Artist helpers to measure in-game stuff.
by eb · 03/19/2009 (3:28 am) · 8 comments
I made this set of models for when I needed to do some close to precise measuring or positioning.
- I found myself working on contracts where other people's models were in use but I had to modify them in some way... and I had to do that without the source files. Hence, measurement tools.
- At times, I also needed color coded arrows to illustrate ideas and comments on game/level/area designs.
Example: a redarrow meant a locked door or a green arrow meant food/health...blah blah blah...you get the idea ;D
Now I am able to quickly grab usable measurements with these items. The models aren't pretty...but they do get the job done.
Several Arrows (able to spin and bounce by animation)
8 unit X 8 unit ruler plane
16 unit x 16 unit ruler plane
1 unit x 16 unit ruler stick
a few measurement balls (may be made on radius, I can't remember)
2 measurement boxes
Click the image to download
So the next time that you wonder how wide a doorway is or when you're in need of prototyping locations of items...you've got the tools!.
- I found myself working on contracts where other people's models were in use but I had to modify them in some way... and I had to do that without the source files. Hence, measurement tools.
- At times, I also needed color coded arrows to illustrate ideas and comments on game/level/area designs.
Example: a redarrow meant a locked door or a green arrow meant food/health...blah blah blah...you get the idea ;D
Now I am able to quickly grab usable measurements with these items. The models aren't pretty...but they do get the job done.
Several Arrows (able to spin and bounce by animation)
8 unit X 8 unit ruler plane
16 unit x 16 unit ruler plane
1 unit x 16 unit ruler stick
a few measurement balls (may be made on radius, I can't remember)
2 measurement boxes
Click the image to download
So the next time that you wonder how wide a doorway is or when you're in need of prototyping locations of items...you've got the tools!.
#2
03/19/2009 (8:54 am)
Smart idea. Always nice to have proportions right. 
#3
03/19/2009 (2:13 pm)
An in-game protractor! Why had that never occurred to me? What a simple idea! Nice one. 
#4
03/19/2009 (3:07 pm)
Wow, thanks eb! Looks handy. Now I don't have to keep trying to use the Orc as a reference while constantly reminding myself he's like 9 feet tall. :S 
#7
Good idea on some of those. In fact this week I started working on scaling myself as a lot of models I get are not scaled to work together. So I started me a Game Room. All models will be placed in here to check for effect. Just have to figure out how to check the larger models for scale such as buildings.
03/20/2009 (11:32 pm)
@eb,Good idea on some of those. In fact this week I started working on scaling myself as a lot of models I get are not scaled to work together. So I started me a Game Room. All models will be placed in here to check for effect. Just have to figure out how to check the larger models for scale such as buildings.
#8
Another measuring trick you can use for large scale objects when you need to layout say, a fortress on a mesa top and follow the crazy irregular edge of the terrain, heh. Drop a cube into the scene and scale its length and rotate it into place where you want the footing of your building to set on the terrain. Use multiple cubes if you need to by duplicating the first on until you get the layout of the building or buildings. Open the Object Editor and "get" the size (length) and rotation of each cube (depth and width won't matter).
Basically you turn the lowly cube into a tape measure and protractor.
Those measurements will transfer directly to your 3D modeling app so you can create your building to fit your terrain precisely; it will also let you map a large building or group of buildings like a city or town to fit your terrain.
caveat: This works in T3D, I don't think it will work in TGE and I don't know about TGEA.
09/28/2009 (10:05 pm)
Thanks Eb I also like the protractor, great idea. Another measuring trick you can use for large scale objects when you need to layout say, a fortress on a mesa top and follow the crazy irregular edge of the terrain, heh. Drop a cube into the scene and scale its length and rotate it into place where you want the footing of your building to set on the terrain. Use multiple cubes if you need to by duplicating the first on until you get the layout of the building or buildings. Open the Object Editor and "get" the size (length) and rotation of each cube (depth and width won't matter).
Basically you turn the lowly cube into a tape measure and protractor.
Those measurements will transfer directly to your 3D modeling app so you can create your building to fit your terrain precisely; it will also let you map a large building or group of buildings like a city or town to fit your terrain.
caveat: This works in T3D, I don't think it will work in TGE and I don't know about TGEA.
Associate Michael Hall