Map compiler info

[sparhawk]

I just found this thread on Doom3 world and I must say it looks interesting. I wonder wether there might be some spinoff effect for us as well.

 

http://www.doom3world.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=17021

 

Since we have plans to write our own map compiler for DarkRadiant, this might be usefull information. Even better would it be if there were other exporters so you can use other 3D apps as well.

 

Modelling your level in the 3D app of your choice and then be able to export it to Doom as a map sounds like a dream.

[OrbWeaver]

From the first few posts it looks like he is exporting to .map files, not the compiled .proc file.

[sparhawk]

Oh! Yes, I overlooked that part.

 

But you had some problems with the mapformat as well, right? Not sure about this though.

[greebo]

Exporting directly to a compiled Doom 3 format is kind of nice, but practically useless. No AI, no lights, no monsterclip, no visportals, etc. etc. You will never be able to create an actual mission in a 3D app.

 

It can definitely be useful for creating parts of your map though.

[sparhawk]

AFAIK, in the thread he talks about these issues as well. You can definitely place visportals and such stuff probably.

[OrbWeaver]

It would be nice to look into a map compiler at some stage but it would be a very complex task -- you have to write the proc file with the render data, visportals and shadowvolumes, as well as the .CM (collision model) and .AAS files. Some of these require 3D algorithms that I don't know anything about even in theory, such as "flood filling" the level to determine visible surfaces, calculating windings from coplanar surfaces etc.