Blender and BTG
| Developed by | Lauri Peltonen |
|---|---|
| Latest release |
Export: 31 Jan 2009 Import: 07 Mar 2011 |
| Written in | Python |
With the use of a special import&export script, BTG files can be opened in, and exported from Blender. This makes it possible to edit FlightGear's terrain and specifically airports in a visual editor.
User documentation
Installation
Download the two scripts:
Place both files in your Blender's .blender/scripts/ directory. Common locations are:
- Windows: C:/Program Files/Blender Foundation/Blender/.blender/scripts
Make sure to correct the $FG_ROOT setting in the import file, if needed. Default setting is:
FG_ROOT = "/usr/local/share/flightgear/"
Scripts should work with Blender 2.4x (latest available is Blender 2.49b), they will not work with version Blender 2.6x.
Usage
Import
Import via File > Import > Simgear (.btg) v7.
Note: rename the [ICAO].btg.gz file of an airport, to its corresponding [tileid].btg.gz, in order to import it correctly. For importing KSFO, we need to rename KSFO.btg.gz to 942050.btg.gz, for example.
Export
Export to a file with a .btg.gz extension, via File > Export > Simgear (.btg). Make sure to enter the correct coordinates and radius, as displayed in the console (you can copy&paste from that one) and/or screen on import.
Known issues
- Textures are not applied automatically in Blender, altough they are loaded.
- Imported meshes are shrinked because Blender does/did not support huge enough models (they are loaded correctly, but you cannot zoom out enough to see the whole tile).
- Sometimes exported triangle has its texture coordinates in wrong order which leads to weird looking textures (e.g. on a runway).
- After exporting .btg files, polygon are not smooth anymore. This will result in weird looking mountains.