Map Mods: Phase 4

Updated - January 2023

Update for Version 4

To activate Phase 4 features, define in your .map.txt:

[map]
mapModVersion=4
useStandardShader=1

• useStandardShader=1: Activates improved graphics with standard shaders (basic PBR).
• url=...: Adds clickable link on the selection screen.

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Automatic Native Trees

Use empty objects (Empty or Triangles) in Blender with the name _utree123_ (where 123 is the native tree ID).

• Lighter than duplicated 3D models (Instancing).
• Automatic random rotation.

Examples of tree IDs:

• _utree0_ to _utree9_: Generic trees.
• _utree10_: Palm trees.
• Consult the complete list in the official documentation or forum.

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Native Materials (PBR)

You can replace textures with native game PBR materials (Asphalt, Sidewalk) without needing to configure complex shaders in Blender. Create a .config.txt file next to the texture. Example: street.png.config.txt.

[config]
replaceMaterial=1
material=asphalt/asphalt011
keepTexture=1

• keepTexture=1: Keeps your color/drawing, but applies the shine/normal map of the native material.
• material: Path of the native material.

Examples of asphalt with native material:

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Weather Effects

Wet Surface

Use _wetsurface_ in the 3D object name for it to get wet in the rain. This gives a realistic reflection effect.

Snow

Create a texture ending with snow.png (e.g., asphalt.png -> asphalt_snow.png). The game will automatically switch when it snows. This allows creating winter scenarios without needing to edit the 3D.

Water (Lakes/Sea)

Use a plane named _water1_. Wave scale: Add _scale10_, _scale50_, _scale100_ to the name to adjust the size of the waves.

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Prefabs (Reusable Objects)

The Prefabs system allows instancing complex objects (like poles, benches, buildings) without duplicating geometric memory. The model is loaded once and replicated.

Folder: prefabs in the mod root. Structure:

Definition file (name.txt):

[config]
useCulling=1

[prefab]
model1=objects/pole.3ds

To use on the map, place an Empty/Cube with the prefab txt file name as prefix. Ex: If the file is mypole.txt, use mypole as the object name in Blender.

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Procedural Vegetation (Random Spawner)

Automatically fills areas with grass or trees. Create a vegetation folder inside tiles.

Configuration file defines density, spacing, and which objects to use (native trees or prefabs).

[random_vegetation]
keyword=onlygrass
spacing=10
useRandomSpacing=1
radius=50

• keyword: Name of the object in Blender that defines the area (bounds).
• spacing: Average distance between objects.

The game will scan (Raycast) the area defined by bounds (invisible cube) to plant vegetation on the ground.

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Custom Traffic

It is possible to change traffic buses by placing new models in the aibuses_v1 folder.

You can place subfolders for different companies or bus types. Use simplified .bus files for traffic.

Caution: Do not overdo the number of models to avoid running out of memory on mobile phones! Each new bus model consumes a lot of RAM.

End of Phase 4!