MSFS20 ENSX - Stavanger EMS helicopter

[Nightstalkernor]

Hello.

I have edited the original post to better represent the actual thread and its development.

I am currently developing the emergency medical helicopter service helipad in Stavanger, Norway with ICAO designation ENSX. It is a single building with connected platform and helipad on the roof. The project is considered to be my introduction to making scenery through the use of Sketchup and MCX, and will be the first of hopefully many other norwegian medical/police helipads.

I want to accomplish the following with the project:
-Use of PBR-textures to closely represent the area and its objects
-Closely resemble the actual main building
-Include surrounding significant buildings and viewable objects, in this case the hospital, nearby parking houses, and the emergency doctor building.
-Include night lighting, both windows and outside lights
-Custom made "helitrolley"
-Consider snow/season effects (Snow=OK. Comes automatically without any editing or specific settings. Rain=Not currently solved)
-Consider adding custom vehicles relevant to the main building (On hold. Not prioritized at the moment)
-Consider making the roads around the building as custom textures within the SDK


EDIT: Text from before 10.12.24
I am entirely new to FS development, but I've always wanted to contribute to the community so I started a couple of days ago designing a model which I would like to insert to the sim. I like 3D after making models in Sketchup by using public referance images such as streetview and satelite/topography images. I am currently using the free web-based version of sketchup to do the 3D design and texturing and Blender 3.3.9. Blender only for the msfs plugin part.

I am having a couple of issues with importing the model to msfs. I have tried to follow a couple of videos on youtube but the most relevant ones seems to old, or are difficult to follow for a noob. I don't understand the MSFS SDK and how each tool relates to eachother.
I have successfully imported the model (even though I do not understand how), but the textures are missing. I also have use a community addon which adds photogrammetry to the area, whereas I want to replace one of the buildings in that scenery.

From what I've mentioned above, I need some help going forward:
1: How do I transfer textures from Sketchup free to Blender and then on to MSFS? Do I need to convert textures somehow?

1-1: If it's not possible to successfully transfer texture files, may I get some directions on how to texture a Sketchup-model in Blender?

2: I need to make the building compatible with the photogrammetry e.g. by replacing/removing a certain area to make room for my custom building.

 

[rhumbaflappy]

Give us the files you are trying to import to Blender (model and textures). Zip them and upload to a cloud storage service and give the link here. Then we can find the problem and solution. As far as the photogrammetry, solution is a TIN exclusion.

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Give us the files you are trying to import to Blender (model and textures). Zip them and upload to a cloud storage service and give the link here. Then we can find the problem and solution. As far as the photogrammetry, solution is a TIN exclusion.

Ver nice. I will see what I can do.

 

[GaryGB]

Hello:

I agree with Dick that it would be best to post a link to a ZIP of the Sketchup project export that you import into Blender.


IIUC, based on your description above, using a "Free" web-based Sketchup version only allows export of (3) file types:

https://www.sketchup.com/en/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-free

"What makes our free version so great?

Interoperability
Import SKP, JPG, PNG file types, and export SKP, PNG, STL file types."



That means your textures are probably inside a native Sketchup SKP file; Blender uses a special plugin to import SKP files.

SKP file format does not support Physically Based Rendering (aka "PBR") Materials.


STL format does not have Materials mapped onto Faces; if imported to Blender, all Materials must be mapped in Blender.


PNG is a texture file format that can be mapped as PBR Materials onto Faces using a plugin Ruby script.


AFAIK, only 'Make' 2017 (free) and later "Desktop" versions of Sketchup (all licensed payware) allow use of a PBR plugin.


AFAIK, only glTF file format (not OBJ) may be exported by a Sketchup plugin for PBR Materials that can be processed by Blender.


By using a Desktop version of Sketchup such as 2017 Make (free) with plugins, you can map PBR Materials and export glTF files.


After imported by Blender, glTF mapped PBR Materials can be immediately displayed by clicking a control Icon on a toolbar.

Then one merely needs to use the MSFS exporter plugin to output the already textured 3D model with no further UVW mapping.


I recommend learning more about using the (IMHO) less limited and free desktop version of Sketchup (ex: 2017 Make).

Feel free to inquire further if you are interested in exploring that option, and I can provide you with links on how to proceed.

GaryGB

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Hello:

I agree with Dick that it would be best to post a link to a ZIP of the Sketchup project export that you import into Blender.


IIUC, based on your description above, using a "Free" web-based Sketchup version only allows export of (3) file types:

https://www.sketchup.com/en/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-free

"What makes our free version so great?

Interoperability
Import SKP, JPG, PNG file types, and export SKP, PNG, STL file types."



That means your textures are probably inside a native Sketchup SKP file; Blender uses a special plugin to import SKP files.

SKP file format does not support Physically Based Rendering (aka "PBR") Materials.


STL format does not have Materials mapped onto Faces; if imported to Blender, all Materials must be mapped in Blender.


PNG is a texture file format that can be mapped as PBR Materials onto Faces using a plugin Ruby script.


AFAIK, only 'Make' 2017 (free) and later "Desktop" versions of Sketchup (all licensed payware) allow use of a PBR plugin.


AFAIK, only glTF file format (not OBJ) may be exported by a Sketchup plugin for PBR Materials that can be processed by Blender.


By using a Desktop version of Sketchup such as 2017 Make (free) with plugins, you can map PBR Materials and export glTF files.


After imported by Blender, glTF mapped PBR Materials can be immediately displayed by clicking a control Icon on a toolbar.

Then one merely needs to use the MSFS exporter plugin to output the already textured 3D model with no further UVW mapping.


I recommend learning more about using the (IMHO) less limited and free desktop version of Sketchup (ex: 2017 Make).

Feel free to inquire further if you are interested in exploring that option, and I can provide you with links on how to proceed.

GaryGB

I have been using the app.sketchup.com, and I am able to export .obj, .kmz, and a couple more file variations. I was under the impression that that was sufficient, but maybe not...

I am in no conflict getting intk sketchup 2017 if that still is obtainable and serves as a more easier way of implementing models to msfs! I would certainly be interested in that...

 

[Nightstalkernor]

I have recieved a suggestion that I make the model over again due to an error, so I want to make another one and then Ill share

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Hello:

I agree with Dick that it would be best to post a link to a ZIP of the Sketchup project export that you import into Blender.


IIUC, based on your description above, using a "Free" web-based Sketchup version only allows export of (3) file types:

https://www.sketchup.com/en/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-free

"What makes our free version so great?

Interoperability
Import SKP, JPG, PNG file types, and export SKP, PNG, STL file types."



That means your textures are probably inside a native Sketchup SKP file; Blender uses a special plugin to import SKP files.

SKP file format does not support Physically Based Rendering (aka "PBR") Materials.


STL format does not have Materials mapped onto Faces; if imported to Blender, all Materials must be mapped in Blender.


PNG is a texture file format that can be mapped as PBR Materials onto Faces using a plugin Ruby script.


AFAIK, only 'Make' 2017 (free) and later "Desktop" versions of Sketchup (all licensed payware) allow use of a PBR plugin.


AFAIK, only glTF file format (not OBJ) may be exported by a Sketchup plugin for PBR Materials that can be processed by Blender.


By using a Desktop version of Sketchup such as 2017 Make (free) with plugins, you can map PBR Materials and export glTF files.


After imported by Blender, glTF mapped PBR Materials can be immediately displayed by clicking a control Icon on a toolbar.

Then one merely needs to use the MSFS exporter plugin to output the already textured 3D model with no further UVW mapping.


I recommend learning more about using the (IMHO) less limited and free desktop version of Sketchup (ex: 2017 Make).

Feel free to inquire further if you are interested in exploring that option, and I can provide you with links on how to proceed.

GaryGB

It seems like Sketchup 2017 is unavailable to download? They have discontinued their support.

Please also see the attached images referring to the file types the free web version can export.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi again:

The model looks good in your screenshots above; it likely can be imported by Sketchup 2017 via plugins (aka "Extensions").

It is interesting that your "Free" online version lists the option to use file types for export that are not on its product webpage.


A download link for Sketchup Make 2017 is in this post:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/sketchup-15-on-new-computer.458633/


After Sketchup is installed, you may wish to start downloading plugins / extensions to your download folder for later installation.


Plugins can then be installed via either the built-in Extension Manager:

Sketchup Menu > Window > Extension Manager > [ Install Extension ] button (...using default RBZ extension in file browser)

...or via this plugin, which I would install first, and then use it- instead of the built-in Extension Manager- to install other plugins:


thomthom: Simple Plugin Installer v1.2.0:

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=tt_simple_installer


Note that in some cases one must use other plugin file extensions such as RBS, RB etc. as the file type via the above plugin.


Also, in rare cases one may need to manually drag-and-drop or copy / paste an older RB extension plugin Ruby script into:

C:\Users\[user profile name]\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\SketchUp 2017\SketchUp\Plugins


After installing all plugins, restart Sketchup Make 2017 to enable them.


Plugins are launched via Toolbar Icons, and/or Sketchup Menu > Extensions pull-down menu selections.


In some cases the plugins / extensions may appear within other pull-down menus such as under "File".


Next I would install this plugin:

Samuel Tallet: Universal Importer v1.2.6

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=universal_importer


Next I would install plugins allowing saving / opening of newer or legacy version Sketchup SKP files are in this post:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/ruby-tuesday-2024-08-27.459062/


Links to the Sketchup PBR Material mapping and glTF import / export plugins, as well as Arno's MCX are in this post:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/opinions-on-airport-design-wanted.459341/post-928943


This info should get you started, and you can see what is possible with a less restricted (but still "free") version of Sketchup.

I'll check back to see if you have further questions to explore this option.

GaryGB

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Hi again:

The model looks good in your screenshots above; it likely can be imported by Sketchup 2017 via plugins (aka "Extensions").

It is interesting that your "Free" online version lists the option to use file types for export that are not on its product webpage.


A download link for Sketchup Make 2017 is in this post:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/sketchup-15-on-new-computer.458633/


After Sketchup is installed, you may wish to start downloading plugins / extensions to your download folder for later installation.


Plugins can then be installed via either the built-in Extension Manager:

Sketchup Menu > Window > Extension Manager > [ Install Extension ] button (...using default RBZ extension in file browser)

...or via this plugin, which I would recommend installing first, and using instead of the built-in Extension Manager:


thomthom: Simple Plugin Installer v1.2.0:

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=tt_simple_installer


Note that in some cases one must use other plugin file extensions such as RBS, RB etc. as the file type via the above plugin.


Also, in rare cases one may need to manually drag-and-drop or copy / paste an older RB extension plugin Ruby script into:

C:\Users\[user profile name]\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\SketchUp 2017\SketchUp\Plugins


After installing all plugins, restart Sketchup Make 2017 to enable them.


Plugins are launched via Toolbar Icons, and/or Sketchup Menu > Extensions pull-down menu selections.


In some cases the plugins / extensions may appear within other pull-down menus such as under "File".


Next I would install this plugin:

Samuel Tallet: Universal Importer v1.2.6

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=universal_importer


Next I would install plugins allowing saving / opening of newer or legacy version Sketchup SKP files are in this post:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/ruby-tuesday-2024-08-27.459062/


Links to the Sketchup PBR Material mapping and glTF import / export plugins, as well as Arno's MCX are in this post:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/opinions-on-airport-design-wanted.459341/post-928943


This info should get you started, and you can see what is possible with a less restricted (but still "free") version of Sketchup.

I'll check back to see if you have further questions to explore this option.

GaryGB

Thank you so much for taking the time. I will look into this, but if I understand you correctly; using Sketchup 2017 will then "easily" be ready for "transfer" to MSFS via Blender export? Textures and all? I still don't quite understand why I cannot use Sketchup free web-based for this since it uses the same file extension as necessary to implement into Blender and then MSFS? I have also managed to import the model with textures to Blender, but not into msfs, so it seems to be something off there, not necessarily from sketchup free?

 

[GaryGB]

Thank you so much for taking the time. I will look into this, but if I understand you correctly; using Sketchup 2017 will then "easily" be ready for "transfer" to MSFS via Blender export? Textures and all?

Yes (bearing in mind "easily" is a 'relative' term when working in 3D modeling and texturing with PBR Materials via MSFS SDK.)

MSFS SDK specifies types of texture Material format by graphic file type and pixel array configuration to be used for MSFS.

A glTF with compatible PBR textures can be exported via the PBR plugin I cited above using 2017 Make, that imports into Blender.

A numeric version of Blender compatible with a current Asobo MSFS exporter plugin must also be properly configured.


BTW: You also need to tell us which version of the MSFS exporter Blender plugin you are using: Asobo's or the ronh991 'fork':

https://github.com/AsoboStudio/glTF-Blender-IO-MSFS

https://github.com/ronh991/glTF-Blender-IO-MSFS

I still don't quite understand why I cannot use Sketchup free web-based for this since it uses the same file extension as necessary to implement into Blender and then MSFS?

AFAIK, for Sketchup 3D models, PBR attributes are stored in glTF format, but not in other 3D file export formats (ex: OBJ, DAE).

Although Sketchup 'online' may map visible texture Materials onto 3D models and export a file that Blender loads, PBR attributes are stored in a specific way no Sketchup default export formats (ex: OBJ, DAE) are able to store, so glTF must be used for PBR.

Thus, if one wishes to do all texturing with PBR Materials in Sketchup, one must use the Sketchup PBR plugin I cited above.

Otherwise, one would have to substitute mapping of PBR textures outside Sketchup ex: via Blender itself, or perhaps via MCX.

I have also managed to import the model with textures to Blender, but not into MSFS, so it seems to be something off there, not necessarily from Sketchup free?

Indeed, there may be an aspect of the 3D modeling and/or texturing / Material mapping which may require modification.

Since you have not yet submitted a Sketchup project export for us to inspect, we are unable to determine what that may be.

There is the potential we could find a solution to offer to you if you provide the version of your current build shown in your OP.


We do not need your 3D model with perfect finalized geometry, we need to look at how the texture Materials were implemented.

The 'gotchas' in MSFS' SDK have specific requirements; if not met, they can cause texture Materials to not render at run time.

GaryGB

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Thanks again for the help! Appreciate it!

I just tried importing a simple model to MSFS but the textures are not present, only pink squares.

Please see the attached Sketchup project which is the one I have imported to msfs through Blender. I am using Blender 3.3.9, and the processed file is also attached. I have not done any editing of the files other than the Blender multi-export glTF 2.0 plugin.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi again:

I shall look into the latter attached files above, test them, and see what is involved in their failure to render textures if possible.


If Dick and Arno or others have feedback on this, I believe we should both welcome their input in troubleshooting this matter.

BTW: You also need to tell us which version of the MSFS exporter Blender plugin you are using: Asobo's or the ronh991 'fork':

https://github.com/AsoboStudio/glTF-Blender-IO-MSFS

https://github.com/ronh991/glTF-Blender-IO-MSFS

Please advise on which Blender MSFS exporter version you are using; be sure to state which author and which numeric version.

GaryGB

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Hi again:

I shall look into the latter attached files above, test them, and see what is involved in their failure to render textures if possible.


If Dick and Arno or others have feedback on this, I believe we should both welcome their input in troubleshooting this matter.




Please advise on which Blender MSFS exporter version you are using; be sure to state which author and which numeric version.

GaryGB

Thank you so much! I am using Asobos exporter

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Edit: I am sorry, I see i didnt answer you completely there. I am using the latest 2.0 version of the Asobo Blender plugin: https://github.com/AsoboStudio/glTF-Blender-IO-MSFS. I am unsure about the author

 

[GaryGB]

Hi (Vetle ?)

I shall do some further analysis on the example 3D models later today as time permits.

I would prefer to examine the original Sketchup 3D model which was the basis for your OP above, so we can keep this discussion focused on the troubleshooting of that specific project , from Sketchup into Blender, then through the Asobo MSFS Exporter, and the MSFS SDK.

In that regard, it really would be best that we also have the MSFS SDK project used to create the scenery that had failed texture display.

Would you please provide the "OP" 3D model and MSFS SDK project as a linked ZIP file on a cloud download if it is too big to attach here ?


NOTE: I am receptive to this discussion expanding into another thread either in this forum or another, so that we can solve this recurrent issue that a number of others have had with textures failing to render in MSFS at run time ( aka "Pink Checkerboard" anomaly).

Although most discussions I have seen on this issue have involved Sketchup, IIRC, some have involved Blender output also.

I see that you have some experience modding for DCS and IIUC, may also have some coding skills, so I hope we can solve this.

BTW: I see the potential for your project to enhance the MSFS experience at Hospital Helipads and perhaps also surrounding Hospital buildings etc., so please be assured I wish your project well, and with some further disclosure of the pertinent files for this early 'test of concept' scenery, I believe we all may see a benefit for the FS Development and end user Community.


FYI: This is what I saw this evening during a quick flight at the ENSX project site in MSFS with f99mlu's scenery installed:

That risk-taking (and unwanted) Marshaler is lucky he is at a University Medical Center, so he can get immediate care when he gets clipped by the rotor on my Helo when I spin up !

But seriously, excluding the underlying building and the Marshaler is apparently something f99mlu has not yet learned either.

The superimposed chimney is from the underlying building seen from the inside (back Faces are purposely not textured) in the cockpit.


Later today I shall also be a noob when I test the MSFS 2024 SDK and try to convert some projects from MSFS 2020.

GaryGB

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Hi (Vetle ?)

I shall do some further analysis on the example 3D models later today as time permits.

I would prefer to examine the original Sketchup 3D model which was the basis for your OP above, so we can keep this discussion focused on the troubleshooting of that specific project , from Sketchup into Blender, then through the Asobo MSFS Exporter, and the MSFS SDK.

In that regard, it really would be best that we also have the MSFS SDK project used to create the scenery that had failed texture display.

Would you please provide the "OP" 3D model and MSFS SDK project as a linked ZIP file on a cloud download if it is too big to attach here ?

I will certainly provide the MSFS SDK file when I have it. I am currently out of home until the weekend, so I can provide it then.

NOTE: I am receptive to this discussion expanding into another thread either in this forum or another, so that we can solve this recurrent issue that a number of others have had with textures failing to render in MSFS at run time ( aka "Pink Checkerboard" anomaly).

Although most discussions I have seen on this issue have involved Sketchup, IIRC, some have involved Blender output also.

I see that you have some experience modding for DCS and IIUC, may also have some coding skills, so I hope we can solve this.

I am unsure about the correctness of that information . I have always wanted to create something that I am personally happy with and that I also can share with the community, but I have never been involved directly in any projects unfortunately other than commenting on others projects. I have little to no experience in coding, other than the obvious editing of files to remove or add some sort of config, but nothing from scratch and out of "knowledge".

BTW: I see the potential for your project to enhance the MSFS experience at Hospital Helipads and perhaps also surrounding Hospital buildings etc., so please be assured I wish your project well, and with some further disclosure of the pertinent files for this early 'test of concept' scenery, I believe we all may see a benefit for the FS Development and end user Community.

What I want with the project is to expand, as you mention, to involve helipads and the relevant surrounding areas around them in all of Norway, but I have to learn 3D modelling. That's where Sketchup comes in, being very user friendly and mostly intuitive I have really enjoyed using it so far, so I would have no problems expanding the project further.

What I have also considered is making a general model in Sketchup but texturing in Blender (or any other software that might be more intuitive) if that is an easier way to integrate the model into msfs. I am currently unaware of any easier ways to do both the 3D modelling and texturing in a better way than Sketchup provides, meaning Sketchup currently gives me "all I want" for 3D modelling, but seem to lack in direct compatibility with MSFS. Now, if sketchup pro is able to be more or less imported directly into msfs I would certainly consider buying a subscription for the pro version...

FYI: This is what I saw this evening during a quick flight at the ENSX project site in MSFS with f99mlu's scenery installed:


View attachment 94555

That risk-taking (and unwanted) Marshaler is lucky he is at a University Medical Center, so he can get immediate care when he gets clipped by the rotor on my Helo when I spin up !

But seriously, excluding the underlying building and the Marshaler is apparently something f99mlu has not yet learned either.

The superimposed chimney is from the underlying building seen from the inside (back Faces are purposely not textured) in the cockpit.

I gave some feedback regarding this project and I really enjoyed the fact that helipads where placed at relevant locations, but from what I understood that was all that project was. Including this scenery with photogrammetry worked somewhat, but still not to my desire.

Later today I shall also be a noob when I test the MSFS 2024 SDK and try to convert some projects from MSFS 2020.

GaryGB

Good luck! I am looking very forward to seeing what new MSFS2024 has to offer, especially on the VFR-side of things.

Thanks again for all your input so far. I really hope we can sort out the texturing as it seems like that's the last thing missing for me...

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Alright, im back from holidays and will look into building the model again tomorrow. I've come acrosse different webpages with PBR textures which can be imported directly into Sketchup. Have anyone used for example texturehaven or something similar, and do they possibly provide the materials I meed to get the textures right?

I have not downloaded Sketchup 2017 yet since I kind of want to figure out the free web version, so maybe someone are able to analyze if its possible to use texturehaven materials with easier import to msfs?

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Sketchup 2017 and relevant plugins mentioned above downloaded, so hopefully soon good to go

 

[GaryGB]

Hi again:

The Sketchup PBR plugin author linked to a set of around 100 PBR textures in his info associated with that PBR plugin.

https://github.com/SamuelTallet/Ske...download/v1.4.5/sketchup_pbr_material_lib.zip


NOTE: PBR = "Physically Based Rendering":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physically_based_rendering


That plugin Ruby script for Sketchup Make or Pro 2017 and later ...makes use of PBR texturing possible:

https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2101-pbr

https://github.com/SamuelTallet/SketchUp-PBR-Plugin#documentation

https://community.sketchucation.com...based-rendering-v1-5-9-19-apr-2020?lang=en-US

https://github.com/SamuelTallet/SketchUp-PBR-Plugin


The Sketchup *.glTF export can be imported by Blender instead of the Sketchup *.OBJ export file, to use the PBR attributes.

The Sketchup *.glTF export uses this plugin (aka "Extension") ...also by PBR plugin author Samuel Tallet (aka "centaur" / "SamuelTS"):

https://extensions.sketchup.com/extension/052071e5-6c19-4f02-a7e8-fcfcc28a2fd8/gltf-exporter


As you may know, there are numerous free and unrestricted use PBR texture download sites on the internet.


You may also wish to use another plugin "Material Browser" by the PBR plugin author to more easily access / utilize 'online' PBR textures:

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=material_browser.


Also, he has authored this Sketchup plugin to provide a texture Material selection via the default Material menu system.

https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2365-material_browser


Included in the base set of default & web site texture Materials semi-automatically accessible via his Material Browser plugin:

Sketchup Materials currently loaded in one's project (aka "In Model"), SKM collections, Texture Haven and CC0 Textures


BTW: Since we last posted here, I found a mention of Sketchup Desktop (payware ?) 2024 being able to export glTF 3D models.


I do not yet see any version either Sketchup Desktop or online, payware or freeware after version 2018 that actually uses plugins.

AFAIK, Trimble has posted no info anywhere indicating an option to use plugins since Sketchup version 2018 (obfuscation ? ).

And yet the PBR / glTF plugins author indicates code 'compatibility' with Sketchup through versions up to 2022.


I plan to test Sketchup Desktop 2017 'Make' glTF export / compilation for MSFS 2020 and 2024, after you post SDK package code required to process your example Sketchup files attached above, as that is also important for troubleshooting MSFS 3D model texture display.


Be aware that for all practical purposes, Sketchup PBR texture Material attributes must be stored in glTF file format for 3d model export.


Furthermore, Microsoft / Asobo add several 'custom' implementations of PBR attributes for exclusive use in MSFS20 / MSFS24.

The emerging "industry standard" for a non-PBR texture material 3D model is a 'generic' Khronos version 2.0 glTF:

https://www.khronos.org/gltf/


CAVEAT: Although the internal architecture of a glTF used with MSFS SDK can be a Khronos version 2.0 glTF, PBR in MSFS requires MS-Asobo extensions to be implemented in order for PBR to successfully be rendered in the sim at run time.


However, be aware that MSFS still has retro-compatibility to display 3D models with non-PBR texture Materials, so PNG images or other non-PBR texture Materials can still be mapped onto 3D models and displayed in MSFS at run time; how long that option will exist is unknown.


Thanks to another FSDev forum participant who posted a link to an alternative region-specific imagery provider, I found this:

https://www.norgeibilder.no/?x=-321...cts=&layers=&plannedOmlop=0&plannedGeovekst=0

Compared to many other imagery tile servers, it may prove to be useful resource for Sketchup / FS utility background reference images.

The "Pink Checkerboard" is what shows if MSFS has info about a mapped texture, but cannot find it.

A mostly White texture Material with faint dirty "grunge" as an overlay also results from MSFS not finding mapped textures.


NOTE: Asobo's custom Blender exporter is currently cited as numeric version 1.3.3 compatible with Blender 3.3x and 3.6x LTS.


FYI: Ron Haertel (aka "ronh991") has a 'Fork' of that code base on GitHub which is also compatible with Blender version 4.x:

https://github.com/ronh991/Blender2MSFS2


Although I am also committed to some testing activity of my own for conversion of MSFS20 to MSFS24 SDK Projects, and preparations for US Thanksgiving holiday, I shall check back to see how you are progressing with this endeavor.

GaryGB

 

[Nightstalkernor]

Hi again:

The Sketchup PBR plugin author link to a set of around 100 PBR textures in his info associated with that PBR plugin.

https://github.com/SamuelTallet/Ske...download/v1.4.5/sketchup_pbr_material_lib.zip


NOTE: PBR = "Physically Based Rendering":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physically_based_rendering


That plugin Ruby script for Sketchup Make or Pro 2017 and later ...makes use of PBR texturing possible:

https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2101-pbr

https://github.com/SamuelTallet/SketchUp-PBR-Plugin#documentation

https://community.sketchucation.com...based-rendering-v1-5-9-19-apr-2020?lang=en-US

https://github.com/SamuelTallet/SketchUp-PBR-Plugin


The Sketchup *.glTF export can be imported by Blender instead of the Sketchup *.OBJ export file, to use the PBR attributes.

The Sketchup *.glTF export uses this plugin (aka "Extension") ...also by PBR plugin author Samuel Tallet (aka "centaur" / "SamuelTS"):

https://extensions.sketchup.com/extension/052071e5-6c19-4f02-a7e8-fcfcc28a2fd8/gltf-exporter


As you may know, there are numerous free and unrestricted use PBR texture download sites on the internet.


You may also wish to use another plugin "Material Browser" by the PBR plugin author to more easily access / utilize 'online' PBR textures:

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=material_browser.


Also, he has authored this Sketchup plugin to provide a texture Material selection via the default Material menu system.

https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2365-material_browser


Included in the base set of default & web site texture Materials semi-automatically accessible via his Material Browser plugin:

Sketchup Materials currently loaded in one's project (aka "In Model"), SKM collections, Texture Haven and CC0 Textures


BTW: Since we last posted here, I found a mention of Sketchup Desktop (payware ?) 2024 being able to export glTF 3D models.


I do not yet see any version either Sketchup Desktop or online, payware or freeware after version 2018 that actually uses plugins.

AFAIK, Trimble has posted no info anywhere indicating an option to use plugins since Sketchup version 2018 (obfuscation ? ).

And yet the PBR / glTF plugins author indicates code 'compatibility' with Sketchup through versions up to 2022.


I plan to test Sketchup Desktop 2017 'Make' glTF export / compilation for MSFS 2020 and 2024, after you post SDK package code required to process your example Sketchup files attached above, as that is also important for troubleshooting MSFS 3D model texture display.


Be aware that for all practical purposes, Sketchup PBR texture Material attributes must be stored in glTF file format for 3d model export.


Furthermore, Microsoft / Asobo add several 'custom' implementations of PBR attributes for exclusive use in MSFS20 / MSFS24.

The emerging "industry standard" for a non-PBR texture material 3D model is a 'generic' Kronos version 2.0 glTF:

https://www.khronos.org/gltf/


CAVEAT: Although the internal architecture of a glTF used with MSFS SDK can be a Kronos version 2.0 glTF, PBR in MSFS requires MS-Asobo extensions to be implemented in order for PBR to successfully be rendered in the sim at run time.


However, be aware that MSFS still has retro-compatibility to display 3D models with non-PBR texture Materials, so PNG images or other non-PBR texture Materials can still be mapped onto 3D models and displayed in MSFS at run time; how long that option will exist is unknown.


Thanks to another FSDev forum participant who posted a link to an alternative region-specific imagery provider, I found this:

https://www.norgeibilder.no/?x=-321...cts=&layers=&plannedOmlop=0&plannedGeovekst=0

Compared to many other imagery tile servers, it may prove to be useful resource for Sketchup / FS utility background reference images.

View attachment 94583


The "Pink Checkerboard" is what shows if MSFS has info about a mapped texture, but cannot find it.

A mostly White texture Material with faint dirty "grunge" as an overlay also results from MSFS not finding mapped textures.


NOTE: Asobo's custom Blender exporter is currently cited as numeric version 1.3.3 compatible with Blender 3.3x and 3.6x LTS.


FYI: Ron Haertel (aka "ronh991") has a 'Fork' of that code base on GitHub which is also compatible with Blender version 4.x:

https://github.com/ronh991/Blender2MSFS2


Although I am also committed to some testing activity of my own for conversion of MSFS20 to MSFS24 SDK Projects, and preparations for US Thanksgiving holiday, I shall check back to see how you are progressing with this endeavor.

GaryGB

Excellent Gary, thank you so much! Project underway.

In the meantime; I am currently wondering about the window portion of things. Please excuse me if you've already explained it but it's all new to me this... . What is the best approach to generating windows in Sketchup for import into msfs? Same goes for doors with window-sections as well.