Panda's BATs

[Panda 209]

I'm learning how to create BATs. I don't have a copy of 3DS Max, so I'm using Blender for modeling, exporting as an obj file, importing into GMAX/SC4 BAT, and then creating the S3D from there. As far as I can tell, there still isn't a BAT for Blender plugin that is in a usable state. Since I'm new to this, I figured I'd start with something simple. I'm making filler lots for the 1-way roundabouts, the ones with a single empty tile in the middle.

I've had pretty good success so far, but I can see how limiting Gmax renders could be for more complex buildings and materials. I've created 5 models and plan to make several other variations. On the lotting side, how do I define the type of sidewalks around a lot? I am creating these lots as park lots. Does the wealth level control this? Can I somehow specify to use an industrial texture or low wealth texture for the surrounding sidewalks? To clarify, I'm not asking about the 1x1 square the roundabout sits on, but on the 4 1-way road squares immediately adjacent to the lot.

I still need to adjust the cost, park effect, etc. for consistency. Right now, I'm just concentrating on getting the model in-game.

Here are the five models I have so far:
(I need to redo the first one, It was my first export and the diameter is slightly too small to completely cover the gap between the sidewalk.)

[nos.17 5,247]

16 hours ago, Panda said:

On the lotting side, how do I define the type of sidewalks around a lot? I am creating these lots as park lots. Does the wealth level control this?

Yep, the wealth level of the lot controls this. However, it can also be modified by the wealth levels of adjacent lots too, which is why the 4 corners sometimes have different textures than the sides that do not directly touch a lot ... there's not really anything you can do to control this from a lot level, and from a visual level your only option is to use a sidewalk mod that establishes a uniform texture for all wealths.

[Panda 209]

I'm continuing working on roundabout fillers. I had some trouble with the night lighting on a few lots. (See the image below, specifically the roundabout on the right.) At first I was mystified, because it only was showing on some lots and not others. I realized it was the automatic LOD boxes on lots with something tall. I resized the LOD boxes and that fixed the problem. I also revised the textures on the patterned brick roundabout to give it more contrast.

I've created two new roundabout styles. One features large sandstone boulders and a sculpture formed from weathering steel wide flange beam sections embedded in the earth. The other features a more formal garden with flowerbeds and neatly trimmed ornamental hedges and topiary.

Finally, I realized that I am not happy with the radius I have been modeling with. Currently it barely fills the open space, leaving the interior sidewalk visible. I will be expanding them to completely cover the interior sidewalk and run right up to the asphalt pavement. I think that will look cleaner.

[Panda 209]

Another work in progress:

This roundabout features a central rain-garden based on bioswales. A bioswale uses a series of basins, drought and flood tolerant plants, and gravel beds to naturally filter water and recharge it back into the aquifer. I will likely specify this lot with a slight water treatment ability to reflect that it is filtering storm runnoff in the area.

I am still working on the tree and shrub textures. and a few other items. It has been a real pain to get this model out of Blender and into Gmax for rendering! I think I'll export this using an "HD" export so there is more detail at the highest zoom level.

[art128 4,622]

Beautiful roundabout fillers! That last one is quite a piece!

18 hours ago, Panda said:

I think I'll export this using an "HD" export so there is more detail at the highest zoom level.

Typically for smaller BAT, HD rendering is better. IMO.

[Panda 209]

2 hours ago, art128 said:

Typically for smaller BAT, HD rendering is better. IMO.

Yes, I've been exporting the rest using the "SD" settings. They are simple enough that it doesn't make too much difference. For the rain garden, I think the "HD" settings and larger file size are appropriate.

[Jasoncw 11,949]

These all look lovely, especially the most recent one.

[Panda 209]

Here is the rain garden in PIM-X. There is a leaf-shaped weathering steel filter garden system with tall grasses surrounded by planters and overflow filtration gravel beds. I modeled the tree and shrubs in Blender instead of as separate props so they can cast shadows on the rain garden.

 

[rsc204 21,865]

Some really amazing fillers here, I sure would want to have these in my game. 

[Panda 209]

[Panda 209]

I'm experimenting with BAT4Blender. I've been mostly modeling and texturing though and haven't tested exporting or the lighting much. So far it seems to be working well though.

[Panda 209]

I'm continuing to work on the Octangle tower. I've improved the rooftop equipment models and textures. I added a track for a maintenance crane, but need to add the window washing crane dolly and arms. I've been working on the rest of the textures. I think the glass is now a little too dark, I plan to lighten it up int he future. I've also added a ground plane for reflections. I'm still experimenting with what looks good for the reflections. I've also added window shades. I experimented using geometry nodes. I've used geometry nodes for several other elements in the model including the mullions, but I wasn't happy. I ended up just modeling duplicating the window mesh, applying a texture that is half transparent, half opaque. I then randomly selected and adjusted the UV position to make it look like shades were up or down. It's not as modular and adjustable as I had hoped to achieve using geometry nodes, but it works. )Right now it is an array, so each side of the building has the same shade layout. I plan to fix that later.