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# Creating Custom Worlds and Circuits in Blender
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## Download and Install the GIS Addon
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First, you need to download and install the **GIS Addon** in Blender. To do so:
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1. Go to the official GitHub repository of the addon.
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2. Navigate to the **Releases** section and download the `.zip` file.
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3. **Do not unzip** the `.zip` file.
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In Blender:
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1. Go to `Edit -> Preferences -> Add-ons -> Install`.
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2. Select the downloaded `.zip` file.
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---
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## Creating the Terrain
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1. Open the **GIS** menu (toolbar in the viewport).
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2. Go to: `GIS -> Web Geodata -> Basemap`.
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3. Choose `Google`, then `Satellite`, and click **OK**.
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4. A world map will appear, where you can select the desired area.
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> It's recommended to keep the terrain under **5 km** in both width and height.
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5. Press **B** to make a precise selection of the area.
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6. Press **E** to delete the rest of the terrain.
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---
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## Adding Elevation
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1. With the terrain selected, go to the **GIS** menu and choose `Get elevation`.
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2. Select the source **Marine-geo.org GMRT**.
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3. This will apply elevation to the terrain using modifiers.
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> Apply the modifiers **from bottom to top** to convert the terrain into a mesh.
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To increase mesh resolution:
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- Add a **Subdivision** modifier.
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- Adjust it until the size of the terrain blocks is about twice the width of the road or less.
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---
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## Creating the Road
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1. Create a **Path-type curve** at the starting point of the track.
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2. Enable **Face Project** in the snapping tool so the curve conforms to the terrain. Move the curve closer to the terrain if needed.
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3. Switch to **Edit Mode** and start adding and adjusting curve points to follow the desired track layout.
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4. In the `Object Data Properties` panel:
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- Set `Twist Method` to **Z-Up**.
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5. Disable snapping once you're done.
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---
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## Option 1: Road on Top of Terrain
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1. Create a **generic block** to represent the asphalt.
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> If you want guardrails along the track, include them in this block.
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- The block width should match the road width.
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- The length can be roughly half the width.
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2. Place this block at the starting point of the track.
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3. Add the following **modifiers** to the block:
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- **Array**: To duplicate the block along the path.
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- **Curve**: To make the block follow the curve.
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- **Solidify**: To give thickness to the asphalt.
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Make sure to:
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- Enable **Merge** in the Array modifier.
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- Assign the curve to the **Curve** modifier.
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4. Adjust the curve to avoid floating or sunken areas.
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5. Apply the modifiers and texture the road as desired.
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---
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## Option 2: Road Included in the Terrain
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> This method creates a single mesh but may result in **N-gons** (polygons with more than 4 sides).
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1. Follow the initial block creation steps, **without adding Solidify**.
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2. Save the **Z-coordinate** of the road block.
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3. Slightly elevate the road so it sits completely above the terrain.
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4. Select the terrain and enter **Edit Mode**.
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5. In **Top View**:
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- Click on the road object.
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- In the `Mesh` menu, use **Knife Project**.
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6. In the `Vertex Groups` section:
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- Create a new group and assign the projected selection to it.
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7. Deselect the road using `Ctrl + Click` and press `Delete` to remove the faces.
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8. Return to **Object Mode** and move the road back to its original Z-coordinate.
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9. Add a **Shrinkwrap** modifier to the road:
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- `Target`: The terrain mesh.
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- `Vertex Group`: The group you created.
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- `Wrap Method`: **Nearest Vertex**.
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10. Apply the modifiers and texture the road as desired.
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---
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## Final Notes
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- Save copies of your project before applying important modifiers.
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- You can export the track for use in engines like Unity or simulators like Gazebo.
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---
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## Useful Links
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- [Blender GIS Addon (GitHub)](https://github.com/domlysz/BlenderGIS)
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- [Marine Geoscience Data System (GMRT)](https://www.marine-geo.org/tools/maps_grids.php)

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