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Suggestion: Deformation Layers

Discussion in 'World Building' started by Flavelius, Sep 2, 2019.

  1. Flavelius

    Flavelius

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2012
    Posts:
    943
    Hi,
    Addons like EasyRoads, RAM, Mapmagic, Gaia and similar are all modifying terrain data. While some of them alter the basic structure of the terrain some just put small adjustments on top.
    But this requires all authors to either warn users that this has destructive effects or implement hackish backup functionality because other/manual alterations could potentially be destroyed along the way.
    Akin to the new TerrainLayers for texture i can imagine having Deformation Layers for height data.
    This would allow addons to work nondestructively and also have a clear position or purpose in the layer stack. For example addons like Gaia and the like would work on the base layer that defines the overall shape while addons like EasyRoads work on an upper layer thus not interfere with each other. This may also open up options for layer specific queries, blend operations, modular, predefined terrain variations etc.
    @ Unity Terrain Team, If that sounds doable, please consider adding it, it would be a win for everyone.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2019
    wyattt_ likes this.
  2. wyattt_

    wyattt_

    Unity Technologies

    Joined:
    May 9, 2018
    Posts:
    424
    Heya! This is part of the design for our new Environment system!
     
    Kirsche, joshcamas and Flavelius like this.
  3. Flavelius

    Flavelius

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2012
    Posts:
    943
    Awesome! Do you have an estimate for when this could be available to users?
     
  4. wyattt_

    wyattt_

    Unity Technologies

    Joined:
    May 9, 2018
    Posts:
    424
    No time estimate at the moment
     
  5. TheGabelle

    TheGabelle

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2013
    Posts:
    242
    Are you able to share any additional information about this? 'Environment' system is pretty vague and I'm curious as to what it may encompass.
     
  6. wyattt_

    wyattt_

    Unity Technologies

    Joined:
    May 9, 2018
    Posts:
    424
    It is a layer-based, non-destructive system for creating "environments" as a general concept. This includes terrain, decorations ( grass, foliage, trees ), paths, simulations, and more.
     
    Gokcan and Flavelius like this.
  7. TheGabelle

    TheGabelle

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2013
    Posts:
    242
    @
    I didn't want to get my hopes up, but that's exactly what I was hoping for. Great to hear!
     
  8. Flavelius

    Flavelius

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2012
    Posts:
    943
    Looks like *competitor Engine4* (4.24) just received those features and they look well designed, something for unity to take inspiration from.
     
  9. backwheelbates

    backwheelbates

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2014
    Posts:
    231
    @wyattt_ this sounds really interesting! Has there been any progress on this?
    Thanks!!