P3D v4 laborious first attempt to add photo scenery to ADE

[obie311]

I took a Google Earth image and processed it thru SBuilder, Gimp, and resample.exe. It ain't pretty but it did work... sorta. The image looks like it's 90 or 270 degrees out of sync with the ADEX file.

What coordinates would be out of whack to make it do this? I had to spoof the extension on the INF file to get it to attach but it was a straight .INF when I used it.

Did I get the ulymaps or xDims swapped?

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Obie:

Perhaps your ADE background image of ICAO 37AR - Ponca, Arkansas may have had the Geographic coordinates entered incorrectly ?

https://www.airnav.com/airport/37AR


As you may know, ICAO 37AR - Ponca, Arkansas is not in the P3Dv4.x airport database.


However, ICAO: KPNC Ponca City, in Kay County, Oklahoma is in the P3Dv4.x airport database.

Ponca City Regional Airport - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Here is an excerpt of an older post on how to make a background map for ADE via SBuilderX: (see: Regarding work with ADE)


Use a warped "Geographic" Lat-Lon projection / WGS84 datum (aka "EPSG:4326") GIS format for FS2Kx SDK 'terrain' compilers.


NOTE: After source data submitted to FS2Kx SDK terrain compilers is compiled to BGL, FS' run time rendering engine "un-warps" that data and maps it onto terrain grid vertices of local 3D world ground tiles according to where those tiles are positioned in the FS spheroid 3D world model.


Regarding work with ADE:

If 3D modeling or designing airport facilities 2D objects by tracing background imagery, use a non-warped Pseudo-Mercator projection / WGS84 datum (aka "EPSG:3857") GIS format for that imagery, (thus also FS' 2D/3D object source code) ...if submitting data to FS2Kx SDK 'airport' / 3D compilers.


BTW: A GIS Coordinate Reference System (aka "CRS") which is also referred to as a Spatial Reference System (aka "SRS") utilizes a 'projection', a 'datum', and may also use 1 or more additional (ex: 'vertical') datums

Note that although both of the above SDK source code formats utilize a WGS84 'datum', their cartographic GIS 'projection' formats are different.


Please do NOT attempt to manually 'warp' imagery to fit by "rubber-sheeting" methods in a graphics application or via imagery calibration 'tricks'.


Re-project imagery used to create terrain from warped EPSG:4326 to non-warped EPSG:3857 for use as imagery to create 2D / 3D airport objects.

That cartographic "re-projection" process normally requires sophisticated spherical geometry functions to be performed by a GIS application.


FYI: A 'under-documented' SBuilderX option can output a Geo-referenced non-warped 1-piece *.BMP for a background in a 3D modeling or airport design application, because it accesses / downloads original non-warped imagery tiles intact with precise GIS data from online tileservers.

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/sbuilderx-and-blender-2-79.449019/post-855355


I have previously tested / verified this easy work-flow to do that using downloaded imagery tiles in SBuilderX.

To output a 1-piece *.BMP of selected tiles from the SBuilderX work-space in a non-warped format for use in ADE or a 3D modeling application:

1.) SBuilderX Menu > Edit > Edit INI file... (SBuilderX.INI opens in NotePad)

a.) In NotePad > SBuilderX.INI > under [Tiles] section, Edit:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=True

...and change it to read:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=False

b.) NotePad Menu > File > Save

c.) NotePad Menu > File > Exit

2.) SBuilderX Menu > File > Add Map > From Background

a.) Follow usual procedures to download / select tiles (do not compile to BGL)

3.) SBuilderX outputs non-warped format 1-piece *.BMP / *.TXT into:

[SBuilderX install path]\Tools\Work sub-folder



NOTE: For use in ex: ADE, that 1-piece *.BMP must first be processed in ex: GIMP to make either numerous smaller tile segments, or very low resolution 24-Bit JPGs, so they can be "Added" as "Images" in ADE (using the 'pseudo-Mercator' metadata in the matching *.TXT Geo-referencing 'world' file also output by SBuilderX) ...for use as background imagery 'tiles' loaded 1-at-a-time while working on the corresponding local area of an airport in ADE.


CAVEAT: Restore normal SDK Resample compatible output of a 1-piece *.BMP of selected tiles from the SBuilderX work-space in a warped format for use in making ex: custom photo-real imagery land class terrain textures:

1.) SBuilderX Menu > Edit > Edit INI file... (SBuilderX.INI opens in NotePad)

a.) In NotePad > SBuilderX.INI > Under [Tiles] section, Edit:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=False

...and change it to read:

ReprojectMercatorTiles=True

b.) NotePad Menu > File > Save

c.) NotePad Menu > File > Exit



AFAIK, alternatively, one may use SAS Planet which also has GIS projection options for output of 'stitched' tiles to make a 1-piece satellite image from downloaded tiles:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/t...nates-in-msfs2020-from-fsx.448906/post-854869


I hope this info helps with these types of FS development tasks.

GaryGB

 

[obie311]

Thanks for the help Gary. See attached. As you can see I was attempting to create a small short field airstrip near one of our recreation areas.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Obie:

Certainly one can work without a background image in ADE, and just get the info from Google Earth.

If we have the Geographic coordinates for the center of the RWY, we can use that as the ARP, and then choose a RWY heading.

ADE should then draw the RWY axis on the correct heading.


FYI: SBuilderX already has a tile downloader for Google imagery tiles that you can select, then display as the background Map.

When we select tiles > Add Map > From Background > Compile, SBuilderX outputs a ready-to-use INF, BMP and BGL file into:

[SBuilderX install path]\Tools\Work ...subfolder.

GaryGB

 

[obie311]

Hi Obie:

Certainly one can work without a background image in ADE, and just get the info from Google Earth.

If we have the Geographic coordinates for the center of the RWY, we can use that as the ARP, and then choose a RWY heading.

ADE should then draw the RWY axis on the correct heading.


FYI: SBuilderX already has a tile downloader for Google imagery tiles that you can select, then display as the background Map.

When we select tiles > Add Map > From Background > Compile, SBuilderX outputs a ready-to-use INF, BMP and BGL file into:

[SBuilderX install path]\Tools\Work ...subfolder.

GaryGB

Yes as I grabbed the Geo coordinates for the rwy center from the cursor on Google Earth and set that as my ARP. I then created the rwy from that point on the correct headings.

Where is or how do you access "downloader for Google imagery tiles" in Sbuilder X? I could not find it. I tried to find an app called "GetBackground" I found referenced on the internet but I could not find it. I do have MapCatcher if that's of any use.

BTW my Malware blocked the SBuilder forum as I attempted to learn more. Is it safe??

Also has anybody found a workaround for the irritating default opening of Sbuilder that points to Steam Games as the location of FSX? Can I mod an .ini file somewhere??

 

[obie311]

Can anyone look at the initial four files I posted and see if there are any glaring errors for an airport that is located at 36.0523611, -93.3673250 ?

 

[GaryGB]

Where is or how do you access "downloader for Google imagery tiles" in Sbuilder X? I could not find it. I tried to find an app called "GetBackground" I found referenced on the internet but I could not find it. I do have MapCatcher if that's of any use.

The built-in tile downloader in SBuilderX can be set to access Google imagery via "Google_api3_Satellite"

BTW my Malware blocked the SBuilder forum as I attempted to learn more. Is it safe??

Yes; most often that is due to a web site not having recently updated a security certificate (which IMHO is not always needed)

Also has anybody found a workaround for the irritating default opening of Sbuilder that points to Steam Games as the location of FSX?

Can I mod an .ini file somewhere??

Are you using FSX Steam Edition instead of the DVD edition of FSX Deluxe / Acceleration / Gold ?

Or have you un-installed FSX entirely, and only use P3Dv4.x now ?


Are you using the very latest 64-bit compatible version 3.15 build of SBuilderX on Windows 10 64-bit ?


PS: IIRC from the beta builds, SBuilderX attempts to find a Windows Registry string for the current FSX installation at each startup.

Thus, there is no way to edit the FSX path via the SBuilderX.ini file.

But we may be able to 'fool' SBuilderX by editing the FSX.exe path in Windows Registry to instead use the "Prepar3D.exe" path.

GaryGB

 

[obie311]

Thanks again Gary.

I just downloaded V3.15 today and see the "Google_api3_Satellite" selection. Should I delete previous versions of SBuilder? It installed as just a folder with contents. I installed outside of the P3D root drive (C).

I tried to add www.ptsim.com to my security exceptions but it didn't work for me.

I'm only running P3D 4.5 no steam or FSX anymore.

I found some convo about editing the registry but I without a specific path I was afraid to try it.

 

[GaryGB]

Thanks again Gary.

I just downloaded V3.15 today and see the "Google_api3_Satellite" selection.

Should I delete previous versions of SBuilder?

No need to delete previous versions of SBuilder, but OK to do if drive space is limited.

But first, backup this old SBuilderX folder somewhere:

[SBuilderX install path]\Tools\Work

I tried to add www.ptsim.com to my security exceptions but it didn't work for me.

I can access www.ptsim.com with no problems via FireFox; which web browser are you using ?

I'm only running P3D 4.5 no steam or FSX anymore.

I found some convo about editing the registry but I without a specific path I was afraid to try it.

I'll check this out in the morning; I have FSX (DVD) version / P3Dv4.x both installed, so I'll test this Registry trick to 'fool' SBuilderX.

GaryGB

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Obie:

OK, I now recall the latest feature Luis added to SBuilderXv3.15 between October and December 2017 release of SBuilderX.

He added the ability to edit the path and FS version name via SBuilderX.ini.


Here is what I tried this morning:

SBuilderX Menu > Edit INI file... > go to [Main] section of SBuilderX.ini file

In the copy of SBuilderX.ini now loaded into this NotePad session:

Edit parameter values in RED and replace them with your own FS version name / local folder path:

NOTE: My own 'test' path is shown here; substitute your own actual info correctly)

[Main]
LonIniCenter=-9.136076
LatIniCenter= 38.7813203
DecimalDegrees=True
MeasuringMeters=False
BGLFolder=D:\SBX315\Scenery
OriginalTerrainCFG=False
NameOfSim=Prepar3D
SimPath=D:\Prepar3D_v4

In the copy of SBuilderX.ini now loaded into that same NotePad session:

File > Save

File > Exit

Now re-start SBuilderX

SBuilderX Menu > Edit > FSX Settings

SBuilderX - SBuilderX Menu > Edit > FSX Settings: dialog box should now show the updated FS version and path in BLACK ...not RED.


IMHO, the FSX Settings dialog box is best used as a non-editable viewer for the settings otherwise assigned via SBuilderX.ini.


AFAIK, SBuilderX should now function correctly without error messages.

Let me know how this works for you.


BTW: Remember that all versions of P3D through P3Dv5.x can utilize content generated with the FSX SP2 SDK tools via P3Dv1.4x SDK.

So, the ZIP of SBuilderX version 3.15 linked by rhumbaflappy is ready-to-use with P3D (just install VB6 and the FSUIPC 'P3D' version etc.)


IIRC, only certain 'special' features for scenery content (to be displayed only in P3Dv5) ...actually require use of P3Dv5 SDK compilers.

I also keep P3Dv5 SDK installed, and use that version of TMFViewer for its 'latest FS2Kx BGL version' viewing capability.


PS: Hmmm... now I'm wondering if I can modify above SBuilderX.ini [Main] strings to work with info in FSUIPC7's MSFS batch file ?

UPDATED: Yessss... it works !

This is the [MAIN] section of my SBuilderX.ini:

NOTE: This works with a MSFS compatible version of FSUIPC7 installed:

[Main]
LonIniCenter=-9.136076
LatIniCenter= 38.7813203
DecimalDegrees=True
MeasuringMeters=False
BGLFolder=D:\SBX315\Scenery
OriginalTerrainCFG=False
NameOfSim=MSFS
SimPath=D:\WindowsApps\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_1.30.12.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe


Edit parameter values in RED and replace them with your own FS version name / local folder path (...I have MSFS installed on D: drive).


HINT: SBuilderX CVX vector ESRI *.SHP files can be added in MSFS SDK DevMode Scenery Editor as "primitive" Polygons.

If CVX *.SHP "Properties" are edited to assign MSFS' proprietary *.SHP file 'Attributes', "primitives" become compliant MSFS content.


Satellite imagery positioning varies among tile servers; SBuilderX' VirtualEathSatellite imagery (aka "BING") 'may' align better to MSFS.

GaryGB

 

[obie311]

SBuilder opens now without the irritating FSX path.

The ptsim failure must have been an anomaly. It opens perfectly today. I will peruse the forum and tutorials.

I don't know if I have Visual Basic 6 but I do have the free version of FSUIPC and I may spring for the upgrade.

Much of your expertise Gary is beyond my level at this point but I will continue to pursue more knowledge in SBuilder.

 

[GaryGB]

Hi Obie:

This post has info on the easiest way to install the VB6 files SBuilder may need:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/recap-on-downloading-sbuilder-x.452045/post-878587


This post has info on how to use SBuilder, especially for custom photo-real land class imagery BGLs:

https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/sbuilder-or-fsx.447551/post-843580


If I can get some free time Monday, I will post an example of how to use SBuilderX to make a custom photo-real land class imagery BGL for ICAO 37AR.


UPDATE: After an hour's worth of work attempting to create a Draft of a tutorial on how to use SBuilderX to make a custom photo-real land class imagery BGL for ICAO 37AR, the forum software lost my Draft when I opened another tab (a 'Reply' to a post from this thread just to copy some content to be used in editing the tutorial Draft itself).

I had intended to incrementally click the "Save Draft" Icon toolbar option, but it 'vanished' when I was zoomed in on my screen for visibility.

Too bad software "Industry Standards" have no 'visibility' requirements to accommodate users with vision issues.


FSDev appears to arbitrarily install XenForo software updates, yet "MITM" activity persists; this is untenable.

If you have specific questions on using SBuilderX to make a custom photo-real land class imagery BGL, just ask.

GaryGB

 

[jpfil]

Hi,
With SBuilderX I traced the Quebec rail network in FSX. Would it be possible to do the same in FS2020?
Thanks.

 

[=rk=]

In fact Google Earth can produce .kml vector files, which AIFP reads directly to set up AI ship routes. I have seen developers creating AI vehicle traffic routes with a similar technique I believe they run through Blender and I think mamu knows the details of this process.