IIUC, Arno has some additional work updating MCX to correctly read and translate UVW mapping of the texture materials from the *.DDS 1-piece texture sheet / atlas (used for draw call minimization in the X-Plane rendering system ?) when transferred onto the MDL which MCX internally converts from
X-Plane *.OBJ 3D models.
To the extent that I have tested this new functionality in MCX, that texture translation and re-mapping of Material onto the 3D MDL is incorrect.
I'm confident that Arno will be interested in fixing this particular MCX feature ASAP.
Yes, IMHO, you are already "on the right track"; however, the Altitude position on the ground of the buildings must be manually adjusted
ex:
downwards by 19.5000 Feet / 5.9436 Meters within Sketchup prior to exporting to a *.KMZ file, in order to compensate for the 'extended base' geometry of 'this' 3D model qhich was intended for use partially submerged within Google Earth's 90 Meter SRTM-derived terrain model.
I'll try to post some images of what this involves ASAP.
PS: FAA records:
https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/airportdata_5010/menu/
https://www.faa.gov/airports/airpor...&County=&City=MILWAUKEE&Use=PR&Certification=
...show WS03 (aka FAA Identifier: "WS23") Heliport with an Altitude of 895.0000 Feet / 272.796 Meters (AMSL)
The default FSX / P3D local terrain mesh ground surface is 672.5702 Feet / 205 Meters (AMSL)
895.0000 Feet
(AMSL) - 672.5702 Feet
(AMSL) = 222.4298 Feet ...Heliport Altitude (AGL)
IIUC, this "estimated" Altitude AGL appears to be in-flight approach clearance for the highest adjacent part of the building.
Google Earth's photogrammetry-derived 3D building model shows 807 Feet / 245.9736 Meters (AMSL) at the Helipad surface
Google Earth's 90 Meter SRTM-derived terrain model shows 669 Feet / 203.9112 Meters (AMSL) for local ground surface
807.0000 Feet
(AMSL) - 669 Feet
(AMSL) = 138 Feet / 42.0624 Meters ...Heliport Altitude (AGL)
[
EDITED] After closer inspection...
Google Earth's photogrammetry-derived 3D building model
also shows a NW staircase of
16 steps from roof to Helipad:
16 steps
x 7.5 Inches each
= 120 Inches
/ 12 Inches per Foot
= 10 Feet / 3.048 Meters (AMSL) Helipad surface
above roof
* Assuming texture material mapping scale is already 'close' to real life in the existing 3D model
...
and:
* Assuming a walkway from the building to the Helipad is 'level' at 10 Feet / 3.048 Meters (AMSL) Helipad surface
above roof
...the building
roof under WS03 Helipad Altitude ...may require manual correction of 11- 1/2"
less distance AGL in Sketchup.
[
END_EDIT]
BTW: A "Platform" with a 'hardened / concrete' attribute may be added to the Helipad using
MCX Attached Object Editor.
Although there are default and custom Helipads already with a built-in Platform to prevent falling-through on 'most'
landings, if one lands too hard, one can still fall through, so it is often helpful to add an additional Platform.
Since it is likely you would want to use the custom imagery Helipad texture, you may want to make a custom Helipad that has (2) built-in Platforms for a "hard" surface ...more accommodating to 'all' landings (unless you are very good Helo pilot !)
.
GaryGB
