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FlightGear Newsletter November 2011: Difference between revisions
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FlightGear Newsletter November 2011 (view source)
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''We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter can not live without the contributions of FlightGear users and developers. Everyone with a wiki account (free to register) can edit the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.'' | ''We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter can not live without the contributions of FlightGear users and developers. Everyone with a wiki account (free to register) can edit the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.'' | ||
'''This newsletter contains some very important information for contributors, so read it carefully!''' | |||
== Development news == | == Development news == | ||
=== 2.6.0 release preparations === | === 2.6.0 release preparations === | ||
On December 17, our [[Git]] repository will be declared "frozen". This means that no new features or major changes shall be pushed onto the development streams (neither source nor data). This period is for preparing the code for the release and make sure there are no major issues. It lasts for four weeks until creation of the release branches | {{Main article|Release plan}} | ||
On December 17, our [[Git]] repository will be declared "frozen". This means that no new features or major changes shall be pushed onto the development streams (neither source nor data). This period is for preparing the code for the release and make sure there are no major issues. It lasts for four weeks until creation of the release branches. | |||
Keep in mind that the people that are able to commit your stuff are just as busy finishing their own work as you are! Therefore it is important that you create merge requests for everything that you'd like to see included in the upcoming release, as soon as possible. This includes new aircraft and large updates to existing aircraft. | Keep in mind that the people that are able to commit your stuff are just as busy finishing their own work as you are! Therefore it is important that you create merge requests for everything that you'd like to see included in the upcoming release, as soon as possible. This includes new aircraft and large updates to existing aircraft. | ||
Don't let it wait for tomorrow, do it today! | Don't let it wait for tomorrow, do it today! | ||
=== Splitting fgdata: on hold until further notice === | |||
{{Main article|FlightGear Git: splitting fgdata}} | |||
After much discussion on the [[mailing list]], it was decided to put the existing attempt to split fgdata on hold until further notice. The main reason for postponing the split was that, while it was considered a well intended initiative, the end result of the splitting process itself left the FlightGear fgdata project in a less than desirable state. | |||
For this reason, before another splitting attempt is to be undertaken, the pro's and con's of each step should be carefully evaluated. The split article has been updated to discuss some of our options and formulate a plan of approach that can be presented to -and discussed in further depth- on the developers mailing list. | |||
Those of you that started using the [http://gitorious.org/flightgear-aircraft FlightGear Aircraft repositories], make sure to commit your updates to fgdata, or create a merge request. The FlightGear Aircraft project will '''not''' be used for the FlightGear 2.6.0 release and will like be re-created whenever (if at all) we reach that step in the split-plan. | |||
=== Shaders === | === Shaders === | ||
[[Image:Wakes.jpg|thumb | [[Image:Wakes.jpg|thumb|[[Aircraft carrier|USS Vinson]] (CVN-70) and USS Lake Champlain (CG-57)]] | ||
Emilian and Vivian have been very busy over the last months updating and improving our [[shaders]]. The plan is to rationalize some into one "aircraft" shader, to use just one method of computing fog, and to improve the appearance of the sea by adding foam and aligning the waves with the surface wind. Along the way the appearance of wakes was improved. There is still much to be done, but the work should start to be uploaded to git soon. | Emilian and Vivian have been very busy over the last months updating and improving our [[shaders]]. The plan is to rationalize some into one "aircraft" shader, to use just one method of computing fog, and to improve the appearance of the sea by adding foam and aligning the waves with the surface wind. Along the way the appearance of wakes was improved. There is still much to be done, but the work should start to be uploaded to git soon. | ||
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=== Realistic radio simulation=== | === Realistic radio simulation=== | ||
Work is currently underway to add realistic [[ | Work is currently underway to add realistic [[radio propagation]] for [[ATC]] communications, by implementing the well-known Irregular Terrain Model which uses electromagnetic theory and terrain analysis for signal strength prediction. | ||
== Interview with a contributor (NAME) == | == Interview with a contributor (NAME) == | ||
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== Scenery corner == | == Scenery corner == | ||
[[Image:2011-11-20_-_scenery_buckets.png|thumb | [[Image:2011-11-20_-_scenery_buckets.png|thumb|Scenery buckets of FG mapserver.]] | ||
As of November 20th, there are 1,122,603 objects positions known in [[FlightGear Scenery Database|FlightGear's scenery database]]. | As of November 20th, there are 1,122,603 objects positions known in [[FlightGear Scenery Database|FlightGear's scenery database]]. | ||
It is now possible to show on FG scenery map the scenery buckets. This may be useful for our fellow contributors. Thanks to Martin, Tuxklok and Elmaxo for this nice and useful update. Never seen FG's scenery mapserver? [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/map/?lon=-3.77802&lat=48.29945&zoom=9&layers=B00000TTFFTFFFTTTFTF Click here] to see how it looks like and play with the different layers to the upper right. Enjoy! | It is now possible to show on FG scenery map the scenery buckets. This may be useful for our fellow contributors. Thanks to Martin, Tuxklok and Elmaxo for this nice and useful update. Never seen FG's scenery mapserver? [http://mapserver.flightgear.org/map/?lon=-3.77802&lat=48.29945&zoom=9&layers=B00000TTFFTFFFTTTFTF Click here] to see how it looks like and play with the different layers to the upper right. Enjoy! | ||
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=== Virtual airlines === | === Virtual airlines === | ||
==== TSA - Tristar Airlines ==== | ==== TSA - Tristar Airlines ==== | ||
[[File:TSA1.png|thumb | [[File:TSA1.png|thumb]] | ||
Tristar | Tristar Airlines (TSA) opened a new site to the public featuring [http://www.phpvms.net phpVMS]. We now give an even greater experience to FlightGear pilots. | ||
TSA flies to the Caribbean islands and surrounding places. Our hub at TNCC - Curacao Hato Airport modeled by Horacio (who also modeled RJGG) is one of the most beautiful projects in | |||
More info on the site We hope to see you there! | TSA flies to the Caribbean islands and surrounding places. Our hub at TNCC - Curacao Hato Airport modeled by Horacio (who also modeled [[RJGG]]) is one of the most beautiful projects in FlightGear. We fly a fleet of [[Embraer]]'s and [[Cessna]]'s. | ||
More info on the site. We hope to see you there! | |||
[http://tsavirtual.fr.nf/index.php] | [http://tsavirtual.fr.nf/index.php Tristar Airlines website] | ||
=== FlightGear events === | === FlightGear events === | ||