Surface Maps

[LordFerret]

The default texture maps (.jpg's) in the medres folder are for the most part 1k maps. My graphics card will only handle 2k maps. In searching the Motherload, I find the majority of map updates to be 4k. I would very much like to update the Sol system planet/moon surfaces with the latest of imagery, in 2k.

My question... can I take the 4k maps and resample them (Paintshop Pro) down to 2k, and then store them in the hires folder with appropriate naming to reflect as their medres counterpart? Would the map creators mind my doing this to their work? It would be for my viewing pleasure only, not for redistribution.

[chris]

You can use the 4k ones without resampling. Celestia will automatically split planet maps into sections that your graphics card can handle.

--Chris

[rthorvald]

can I take the 4k maps and resample them (Paintshop Pro) down to 2k, and then store them in the hires folder with appropriate naming to reflect as their medres counterpart?

Yes, that will work, as long as the filenames are identical. You can also use the wildcard (*) for the file extension if there are different filetypes.

BUT: with a 2MB limit on your card, you would benefit from learning to make Virtual Textures from the originals. It is easy, and will allow you to display almost any resolution (4k VT??s is trivial on your card!)

Would the map creators mind my doing this to their work? It would be for my viewing pleasure only, not for redistribution.

Why should anyone concern themselves with what you make for yourself?

-rthorvald

[selden]

To expand somewhat on what Chris said

When placing surface texture maps onto Celestia's default spherical objects, Celestia cuts textures into pieces that will fit into your card's texture size limit. As a result, planet and moon surface textures can be much larger than the maximum individual texture size that your card can handle.

*However*, this technique can't be used for Mesh objects, moving clouds or Rings. As a result, the textures used on irregular asteroids and spacecraft are limited by what your card will accept.

Some of the models (Mesh objects) on the Motherlode do come with 2K or 4K surface textures that cannot be used with some graphics cards and embedded graphics chipsets. Most Nvidia cards (all 4000 series and up) have a 4K texture size limit. Most ATI cards have a 2K texture size limit. Only ATI's top-of-the-line cards (x1800 and up) have a 4K limit. This is one of the reasons Nvidia cards are preferred for use with Celestia.

[LordFerret]

Thanks all! I'll experiment with all suggestions!

[LordFerret]

Update -

I tried using the 4k textures, and as Chris mentions, yes they do work, but they bring my system to a standstill when approaching a planet. Resampling the 4k's to 2k's faired much better though! They do look beautiful!

Selden, so far of all the downloads I've gotten from the Motherload, including jll's 3D nebula (which are fantastic!), I've not yet run into the mesh/chipset problem... but I'm filing your forewarning in mind should I run into such problems in the future. Thankyou! Terrific docs by the way!

rthorvald, after meddling a bit with Blender and Anim8or recently (still quite new to me), I've quickly come to realize the amount of work you people put into your creations. I just felt I should ask out of courtesy.

Thanks again all for your input!