UVW Mapping in Gmax tutorial series

[hairyspin]

There's a new tutorial series on UVW mapping in Gmax on FSDeveloper. (and if the library accepted bigger files I'd have it up here too...!)

In six parts, this tutorial series aims to get the beginning mapper going. Starts with the basics, introduces LithUnwrap for making templates and goes on to cover use of the UVW editor, mapping multiple objects simultaneously, use of material IDs to colour-code selections and grids for custom views. Making good use of texture space, distorting objects to simplify mapping and problems encountered are also covered.





The series is aimed at both aircraft and scenery builders. Building, aircraft and virtual cockpit examples are used.

Sample meshes and texture files are included together with the Quake III plugin, LithUnwrap and the Harlequin gmax source used in the tutorials. You also get to see a little of Milton Shupe's XA-38 Grizzly mesh (used with permission)!

I've tried not to repeat myself through the series, so if you're struggling with part 3 (for example) best to read parts 1 and 2 first.

You'll find the tutorials, resources and samples linked from the tutorial's Wiki page

[Allen]

You may want to tell them something is broke.

I get

FSDeveloper - Error.
The requested page could not be found.

when clicking on the links.

[hairyspin]

Should be working now...

[Milton Shupe]

We will make this a sticky. :-) Thank you Sir for an awesome contribution.

[OleBoy]

It's been quite some time since I've thought about my models. Tom, Milton, you sensed my frustrations.
I was having a real hard time grasping hold of the process. I will definitely look into it.

My problem, it's poly normal.

Tom, thanks for your time. It's much appreciated.

[Hauksbee]

Once you've mapped all sides of the model, and are viewing them with UVW Edit, can the individual maps be moved? (to conserve space on the doc.)
.

[tgibson]

Drag across the object's vertices until they turn red. With the 4 headed arrow button active, drag one of the vertices to move the entire object.

[hairyspin]

There are more options too, which you'll discover further on in the tutorial series.

[Hauksbee]

Drag across the object's vertices until they turn red. With the 4 headed arrow button active, drag one of the vertices to move the entire object.

Good News. Thanks.

[Hauksbee]

'Getting closer, but...

Sorry the type is so small. I tried several times to bring in a bigger graphic, but it squinches it every time.
Under the 1st illustration it says:

(1) After mapping all four sides and top, should one be able to see the model in Perspective view with all the polys selected?

(2) Or, is it OK to let the polys go unselected as one moves on to the other views?

(3) If the former, I have a problem with polys unselecting themselves. ( see the blue arrows) After mapping all five sides, and applying Unwrap UVW>Edit Mesh>Unwrap UVW>Edit, I got the following. (Illustration A.)

Reading forward into the LithUnwrap section, I concluded that I had unselected polys. I reviewed each side's view, and, holding down the Control Key, made sure they were selected. Then I deleted Unwrap UVW>Edit Mesh>Unwrap UVW from the Stack and applied them again. When I clicked 'Edit", I got Illustration B. The screwy lines were gone, but still only one view.

I feel that I'm close on this, but somethings still awry.
.

[hairyspin]

(1) After mapping all four sides and top, should one be able to see the model in Perspective view with all the polys selected?

No, only the last set of polys mapped would still be selected.

(2) Or, is it OK to let the polys go unselected as one moves on to the other views?

Yes, that is required. Otherwise you're re-mapping polys up to four times! Look again at the screenshots in the tutorial and pay attention to the Perspective viewport: for each side, only that side's polys are selected (red colour).

...After mapping all five sides, and applying Unwrap UVW>Edit Mesh>Unwrap UVW>Edit, I got the following...

I have often regretted that screenshot: having mapped all five sides, just apply Edit Mesh>Unwrap UVW and then Edit. I was trying to show how simply applying an Unwrap would not show the mappings of the entire object.



For screenshots I usually use an image hosting site and paste a direct link to the picture required into the post. If you don't let SOH store your pictures locally they get shown at or near full size.

[Hauksbee]

For screenshots I usually use an image hosting site and paste a direct link to the picture required into the post. If you don't let SOH store your pictures locally they get shown at or near full size.

Now I get one end and the roof. I've gotten pretty fast at selecting the view, then the Gizmo, aligning to view, positioning the model in the Gizmo box, and selecting polys. Tonight I got the roof to show. Something's gumming the works.

Can I upload images to My Gallery here in SOH and link them to posts?