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Arc helpers

GHD

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england
How does ADE decide how many vertices will be added to an arc geneated GP line?

Depending on the radius and angle, it may create less than the default 36 (but more than 4), however, if I specify 10, it gives 4 :confused:
 
How does ADE decide how many vertices will be added to an arc geneated GP line?

Depending on the radius and angle, it may create less than the default 36 (but more than 4), however, if I specify 10, it gives 4 :confused:

The number you specify is taken to be for 360 degrees as it would be in drawing a circle or ellipse. ADE takes that and returns number representing the swept arc. So, for example, if you specify 30 vertices and 180 degrees of swept arc then ADE will use 15. There are some rounding calculations that might give 4 for 10 or 6 for 10 depending on the exact swept angle and the need to ensure there is a start and end vertex.
 
I see. So the user needs to multiply the number in his mind by 360 divided by the arc angle :D:D
 
I see. So the user needs to multiply the number in his mind by 360 divided by the arc angle :D:D

If you put it that way - yes but it seems to me that it you are happy with a vertex every 5 degrees then you will put 72 in the box ;)
 
but it seems to me that it you are happy with a vertex every 5 degrees then you will put 72 in the box ;)

I would be much happier if I could specify the number of vertices along the arc (the arc is what I see in ADE) ;)

 
I seem to have another problem.

Everything was going smoothly with my mental arihmetic until I tried this one.

The generated line is nowhere near the helper arc :eek:



V 1.6.4902
 
Actually I don't mind the vertex settings the way it is now. That way I can set it to the value that works for me, and it will use the same spacing for both short and long arcs. And when I create arcs of different sizes, I can modify the value in proportion to the arc's relative size to my "standard".
 
Hi,

I have not worked with gp lines to make taxi lines lately because I am waiting for Jon to implement his Bézier curve helper shapes;).
But because he is probably going to move once again, we will have to wait for a while longer:D (I sure hope you are not negotiating by any chance one of my sister's houses in W-Palm Beach, Jon? You never know how fate can influence things by what you read and who you are in contact with on forums!).
On the other hand, I do have trouble still when connected to FSX through FSUIPC. Has nobody experienced this? If you have not, I can forget it and write it down as due to lack of memory or resources (PC memory or resources, I mean:)).

Roby

PS: I could not reproduce George's issue either. Takes time, I guess, to get used to the peculiarities of the GP-editor.
 
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Roby,

I think I tested your problem when connected to FS9 (I don't create airports for FSX) and didn't find a problem. What is the problem? - I'll try it again.
 
Hi Tom,

The Bezier curves is not a problem, it is a shortcoming at the moment:
How do you make taxiway centerlines and\or edgelines curve smoothly with gp-lines?
As an example I refer to my NSTU where I used taxi paths to have the taxiways textured (they do not have the same width everywhere), apron paths to have the center lines and closed path lines to do the edges. If I want to get rid of at least the apron paths, I have to put in gp lines instead and it is almost impossible to curve them like the ones that show up when you make a taxiway center line.
Hope you understand what I mean?

Roby

PS Although my NSTU is an FSX airport, the same definitely applies to FS9.
PS2 If you are referring to my issues when connected to FSX or FS9, then yes, it applies to both as well. Mind you, it could be a matter of memory shortage or lack of resources. That is why I am asking for someone to tell me if he experiences the same or not.
 
Roby,

I asked what IS the problem when connected to FS? I was not talking about Bezier curves...
 
On the other hand, I do have trouble still when connected to FSX through FSUIPC. Has nobody experienced this?

Hmm, I have never had a problem connecting to FSX. If I did, I would have given up using ADE.
 
I sure hope you are not negotiating by any chance one of my sister's houses in W-Palm Beach, Jon? You never know how fate can influence things by what you read and who you are in contact with on forums!

No Roby - our condo in Boca Raton is just fine for us ;)
 
The Bezier curves is not a problem, it is a shortcoming at the moment:
How do you make taxiway centerlines and\or edgelines curve smoothly with gp-lines?

I would be most surprised if taxi lines drawn at 'real airports' are based on bezier curves. A Bezier curve is mosting an invention for computer graphics and CAD systems. Also I suspect it would be somewhat hard for a turning aircraft nose wheel to follow a bezier. My guess is they are drawn based on an arc.............. George has shown elsewhere that it is possible to get a smooth GP line from an Arc helper shape. Also the intended Bezier will be converted from the four points to a set of vertices with straight lines. It is not possible to define anything for FS as a true bezier as far as I can tell.
 
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Yes, I think most real taxiway lines are drawn using straight lines and arcs of constant curvature. That would be the least amount of work turning the steering tiller.
 
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