Volume Cloud System
by Alexander Loren · 12/20/2006 (8:40 am) · 7 comments
As anyone who has read one of my past .plans would know, I have been working on a skybox content pack; designed for use with any of the Torque technolgies, but able to be used in any application. All has been going well with this, and I hope to be nearing completion with a current 18 skyboxes done and 13 diferent cloud textures; verying from realistic to more of a cartoon look.
But while working on this I got bored of the flat, simulated 3d clouds and started to write a procedurally generated volume cloud system in Irrlicht; a popular open source rendering engine that I have worked with in the past. I have had fairly decent success thus far, or so I have told myself; though currently the system is missing some core elements such as: Lighting calculations, shadow map generation for terrain, and a more realistic look to the clouds as a whole.
After posting the below screenshots on the Irrlicht Community Forums, the creator of Irrlicht posted in his own development blog, a screenshot and comments on the cloud system.
This meant alot to me as someone newer to graphics programming, having the creator of the library that I am using recognize something that I programmed. Anyways, without any more sappyness, and no more adieu; the screenshots of the system and a YouTube video showing off the system.
- Video -
But while working on this I got bored of the flat, simulated 3d clouds and started to write a procedurally generated volume cloud system in Irrlicht; a popular open source rendering engine that I have worked with in the past. I have had fairly decent success thus far, or so I have told myself; though currently the system is missing some core elements such as: Lighting calculations, shadow map generation for terrain, and a more realistic look to the clouds as a whole.
After posting the below screenshots on the Irrlicht Community Forums, the creator of Irrlicht posted in his own development blog, a screenshot and comments on the cloud system.
Quote:. Personally, I like for example AlexL's clouds, they look very nice. - Nikolaus Gebhardt
This meant alot to me as someone newer to graphics programming, having the creator of the library that I am using recognize something that I programmed. Anyways, without any more sappyness, and no more adieu; the screenshots of the system and a YouTube video showing off the system.
- Video -
About the author
#2
How far along the TGE/TSEA road are you by now ?
12/20/2006 (11:48 am)
This looks very good, great work!How far along the TGE/TSEA road are you by now ?
#3
12/20/2006 (1:29 pm)
Very impressive. Keep it up. 
#4
12/20/2006 (4:51 pm)
Very nice! So are trying to figure out a way to do this procedurally in Tirque?
#5
it would be cool if u had some dynamic cloud forming(?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-1pAuoIFO8&mode=related&search=
cause clouds change shape and dont move in a perfect linear way
anyway, cool stuff
12/20/2006 (7:30 pm)
cool, altough they look a bit to bright, this is really nice :Dit would be cool if u had some dynamic cloud forming(?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-1pAuoIFO8&mode=related&search=
cause clouds change shape and dont move in a perfect linear way
anyway, cool stuff
#6
Have you considered alphaing those out right as they get to the camera? That could get rid of that sudden pop when you get through a cloud.
12/20/2006 (9:21 pm)
Very nice! I feel like I'm in the mountains. Have you considered alphaing those out right as they get to the camera? That could get rid of that sudden pop when you get through a cloud.
#7
Clouds have been on my mind lately and I might offer some c&c: (you might have these in mind already)
1. The color of the clouds need more contrast. Some parts dark grey, some light silver, some white...you get the idea. Perhaps you can classify cloud types and assign colors. Even if you dont decide to do that, get some contrast in the clouds.
2. Do the clouds cast shadows? Id love it if they do, but I cant tell from the screenshots.
3. Cloud type. I noted it above and thought perhaps you might work on different cloud types.
Purdue is doing a cloud simulator. There's a downloadable exe on that site. Perhaps you might get some inspiration: www.ecn.purdue.edu/purpl/projects/fastclouds/frames
Also, the main dev behind OGRE is making a cloud system too.
Nimble Cloud System
Your work is a great step in this direction. Im excited to see how it turns out!
12/22/2006 (9:10 pm)
Really good start Alex!Clouds have been on my mind lately and I might offer some c&c: (you might have these in mind already)
1. The color of the clouds need more contrast. Some parts dark grey, some light silver, some white...you get the idea. Perhaps you can classify cloud types and assign colors. Even if you dont decide to do that, get some contrast in the clouds.
2. Do the clouds cast shadows? Id love it if they do, but I cant tell from the screenshots.
3. Cloud type. I noted it above and thought perhaps you might work on different cloud types.
Purdue is doing a cloud simulator. There's a downloadable exe on that site. Perhaps you might get some inspiration: www.ecn.purdue.edu/purpl/projects/fastclouds/frames
Also, the main dev behind OGRE is making a cloud system too.
Nimble Cloud System
Your work is a great step in this direction. Im excited to see how it turns out!
Torque Owner Aaron E
Would you be creating something like this for TSE only . . . or TGE and TSE? Either way, excellent work!
By the way, here's that YouTube link . . .
- Video -