FlightGear Newsletter September 2010: Difference between revisions

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FlightGear Newsletter September 2010 (view source)

Revision as of 20:29, 17 September 2010

55 bytes removed ,  17 September 2010
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In the works:  
In the works:  
* better hard-coded support for e.g. terrain sampling
* better hard-coded support for e.g. terrain sampling
* a METAR interface to use real-time weather and wind data
* a METAR interface to use real-time weather and wind data
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Stay tuned!  
Stay tuned!  


A small feature gallery:
A small feature gallery:
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</gallery>
</gallery>


===Water shader improvements===
[[File:new_weather_dialog.png|thumb|200px|The new weather dialog]]
[[File:Water shader Ju 52.jpg|300px|left|[[Junkers Ju 52]] flying over a lake in the French custom scenery.]]
Our all-time favourite shader-artist, Gral, picked up yet another project. This time it is something that covers over 70% of the entire scenery and is thus of great importance in a flight simulator: water. The new shader includes more realistic wave movements and much nicer sun "reflections". The extreme goal is to have real-time reflective water, which is still a long way to go, but with Gral's latest improvements we've at least made a step into the right direction. Transatlantic or Carribean flights have never been so exiting in FlightGear!
 
=== Weather supporting core code ===
=== Weather supporting core code ===
[[File:new_weather_dialog.png|150px|right|The new weather dialog]]
The weather supporting core of FlightGear [http://gitorious.org/fg/flightgear/commit/5c6fe952598053fa63631fc0161d666f22a50f51 has been modified] during the last weeks to better support new weather models like the above mentioned Local Weather system. Data flow between environment systems is now defined in XML config files using well [[Autopilot Configuration Reference|known syntax and elements from the autopilot]]. Complex rules using predefined filters and arbitrary expressions can be defined without the need for C++ or Nasal coding.
The weather supporting core of FlightGear [http://gitorious.org/fg/flightgear/commit/5c6fe952598053fa63631fc0161d666f22a50f51 has been modified] during the last weeks to better support new weather models like the above mentioned Local Weather system. Data flow between environment systems is now defined in XML config files using well [[Autopilot Configuration Reference|known syntax and elements from the autopilot]]. Complex rules using predefined filters and arbitrary expressions can be defined without the need for C++ or Nasal coding.
Along with this patch comes a unified weather settings dialog, combining previous dialogs for weather conditions, scenario, clouds and precipitation. Further plans are to integrate a new real world data source [http://www.navlost.eu/nwxs/doc/desc/ NWX], providing METAR, aloft and temperature at altitude.
Along with this patch comes a unified weather settings dialog, combining previous dialogs for weather conditions, scenario, clouds and precipitation. Further plans are to integrate a new real world data source [http://www.navlost.eu/nwxs/doc/desc/ NWX], providing METAR, aloft and temperature at altitude.


=== Download & Compile script ===
For the Debian/Ubuntu users, an improvement to the [[Scripted Compilation on Linux Debian/Ubuntu|download and compile]]. If svn/git compilation fails from lates revisions (generally caused by sources among different softwares not in sync) you can still compile and obtain the lates known compiling version using the -s switch.
Beware that this feature is under testing, but should work fine.
[[File:AIWingmenandAITanker.jpg|thumb|200px|AIWingmen and AITanker]]
=== AI Objects ===
=== AI Objects ===
[[File:AIWingmenandAITanker.jpg|thumb|[ AIWingmen and AITanker]]
Some of the AI code has been revisited and tidied up, in a somewhat vain attempt to reduce the impact on frame rate. The facilities in Slaved Ballistic Objects, Wingmen, Ground Vehicles, and Escorts have been generalized. Now, any of these types can be subordinated, or parented, on any AI object which has a <name> tag. Thus, a wingman can be formated on a an AI Tanker, and can have a slaved droptank.
Some of the AI code has been revisited and tidied up, in a somewhat vain attempt to reduce the impact on frame rate. The facilities in Slaved Ballistic Objects, Wingmen, Ground Vehicles, and Escorts have been generalized. Now, any of these types can be subordinated, or parented, on any AI object which has a <name> tag. Thus, a wingman can be formated on a an AI Tanker, and can have a slaved droptank.


A Wingman can be formated on a Wingman to build larger formations.
A Wingman can be formated on a Wingman to build larger formations, of which an example is shown by [http://www.youtube.com/v/YaBghBIZZWI this video].
[http://www.youtube.com/v/YaBghBIZZWI B29 12 Ship Formation]


With careful choice of options and locations frame rates can be kept at a reasonable level. Analysis has shown that the tall pole in the tent is the code which measures Altitude Above Ground Level. This is known to be  code that is heavy on framerate and which is used extensively in the AI code. It might be possible to get a cheaper, simpler version of this function which would improve the impact on framerate. Hopefully, this will be the next stage of development.
With careful choice of options and locations frame rates can be kept at a reasonable level. Analysis has shown that the tall pole in the tent is the code which measures Altitude Above Ground Level. This is known to be  code that is heavy on framerate and which is used extensively in the AI code. It might be possible to get a cheaper, simpler version of this function which would improve the impact on framerate. Hopefully, this will be the next stage of development.


=== Download & Compile script ===
[[File:Water shader Ju 52.jpg|thumb|270px|[[Junkers Ju 52]] flying over a lake in the French custom scenery.]]
For the Debian/Ubuntu users, an improvement to the [[Scripted_Compilation_on_Linux_Debian/Ubuntu|download and compile]]. If svn/git compilation fails from lates revisions (generally caused by sources among different softwares not in sync) you can still compile and obtain the lates known compiling version using the -s switch.<br/>Beware that this feature is under testing, but should work fine.
===Water shader improvements===
Our all-time favourite shader-artist, Gral, picked up yet another project. This time it is something that covers over 70% of the entire scenery and is thus of great importance in a flight simulator: water. The new shader includes more realistic wave movements and much nicer sun "reflections". The extreme goal is to have real-time reflective water, which is still a long way to go, but with Gral's latest improvements we've at least made a step into the right direction. Transatlantic or Carribean flights have never been so exiting in FlightGear!


== Nasal for newbies: OOP ==
== Nasal for newbies: OOP ==
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== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== FlightGear addons and mods ==
== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==
===BAe-146===
"Pilot Penguin" and "[[User:Nickyivyca|nickyivyca]]" have begun work on the BAe-146. Pilot Penguin will be doing mostly 3D work, and nick will be doing mostly FDM and systems work. [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9494&start=15 See the forum thread for more info.]
===Livery hangar reaches 300===
===Livery hangar reaches 300===
Early September, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Livery Database] welcomed its [http://liveries.flightgear.org/liveries.php?id=301 300th livery]! It is a livery of the Polish Air Force's [[Lockheed C130]], created by Maciej Zgódka, one of the latest additions to the painters-team. In the same time, the database was upgraded with a couple of new "features":
Early September, the [http://liveries.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Livery Database] welcomed its [http://liveries.flightgear.org/liveries.php?id=301 300th livery]! It is a livery of the Polish Air Force's [[Lockheed C130]], created by Maciej Zgódka, one of the latest additions to the painters-team. In the same time, the database was upgraded with a couple of new "features":
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I would like to emphasize that lots of liveries are not yet assigned an author. Please check for yourself if there is any [http://liveries.flightgear.org/authors.php unknown-author-livery] of which you known/are the author. Lots of liveries are still in the need for a thumbnail, so those are welcome as well.
I would like to emphasize that lots of liveries are not yet assigned an author. Please check for yourself if there is any [http://liveries.flightgear.org/authors.php unknown-author-livery] of which you known/are the author. Lots of liveries are still in the need for a thumbnail, so those are welcome as well.
===BAe-146===
"Pilot Penguin" and "[[User:Nickyivyca|nickyivyca]]" have begun work on the BAe-146. Pilot Penguin will be doing mostly 3D work, and nick will be doing mostly FDM and systems work. [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9494&start=15 See the forum thread for more info.]


== Scenery corner ==
== Scenery corner ==
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===Liverpool John Lennon Airport===
===Liverpool John Lennon Airport===
Andyramone has begun modeling Liverpool Airport (EGGP) in the UK. The terminal is complete and will be submitted to the database this month. Work has already begun on the control tower.
Andyramone has begun modeling Liverpool Airport (EGGP) in the UK. The terminal is completed and will be submitted to the database this month. Work has already begun on the control tower.


===KSFO Terminal 2===
===KSFO Terminal 2===
San Fransisco International Terminal 2 has been fully remodelled by karla in Blender 2.49b using handmade textures in Gimp 2.46. New additions include: linking wings, antennae, railings, supports, ground floors interiors, ATC equipment, vigilant controller, architecture, light masts, night textures.
[[San Francisco International Airport]]'s Terminal 2 has been fully remodelled by karla in Blender 2.49b, using handmade textures in Gimp 2.46. New additions include: linking wings, antennae, railings, supports, ground floors interiors, ATC equipment, vigilant controller, architecture, light masts and night textures.


It has been released and is available from the Git database or directly from http://www.mediafire.com/file/ev447wrsqrfijlf/KSFO_T2.zip
It has been released and is available via [[TerraSync]] or directly from [http://www.mediafire.com/file/ev447wrsqrfijlf/KSFO_T2.zip this link].


The associated 942050.stg file has been changed slightly and it may also be downloaded for replacement in /Scenery/Objects/w130n30/w123n37/.
===Dublin Airport===
"eag1e" (on the forum, D-ELLE callsign) is working on the buildings of [[Dublin Airport]] (EIDW). The airport seems quite well advanced, it has been submitted to the model repository and it is available for direct download at [http://www.knatterkasten.de/ knatterkasten.de].


===EIDW Dublin Airport===
See the [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8874 forum post] for more info.
"eag1e" (on the Forum, D-ELLE callsign) is working on the buildings of EIDW Dublin Airport.


See the post on the Forum [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8874&p=87271&hilit=EIDW#p87271]
===Power plants===
Power plants, with their red and white striped tall stacks, are outstanding visual aids for VFR flying.


The airport seems quite well advanced, it has been submitted to the model repository and it is available for direct download at:
Scighera has modeled two Italian power plants in Blender :
* "'''ENEL Piombino 4x330 MW Power Plant'''", located in Piombino, right in front of the Isola d'Elba (Tuscany, Italy). It represent the standard Italian heavy fuel oil fired 330 MW unit of the early 70ies, with 220 m high stacks provided with red obstruction lights. The model includes a Fuel oil unloading pear, with a mooring tankership
* "'''a2a 1000 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant'''" located in Cassano d'Adda (Lombardy, Italy, 30 km away from Milano Linate (LIME)). The plant is provided with 3 Turbogas, 3 Heat Recovery Steam Generators feeding the pre-existing steam turbines. There is a 220 m high red & white stiped stack and a lower 80 m stack.


http://www.knatterkasten.de/
The models have been submitted to the models repository (Piombino is already available via [[TerraSync]]), and available for download at [http://digilander.libero.it/scighera_fg/index.html Scighera's website].


===Power Plants===
scighera is also working on the '''Poolbeg Power Plant''', on the Dublin peninsula, very close to Dublin Airport (EIDW); the plant has two outstanding 208 m high stacks ...
Power Plants, with their red & white striped tall stacks, are outstanding visual aids for VFR.
 
scighera has modeled in Blender two Italian Power Plants:
 
- "'''ENEL Piombino 4x330 MW Power Plant'''", located in Piombino, right in front of the Isola d'Elba (Tuscany, Italy). It represent the standard italian heavy fuel oil fired 330 MW unit of the early 70ies, with 220 m high stacks provided with red obstruction lights. The model includes a Fuel oil unloading pear, with a mooring tankership
 
- "'''a2a 1000 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant'''" located in Cassano d'Adda (Lombardy, Italy, 30 km away from LIME Milano Linate). The plant is provided with 3 Turbogas, 3 Heat Recovery Steam Generators feeding the pre-existing steam turbines. There is a 220 m high red & white stiped stack and a lower 80 m stack.
 
The models have been submitted to the models repository (Piombino is already available on terrasync), and available for download at http://digilander.libero.it/scighera_fg/index.html
 
scighera is also working on the '''Poolbeg Power Plant''', on the Dublin peninsula, very close to the EIDW Dublin airport; the plant has two outstanding 208 m high stacks ...


<gallery>
<gallery>
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</gallery>
</gallery>


[[File:VadoLigureHarbor.jpg |thumb|Vado Ligure Container Ship Terminal]]
[[File:VadoLigureHarbor.jpg|thumb|Vado Ligure Container Ship Terminal]]
 
===Harbors===
===Harbors===
Horbors, with their huge cranes and long peers, may be as well noticeable landmarks for VFR ...
Harbors, with their huge cranes and long peers, may be as well noticeable landmarks for VFR flying. Scighera is presently working on the model of Vado Ligure Harbor, having completed the Container unloading peer.
scighera is presently working on the model of Vado Ligure Harbor, having completed the Container unloading peer.


== Aircraft of the month ==
== Aircraft of the month ==
Retrieved from "https://wiki.flightgear.org/Special:MobileDiff/23986"

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