SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[RLBJr.]

Some add-on scenery offers you the choice of millimeter measurement, when deciding what you will install in your FS program. How do you decide between the lower numbers, ( 16mm or 32mm, for example ), and the higher numbers, ( 74mm or 91mm )? What visual significance does choosing a smaller measurement range have over choosing a higher measurement range? What will the user see differently in a lower -versus- a higher millimeter measurement installation of Add-on scenery? I'm asking because now I have to make this decision, and I want as much detail in my scenery display as possible, ( especially of small items that aren't particularly important ). That way, I believe, the overall effect will be more life-like and realistic. Can anyone help me with this? Anyone out there with Add-on Scenery experience?.... :?:

[groundsquirrel]

What they are referring to is the underlying terrain mesh, or what the scenery is drawn on. Imagine if you will a hill that is 38 meters in diameter. The terrain mesh is a representation on the ground contour as measured in points a set distance apart. If you use 130 meter terrain mesh, the hill will not be visible unless one of the points was measured from the top of the hill, then it will appear to have a pyramid type shape. The closer the points are to each other the more detail the hill will have. The recent 9.1 update allows FS to render 19 meter terrain as it did in 2k2. To allow FS to do this there are a few tweaks necessary to the Fs9.cfg file which are detailed in the Jan issue of Computer Pilot magazine. However, such terrain detail is not for the weak machine or crowded hard drive. I find the 38 meter mesh to do a fine job of detail with respect to my machine's capabilities. Some scenery addons will either include terrain mesh or indicate the preferred mesh resolution for best viewing and to make sure that objects are correctly placed and not sunk in the ground or floating in the air. Some addons are for the default terrain and may be adversely affected by other terrain mesh addons. So, read carefully and keep a notebook handy for reference as to what you have installed to maintain continuity in your sim world.

[RLBJr.]

Yours was the first response to my question that I've read. Your explanation made immediate sense to me. Thanks for reminding me about the "terrain mesh" terminology. I had forgotten about that. The concept is much clearer to me now.

[skipperdan]

A picture is worth a thousand words 8) 8)

http://portal.fsgenesis.net/index.php?module=ContentExpress&file=index&func=display&ceid=5&meid=6

[RLBJr.]

Skipperdan, I'd like to convert all my world scenery to "9.6" mm. I'm running FS2002 Pro, not FS9. Any suggestions? I realize I may have to spend a little money. That's okay. I've already purchased some add-on scenery, ( before I knew what I was doing ). Thanks for your technical assistance.

[skipperdan]

I believe that the best answer to your question was previously posted. I am currently using Flight Simulator 2004 and do not remember the location of the Configuration File for FS 2002.

Look in your Flight Simulator.cfg file for the following entry:

TERRAIN_MAX_VERTEX_LEVEL= XX <---change this value to one of the numbers below (number only).

NUMBERR LISTED BELOW ARE FOR FS2004:
High resolution= 21
Medium resolution=20
Low resolution=19

Check out the following website which you will find to be very helpful:

http://softwares.ranainside.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=160

[RLBJr.]

Best information I've seen to date! Thank you............

[skipperdan]

Here is an excellent review of verious software products that was conducted by the people at PC Aviatior which is the Parent Company to Computer Pilot Magazine:

http://news.pcaviator.com/fsess4.htm


If you are new to Flight Simulator, you may wish to check out Computer Pilot Magazine:

http://www.computerpilot.com/