Forester Pro - New Features in v1.08
by Matthew Genge · 02/01/2013 (12:05 pm) · 8 comments
We have just released version 1.08 of Forester which has some new features to make customizing tree models easier and more intuitive. If you already have installed Forester Pro or Forester Lite you can download an updater from our website (www.hptware.co.uk/downloads/foresterupdate108.zip).
New Features
Custom Work Flow. The tree properties window now remains open when you create a tree model which makes it easier and quicker to customize templates.
Orientate to Branch. We have improved how leaves can be orientated to branches making it easier and more intuitive.
Scale up Branch. We have added a scale up branch function to the leaf properties menu. This is particularly useful to generate more regular looking conifer trees. When selected, the size of leaves decreases along the branch by the amount specified in the size variance for the leaf type. An example is shown below for the Deodar Cedar. Notice how the model on the left has much more regular leaves than the one on the right.
Custom Example
The Deodar (Himalayan) Cedar is one of the templates in the soon to be released Conifer Tree Pack 2. Each template can be used to generate a wide range of models by changing a few of the properties. The Deodar Cedar is a good example, the template is based on a young mature tree similar to those often found as cultivated trees in cities and parks. Actually the template is based on one planted in Clapham Common in London (we have been studying trees, it is now a bit of an obsession). Deodars vary quite a bit in form. They are often conical trees with branches that droop but curve upwards towards the tips, however, there is much variation in trunk to branch length, and droop of leaves. In the wild in Asia Deodar forests give rise to tall trees with a distinct crown. All these variations can be created from the template by changing a few of the properties as shown below.
You can download Forester, including the free version Forester Lite from out website:
www.hptware.co.uk/forester.htm
New Features
Custom Work Flow. The tree properties window now remains open when you create a tree model which makes it easier and quicker to customize templates.
Orientate to Branch. We have improved how leaves can be orientated to branches making it easier and more intuitive.
Scale up Branch. We have added a scale up branch function to the leaf properties menu. This is particularly useful to generate more regular looking conifer trees. When selected, the size of leaves decreases along the branch by the amount specified in the size variance for the leaf type. An example is shown below for the Deodar Cedar. Notice how the model on the left has much more regular leaves than the one on the right.
Custom Example
The Deodar (Himalayan) Cedar is one of the templates in the soon to be released Conifer Tree Pack 2. Each template can be used to generate a wide range of models by changing a few of the properties. The Deodar Cedar is a good example, the template is based on a young mature tree similar to those often found as cultivated trees in cities and parks. Actually the template is based on one planted in Clapham Common in London (we have been studying trees, it is now a bit of an obsession). Deodars vary quite a bit in form. They are often conical trees with branches that droop but curve upwards towards the tips, however, there is much variation in trunk to branch length, and droop of leaves. In the wild in Asia Deodar forests give rise to tall trees with a distinct crown. All these variations can be created from the template by changing a few of the properties as shown below.
You can download Forester, including the free version Forester Lite from out website:
www.hptware.co.uk/forester.htm
About the author
I am an Earth Scientist who likes writing games for fun.
#2
Nice update! On installing the update, the installer reads as a v1.04 update. Thought you should know. Forester updates to v1.08.
02/01/2013 (1:33 pm)
Hi MatthewNice update! On installing the update, the installer reads as a v1.04 update. Thought you should know. Forester updates to v1.08.
#3
02/01/2013 (4:55 pm)
@Chris, have been trying to reproduce your problem, am using v1.08 and can't get the tree to drop its foliage? have you altered the billboard size at all? this NorwaySpruce has not been altered in any way
#4
Thanks Jules....must have missed that one...will change it.
Dave...how many trees did you make!!!! I didn't even know you could so that...blimey. I suspect the answer Chris is to increase the size of the imposter in the *.cs file in the export directory. It will relate to resolution.
02/01/2013 (5:56 pm)
Hi Jules and Dave,Thanks Jules....must have missed that one...will change it.
Dave...how many trees did you make!!!! I didn't even know you could so that...blimey. I suspect the answer Chris is to increase the size of the imposter in the *.cs file in the export directory. It will relate to resolution.
#5
02/01/2013 (6:57 pm)
@Dave, wow, nice!! =-) Must be local, I guess. Thanks Matthew I'll try that.
#6
02/04/2013 (12:38 pm)
That's sweet guys. A "must have". As soon as I have 20 minutes to spare to play around with it I'll be picking it up.
#7
Send me an email at kapaun01 at gmail dot com. I have a question that probably does not need to be in a public forum. Oh by the way, it's nothing negative at all.
Ron
02/04/2013 (6:00 pm)
Matthew,Send me an email at kapaun01 at gmail dot com. I have a question that probably does not need to be in a public forum. Oh by the way, it's nothing negative at all.
Ron
#8
I could spend all day just playing with it, constantly creating and modifying trees. Forester is great fun on it's own!
02/11/2013 (9:48 am)
Finally got round to purchasing it and a couple of tree packs (autumn and temperate).I could spend all day just playing with it, constantly creating and modifying trees. Forester is great fun on it's own!
Associate Chris Calef
BrokeAss Games
Say, while you're here, I had a question about LODs... I'm using your NorwaySpruce model in a level, and the lowest LOD seems to ditch all the foliage, is that normal? It makes it look like a burned over forest in all directions when the trees are distant, but they look great when you get up close to them.
Just wondering if there's any way to modify that in the program.