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P3D v4 Placing objects

kevinmdavis2010

kevinmdavis2010

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unitedstates
Good afternoon,
I want to place some 3D buildings (restaurants, hotels, etc) from Sketchup into P3D4 - but not on an airport. Because of this, I don't think ADE is the right tool. What tool or software do I use to place an object at a specified location? Any help you can provide is appreciated.
Regards,
Kevin Davis
 
Hi Kevin:

Arno's ModelConverterX (aka "MCX") can place objects inside the same BGL as the 3D model, provided you edit MCX' default location coordinates.


I recommend that all models first be Geo-located in Sketchup before exported as a Google Earth-type *.KMZ file; MCX will internally use that placement when it imports / exports that 3D model as scenery


If you have P3Dv3.x or FSX you can also place objects with a live in-sim preview using Flight1 Instant Scenery.

Flight1.com - Flight Simulator Add-ons for FSX and Prepar3D

www.flight1.com www.flight1.com


Otherwise, AFAIK, WhisPlacer works in all versions of FS2Kx including FS9, FSX, and P3D, with a live in-sim preview like Instant Scenery.

www.fsdeveloper.com

SimDirector - objects autogen suppression

It is probably obvious, but does anyone know how to tag an object when it is placed to not suppress autogen?
www.fsdeveloper.com www.fsdeveloper.com


BTW: User reports are mixed on live in-sim preview functionality versus stability ...for the free P3D v4.x / 5.x SDK "SimDirector" (think FSX SDK 'Object Placement Tool' on steroids)


AFAIK, 'Placement' BGLs from FS utilities that target FSX and earlier versions of P3D ...also work in P3Dv5. ;)

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
Hi Gary,
It's great to hear from you again! I stopped using FSX: SE due to a bunch of CTD's, so I switched to P3D4, and abandoned my previous projects . As for your suggestion about making sure the models are "Geo-Located" in Sketchup, how will I be able to determine this? The model is from the Sketchup 3D Warehouse. I tried Sim Director, but I almost immediately got a CTD. For the coordinates for the models, I looked at the r/w addresses of the buildings and converted them to Lat/Long using online converters. I didn't want to proceed without asking on here. Have an excellent day!
Regards,
Kevin Davis
 
Hi Kevin:

In Google Earth, zoom all the way in to the center of the object within the work-space and write down the Geographic coordinates.

Then, in Sketchup with the 3D model loaded:

Sketchup Menu > Window > Model Info > Geo-location > Set Manual Location... > (fill in all fields).


Alternatively, if you have a current payware version of Sketchup, use the built-in Geo-location:

Sketchup Menu > File > Geo-location

Import / create the 3D model, then position it in the proper size and heading orientation on the imagery.

Export the 3D model as a Google Earth *.KMZ


Be sure you have first installed P3D SDK for the version you are targeting before MCX imports a *.KMZ

MCX should internally read *.KMZ Geo-location info, and use it when the 3D MDL is exported as scenery.

The resulting MCX output BGL should contain both the 3D MDL and its placement in a single 'hybrid' BGL.

Be sure to follow the work-flow to export 3D MDLs properly for the version of FS you are targeting.


If you require more explanation of the cited work-flow to export 3D MDLs properly for the version of FS you are targeting, feel free to inquire further. :)

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
Hi Gary,
I have the payware version of Google Sketchup. I didn't create the models - I got them from the 3D Warehouse. Do I still have to do the File > Geo-Location process, or do the people that make the models usually do that when they upload them to the 3D Warehouse? I have the SDK, but when I set it in MCX, it still recognizes the Simulator as "FSX." Is that normal?
Regards,
Kevin Davis
 
kevinmdavis2010 said:
Hi Gary,

I have the payware version of Google Sketchup. I didn't create the models - I got them from the 3D Warehouse. Do I still have to do the File > Geo-Location process, or do the people that make the models usually do that when they upload them to the 3D Warehouse?
Click to expand...

Although many authors of 3D Warehouse models do Geo-locate, one should always check whether that info is intact and correct:

Sketchup Menu > Window > Model Info > Geo-location


If the Geo-location info is missing or incorrect, edit it, being certain to fill in all fields via:

Sketchup Menu > Window > Model Info > Geo-location > Advanced Settings > Set Manual Location...

While more recently Trimble, as the new owner of Sketchup after it was sold by Google, has improved the quality of the Geo-location data source, you may wish to instead substitute 3D model Geographic location data from Google Earth or from SBuilderX' work-space using the tile server imagery background Map feature in SBuilderX.


NOTE: 3D models created in earlier Sketchup versions, defaulted to original @last developer headquarters in Boulder CO before they sold to Google; thus one must always verify if a Geo-location is correct. :alert:

When a Geo-located 3D model *.KMZ is imported to MCX, one can use that internal Geographic info via:

MCX Toolbar Icon #5 > Object Placement > verify / edit Misc. info > click: [Add ] button; close dialog


kevinmdavis2010 said:
I have the SDK, but when I set it in MCX, it still recognizes the Simulator as "FSX." Is that normal?

Regards,
Kevin Davis
Click to expand...


Are you referring to MCX' default export scenery setting being FSX in this pick list ?

MCX Menu > Export Scenery > Save As Type: FSX BGL file (*.bgl)


If so, and you have previously installed the P3Dv3.x and/or P3Dv5.x SDK, you can change the FS "Preferred Version" setting in MCX to P3D via:

MCX Menu > Options > FS related settings > Preferred FSVersion > click: pick-list pull-down arrow > P3D

GaryGB
 
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