[BETA PROGRAM] Landscape Builder - realworld, GPU acceleration, prefab placement

@sstrong

I just bought this great asset. I am using Unity 2019.3.13 and have a small problem with the picker volume not showing in V 2.3.3. even if the picker is enabled. I can see the area and change it's size but don't see the actual preview. Perhaps I need to do something in the setup to make it work? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Which picker are you using and is this built-in Render Pipeline, HDRP or URP?

 

@sstrong

That was a fast reply. Thanks!

I am using the buit-in render pipeline. In the Topography I have restrict area enabled and I don't see any preview of the heightmap layer I am trying to generate, only previewing the area but I can't see the volume that will be generated.

 

Generally we don't preview the shape of the landscape as that would require running the full topography loop. However, if you are using an Image Modifier layer, you can see the rough shape of the layer in the editor. On the Advanced tab, under "Options" you can tick "Show Full Mesh" to get a shaded preview of the Image Modifier layer shape. Image Modifier layers can be rotated, resized and raised or lowered in the editor.

You can combine multiple Topography layer types together. For example you could have a perlin base layer and one or more image modifier layers.

Typically you can re-iterate over the landscape multiple times by just changing values and reapplying the topography.

 

@netpost mesh preview of Image Modifier Layer - this one is Death Valley in USA.

 

@sstrong

Yes, Image modifier layer was the solution I was looking for. It works well now! Thanks again for the quick reply and support.

 

The latest beta (2.3.4 Beta 1e) includes the following:

[FIXED] RTP Integration - CombineNormals Due to: Attempted to access a missing member
[IMPROVED] Camera Animator - add note about Fade-In using LB Lighting
[IMPROVED] Topography - Can switch Volume Picker on Image Modifier Layers with single click
[IMPROVED] Support for RTP 3.3q

 

Just added a few more items into Landscape Builder 2.3.4 (Beta 2b or newer).

[NEW] Topography MapPath Layers - option to Subtract Height when type is Flatten
[FIXED] RTP Integration - CombineNormals Due to: Attempted to access a missing member
[IMPROVED] Camera Animator - add note about Fade-In using LB Lighting
[IMPROVED] Topography - Can switch Volume Picker on Image Modifier Layers with single click
[IMPROVED] Topography - Image Modifier picker estimates Use Blending values
[IMPROVED] Support for RTP 3.3q

 

[NEW] Stencils - Negative image option to reverse or invert Stencil Layer data
[NEW] Demo bridge support models - useful for building bridges with Groups system
[NEW] Demo concrete safety barrier model
[FIXED] Game view is not restored after editing a Stencil in Unity 2020.2+
[IMPROVED] LBTemplate - VS or VS Pro usage visible in Template Editor
[IMPROVED] Compatibility with EasyRoads3D 3.1.9
[IMPROVED] LB Path Importer is out of Experimental state and now is in Technical Preview
[IMPROVED] Group Object Path (width-based) point heights can be all adjusted when CTRL key is held down

Bridge Supports for procedural Group Object Paths (4 styles included)

 

Although Landscape Builder has it's own spline solutions (including Group Object Paths, and MapPaths), you can also use the powerful Group prefab placement system with splines from EasyRoads3D.

This lets you mix and match the best features from both assets.

LB Path Importer comes out of Experimental status in LB 2.3.5 and goes into Technical Preview.

 

Landscape Builder 2.3.5 Beta 3a is now ready for testing. It includes:

[NEW] Stencils - Negative image option to reverse or invert Stencil Layer data
[NEW] Demo bridge support models - useful for building bridges with Groups system
[NEW] Demo concrete safety barrier model
[NEW] Topography - support for Tiled (Geo)TIFF files
[FIXED] Game view is not restored after editing a Stencil in Unity 2020.2+
[IMPROVED] LBTemplate - VS or VS Pro usage visible in Template Editor
[IMPROVED] Compatibility with EasyRoads3D 3.1.9
[IMPROVED] LB Path Importer is out of Experimental state and now is in Technical Preview
[IMPROVED] Group Object Path (width-based) point heights can be all adjusted when CTRL key is held down

 

Landscape Builder 2.3.6 Release is now available for Beta Program members



It includes:

[NEW] Topography Image Modifier Layer - Oakworth UK
[NEW] Topography Layers - Repair Threshold for imported TIFF files
[NEW] GroupDesigner - optionally show group flatten terrain area
[FIXED] LBImportTIFF variable warnings
[FIXED] SelectionMode.OnlyUserModifiable' is obsolete in U2021.1.4 or newer

If you applying the "patchonly" version, don't forget you need the latest (LB 2.3.5) from the Asset Store before applying the patch.

 

Landscape Builder 2.3.7 Release is now available for Beta Program members



It includes:

[NEW] Instructions for importing MOLA (Mars) data
[FIXED] RTP Integration - Normal maps may revert to default textures
[FIXED] Trees - NullReferenceException with Add Filter
[IMPROVED] Group Designer - zone selection in large clearings

If you applying the "patchonly" version, don't forget you need the latest (LB 2.3.6) from the Asset Store before applying the patch.

 

MicroSplat integration

Some things have changed in MicroSplat which affected integration with LB. Before you apply MicroSplat 3.7 or newer please apply Landscape Builder 2.3.8 Beta 1d or newer. Please read the MicroSplat Integration section in our manual.

We have tested MicroSplat 3.8.2 with Unity 2019.4 LTS and LB 2.3.8 Beta 1d.

If you are applying the "patchonly" version, don't forget you need the latest (LB 2.3.7) from the Asset Store before applying the patch.

 

[NEW] Topography - Image Modifiers (Asinara, Ibiza, La Maddalena, Menorca)
[IMPROVED] Terrain to Mesh workflow
[IMPROVED] Compatibility with MicroSplat 3.8
[IMPROVED] Repairing holes in TIFF data - pixel range option

 

We're currently reviewing the workflow for MicroSplat integration with Landscape Builder to ensure it caters for peoples needs.

We're interesting in knowing:

• How do you currently use MicroSplat with LB?
• Do you ever re-use MicroSplat materials across different scenes?
• How do maintain terrain texturing consistency with MS across scenes (and landscapes)?
• Any other general feedback on the workflow

You can leave feedback or suggestions here or on our Discord channel.

 

This is a Teaser for an upcoming project continuing the Apollo's Dream series.

The video was made with Unity 2019 using this asset.

 

LB 2.3.9 is now available for Beta Program members. It will be available shortly from the Unity Asset Store. It includes the following updates:

[NEW] Compatibility with SoulLink Spawner
[IMPROVED] LBLighting exposes rain, hail and snow values via API
[IMPROVED] Store Terrain Data in Project - out of Technical Preview

 

In LB 2.4.0 we are expanding the Override Undo feature. However, PLEASE note the warning. Where there is a LOT of data for terrain heightmap, texturing, trees and/or grass, the Unity backup step can take a (very) long time. This may take some of the pain out of waiting. USE WITH CAUTION.

If you do wish to use this, make sure you have another way of backing up your project.

 

LB 2.4.0 Beta 3c includes the following updates:

[NEW] Landscape Extensions support a grid of planes
[NEW] Splatmaps can be exported to coloured textures for Landscape Extensions
[NEW] Stencil - IsPointPaintedInLayer API to check world space positions
[NEW] Override Undo - Texturing, Grass, Trees for Huge landscapes
[FIXED] Textures - Stencil Filters are incorrectly duplicated when (I)nsert is used
[IMPROVED] LBScreenShot tool now includes a TakeScreenShot API method
[IMPROVED] Template Editor - Debug Mode

 

LB 2.4.0 Beta 4a includes the following updates:

[NEW] Landscape Extensions support a grid of planes
[NEW] Splatmaps can be exported to coloured textures for Landscape Extensions
[NEW] Stencil - IsPointPaintedInLayer API to check world space positions
[NEW] Override Undo - Texturing, Grass, Trees for Huge landscapes
[FIXED] Textures - Stencil Filters are incorrectly duplicated when (I)nsert is used
[FIXED] Draw Instanced is not applied when creating a new Landscape
[IMPROVED] LBScreenShot tool now includes a TakeScreenShot API method
[IMPROVED] Template Editor - Debug Mode

 

LB 2.4.0 Release is now available for download for Beta Program members. Shortly it will be available from the Asset Store too. It includes the following updates:

[NEW] Support for Grass Instancing in U2021.2+ URP and HDRP
[NEW] Landscape Extensions support a grid of planes
[NEW] Splatmaps can be exported to coloured textures for Landscape Extensions
[NEW] Stencil - IsPointPaintedInLayer API to check world space positions
[NEW] Override Undo - Texturing, Grass, Trees for Huge landscapes
[FIXED] Textures - Stencil Filters are incorrectly duplicated when (I)nsert is used
[FIXED] Draw Instanced is not applied when creating a new Landscape
[IMPROVED] LBScreenShot tool now includes a TakeScreenShot API method
[IMPROVED] Template Editor - Debug Mode

 

LB 2.4.1 includes the following updates:

[NEW] LBLighting pause and resume options (editor or runtime)
[IMPROVED] Stencil editor automatically disables terrain draw instanced while shown

 

When I click generate landscape, I get nothing just a invisible landscape. My project is a URP project unity version 2021.3.10f1 if this helps with something.

 

Thanks for the chat on Discord.

For others, if you don't import the URP package from the SRP folder, the terrains won't render.

 

Link to Tutorials has changed.

Why? We've updated our website.

Here is the new link.

The "Tutorials" button on the Groups tab has been updated in Landscape Builder 2.4.4 Beta 1a or newer. For existing customers, this is available in the Beta Program or you can use the link above and wait for the next Unity Asset Store release.

 

Version 2.4.4 Beta 2a [2019.4.32f1+] includes:

[NEW] LBLighting - Skybox ambient light option for built-in RP
[NEW] LBLighting - Use External Fog option
[FIXED] Group Paste message typos
[IMPROVED] Updated link to tutorials

 

Version 2.4.5 Beta 1c [2019.4.32f1+] includes:

[NEW] Apply Template - Groups use Actual Heights option (rather than use relative heights)
[FIXED] Apply Template - Update Terrain Heights ignored if Import Topography not enabled
[IMPROVED] Group-level options layout

 

Version 2.4.5 Beta 2a [2019.4.32f1+] includes:

[NEW] Apply Template - Groups use Actual Heights option (rather than use relative heights)
[NEW] Sample runtime script that loads Group Object Path points from JSON files
[NEW] Camera Animator - ReversePath API
[FIXED] Apply Template - Update Terrain Heights ignored if Import Topography not enabled
[IMPROVED] Group-level options layout
[IMPROVED] Support for Relief Terrain Pack 3.3r

 

Version 2.4.5 Beta 3c includes:

[NEW] Apply Template - Groups use Actual Heights option (rather than use relative heights)
[NEW] Sample runtime script that loads Group Object Path points from JSON files
[NEW] Camera Animator - ReversePath API
[FIXED] Apply Template - Update Terrain Heights ignored if Import Topography not enabled
[FIXED] Missing Search bar in Groups and Trees tabs with Unity 2023.1+
[IMPROVED] Group-level options layout
[IMPROVED] Support for Relief Terrain Pack 3.3r
[IMPROVED] Compatibility with Unity 2022.3

 

We've seen a small issue when import path points from JSON files where there are no path points, or the JSON file is not found. This is fixed in LB 2.4.7 Beta 1a or newer.

[FIXED] LBPath - CacheSplinePoints does not check for path with no points.

 

We've noticed a small issue with re-loading Window layouts with stencils in Unity 2023.x. There is a patch out. You need LB 2.4.7 Beta 1b or newer.

[FIXED] LBPath - CacheSplinePoints does not check for path with no points
[FIXED] WindowLayout.LoadWindowLayout not found in U2023.1+
[IMPROVED] Compatibility with U2023.1

 

Version 2.4.7 is now available from the Beta Program for existing customers. It contains the following changes since 2.4.6:

[NEW] LBStencil - replace existing stencil layer with PNG, Tex or heightmap
[FIXED] LBPath - CacheSplinePoints does not check for path with no points
[FIXED] WindowLayout.LoadWindowLayout not found in U2023.1+
[IMPROVED] Minor GC optimisation
[IMPROVED] Compatibility with U2023.1

 

This is a new component coming to LB in 2.4.8 which will help to deal with floating point issues with larger open-world games.

Here's what's in the LB 2.4.8 Beta 3a

[NEW] LBLighting - Hide\Show Sun, Moon. External Culling Mask option.
[NEW] Runtime landscape finalise optimisations via API
[NEW] Extendable Floating Point component - In Technical Preview
[IMPROVED] Runtime Perlin Additive or Subtractive topography layer checking
[IMPROVED] Render Pipeline detection in 2023+