{{description>SplineLand is a plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max that helps generate topographically accurate terrains from a set of splines. Without SplineLand it is almost impossible to achieve such exact results in 3ds Max. Now you can do it quickly, in just a few clicks your topographical data can become a terrain.}} ====== SplineLand Manual ====== [[http://icube3d.com/splineland.html|SplineLand]] is a plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max that helps to generate topographically accurate terrains from a set of splines. Without SplineLand it is almost impossible to achieve accurate results in 3ds Max. Now you can do it quickly, in just a few clicks your topographical data can become a terrain. Splines can be topographic contours in one plane each, or they can have any arbitrary geometry. SplineLand includes the following functions: * Creation of precise and topologically correct relief * Possibility to use any types of splines, including open splines * With SplineLand you can lay roads over the terrain as well as create and level areas, generate bedding and ground cuts at selected angles and heights * Possibility to assign ID to various terrain details * Control over grid density ====== Installation ====== ===== System requirements ===== 3ds Max versions: 2009, 2010, 2011, 1012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 3ds Max Design: all OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 all 32 and 64 bit. **Please note:** User must have local administrator rights with Windows XP to use SplineLand. on Windows 7 administrator rights needed only during installation ===== Installation ===== Please make sure you downloaded latest version of the plug-in from our [[http://forum.icube3d.com/viewforum.php?f=24|forum]]. Users are provided with the same installation file for both Workstation and Render node **SplineLand-x.xxx.exe** Workstation can be used only when license is properly installed, and provides access to all SplineLand options. If SplineLand does not find license file it switches itself to Rendernode mode and only can open and render files created with SplineLand Workstation. Rendering is available both locally and over network. To install the program you need to run the **SplineLand-x.xxx.exe** with the administrator rights. (In windows 7 right click "run as administrator") {{:splineland:01.jpg?nolink| Installation wizard}} Don’t forget to quit 3ds max before you start the installation. (please check Task Manager too for any running instances of 3ds max) {{:splineland:02.jpg?nolink| Check license agreement}} Read carefully the license agreement. If you accept it tick “I accept” and then press setup button; if not, press "Cancel" button. {{:splineland:03.jpg?nolink| Choose 3ds max version}} Choose 3ds max version you use. {{:splineland:04.jpg?nolink| Check paths}} The setup wizard will automatically select destination folder for 3ds max. Check the path where 3ds max is installed and correct it if needed. {{:splineland:05.jpg?nolink| install log}} "Run R&D Group License Tool" is automatically selected, you only need to run it and activate once, there is no need activate again if you are updating plugin, unless it prompts you during usage. ===== Registration ===== **please see** http://docs.icube3d.com/en:cerber-protection ===== Uninstall ===== To uninstall SplineLand versions 1.0.7 and below, just remove Landform.dlm from /Plugins folder in your 3ds max installation location. For versions 1.034 and above please run Uninstall tool ===== Installing for network or distributed rendering ===== For network rendering just install the same file **SplineLand.exe**. Installation procedure is the same as for the Workstation, but skipping Registration process. **Rendernodes do not require registration.** Submission for network or distributed rendering should be done from the PC with the registered version of SplineLand. The rest of render nodes involved in the network or distributed rendering **do not need to be registered** Each SplineLand license comes with unlimited render nodes. __manual installation on render nodes:__ install 1 machine with the **exe** file then copy following file to other rendernodes from that machine carefully (provided they are identical machines): \plugins\SplineLand.dlm\\ ====== Getting started ====== ===== SplineLand creation ===== To create **SplineLand** go to **Create>Geometry>SplineLand>SplineLand** {{:splineland:14.jpg?nolink| SplineLand creation panel}} After **SplineLand** has been created, go to the **Modify** panel and select terrain modelling splines. Do not delete original versions of splines after selecting them as **SplineLand**. It is recommended to keep them in hidden layer. {{:splineland:09.jpg?nolink| Splines window}} The **Splines** window is responsible for creation of the base for the future terrain. You can select any spline from the scene. After all required objects have been selected, right click or press the **Add Object** button again. You can delete all unnecessary objects by clicking **Remove**. There is also a possibility to assign an ID to the basic material here, if necessary. ===== Creating roads and platforms ===== {{:splineland:10.jpg?nolink| Platforms window}} The **Platforms** window is responsible for creation of different paths and platforms on the terrain surface. Any geometric object can be selected for these purposes (Editable Mesh or Editable Poly). After all required objects have been selected, right click or press the **Add Object** button again. You can delete all unnecessary splines by clicking **Remove**. After selecting a specific platform, you can proceed to its customisation. The **Up Slope** is responsible for tilting of ground cut above platform. The **Down Slope** is responsible for tilting of bedding course beneath platform. It is worth pointing out that the slope gradient ranges from 5 to 85 degrees. You can assign different Material IDs to platform, ground cut and bedding course. **Base ID** assigns ID to horizontal plane of the platform. **Up Slope ID** and **Base Slope ID** are responsible for assigning IDs to ground cut and bedding course, respectively. ===== Generating terrain ===== {{:splineland:11.jpg?nolink| Parameters window}} Users can set up any number of iterations, as required. However, for slower PCs **it is not recommended to set the value higher than 13**. Dummy size is also set up in the Parameters window. After all splines have been arranged as required, click **Generate Surface** to create terrain. In case of any alterations to the original splines or platform geometry, terrain needs to be regenerated once again. ===== SplineLand modifier (WSM) ===== {{:splineland:15.jpg?nolink| modifier}} The plugin also includes the **SplineLand modifier**. This tool is necessary if you want to apply pre-generated terrain to any geometry. Note that terrain "duplication" is a real-time process. The modifier is rather simple in use. Select any geometry, apply the **SplineLand** modifier to it, and assign an object to terrain in the Param scroll. ====== Troubleshooting ====== ===== License errors ===== In case of license malfunction and errors (which can be caused by disk reformatting, re installation of the operating system or components replacement) you are free to address the developer at any time by sending your request for a new *.key file to the e-mail support@icube3d.com However, in case of total replacement of a PC we reserve the right to not provide a new license more often than once in half a year. ===== Installation problems ===== {{:splineland:12.jpg?nolink| install log}} make sure 3ds max is not running, (please double check in task manager too) make sure you are installing with administrator rights (in windows 7 right click "run as administrator" **even if you are logged in as admin**) make sure you choose right path for you 3ds max version ===== Dll errors ===== * Error Loading Dlls * Dll failed to initialize. * Error sode 126 - The specified module could not be found ** please make sure you have Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package 32bit or 64bit installed** Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86)http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=5555 Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x64) http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=14632