Click the Set File Name button to enter a different name for your model, or just click the Next button.

8.   Click the Finish button to import the model and complete the wizard.

When the wizard completes, click an area on your landscape design to add the newly imported model. If you need to add the model again in the future, it can be found within the appropriate object library. For example, if a planter has been imported as an accessory, then it can be found within the Custom category of the Accessory library.

Modeling Guidelines

General guidelines are listed below for creating 3D models for use in Realtime Landscaping Plus.

•      Each 3D mesh in the model must be polygonal.

•      The bottom of the model should rest on the origin. Think of the origin as the terrain surface.

•      Size the model so that 1 unit = 1 inch, even if using metric in Realtime Landscaping Plus.

•      3DS files that reference texture maps must use texture file names that are 8 characters or less. (This is a limitation of the 3DS file format).

•      Ensure that the no single 3D mesh exceeds 32,000 triangles. Multiple meshes can be used for extremely complex objects that require more than 32,000 triangles.

Advanced Instructions for 3DS Models

The instructions below are available to assist advanced users in designing objects that make use of special features such as lighting

Note: The instructions below do not apply to SketchUp (Skp) files because SketchUp does not currently support the ability to name individual model pieces.

All models

•      Bird landing points can be added by placing a small polygon at the intended landing point and naming it fx_bird.

Doors & Windows

•      Rotate the door or window so that the front of the object is facing the negative Z axis.

•      Doors and windows support reflective areas. To make part of a door or window reflective, add a texture to the model in 32-bit Targa format, and specify the alpha channel for the reflective areas based on the values below:

0 = fully transparent
128 = reflective (blend between color channel and environment map)
192 = blend trim color with luminance of color channel
255 = opaque (use color channel)

House and Landscape Lights

•      Ensure that the glass in the light model is a separate mesh, and name it fx_glass to prevent the glass portions from being darkened due to shadows.

•      To create a spotlight, add a small polygon and aim it in the direction you wish the light to shine. For wide-angle spotlights, name the small polygon fx_lt_sw. For narrow spotlights, name the small polygon fx_lt_sn.

•      For lights that shine in every direction, create a small polygon and name it fx_lt_sm. The light will emanate from the position of the polygon.

Tips:

•      When you import a model, a copy of both the model and textures is made and stored in a separate location. This means that if you delete the original model your designs will not be affected. It also means that if you make changes to the original model you will need to run the Model Import Wizard again.

•      Once you have imported a model into Realtime Landscaping Plus, it can be added using the appropriate tool. For example, if you imported a model as a window, then it can be added by clicking the Add Window button.

See also:

Editing Materials
Model Creation Wizard
Selecting Objects
Grouping and Ungrouping Objects