Linear 3DS

There are two types of linear 3DS params which allow you to bend a 3ds model along a line symbol of the map.

Linear Smoothed symbols take a 3ds model and bend it smoothly along the curve of the line.  A good example of this is the default stone wall symbol (519.0).  The sections are selected at random based on their weights, and can be of different lengths.

Linear Segmented symbols place 3ds models along the curve of the line, but do not bend the individual model.  Each middle section is added along a straight line towards the next point.  An optional post model can be added between sections.

There are two modes for segmented symbols. Powerline mode places one post at each point on the line, and stretches the middle section between them. Fence mode adds the sections at their original length, and places a post between them.

See the default powerline symbol (516.0) and the fence symbol (522.0) on the Ocad 8 symbol set for good examples of these. The vertical stiffness parameter specifies how much the model follows the terrain laterally. A value of 1 means the model is always vertical, while a value of 0 means the model is bent to follow the lean of the terrain.

Here is an example on how to use Linear 3DS.

Vertical Stiffness

Any value between 0 and 1. Specifies the % that the model aligns with the terrain vs the vertical. Generally speaking, most line objects should follow the terrain, but for some exceptions (such as totally straight walls) they should stay vertical.

0: follows the terrain

1: always stay vertical

FileName (local option for each section)

List of file names for the 3DS files that can be used for this section. Each 3DS section that is added to the terrain is chosen randomly from this list.

Frequency (local option for each section)

The relative weight this section should have in the random selection process (compared to the other 3DS files in the list). Higher number = selected more often.

Snap to ground threshold

The threshold value (in meters) for when the section should snap completely to the ground. The threshold value is half the height. For very low section, set to 0.

This option is only available in version 1.310 and higher.

Running Speed (local option for each section)

The running speed of the section (0-15). It's only of importance for sections where the runner can actually run on top of them. For example, you would perhaps make it slow to climb over stone walls, by lowering the running speed.

This option is only available in version 1.313 and higher.