I've been working on a Kerbal Space Program-like game, and have a question when it comes to creating a LOD system for planets.
Is it possible to modify a single MeshInstance3D node's mesh to have multiple resolutions across the planet surface, or do I have to separate the planet's mesh into multiple MeshInstance3D nodes, and stitch them together that way?
#Level of detail system for large meshes
quartz nymph
modest hemlock
yes. it is possible to modify a single meshinstance3d's mesh to have varying resolution... but it is hard. you need to generate a custom mesh with higher vertex density near the camera and lower elsewhere, i think. this probs involves creating a dynamic mesh with manual lod tessellation... usually done in code. stitching seams is difficult though. managing normals and tangents too. if you mess up. it shows :(
id split the planet into chunks. like quadtree tiles on a sphere? each tile is a meshinstance3d. lod is managed per tile. this way is easier. better for culling and streaming... and updating lods as the camera moves
go with multiple nodes :D unless you're a masochist. or john carmack.
quartz nymph
yes. it is possible to modify a single meshinstance3d's mesh to have varying res...
Gotcha, thanks! I'll try the multiple mesh instances over just one, seems better for performance anyway.
I'm still kinda getting my head around managing instantiated nodes from a script, but it shouldn't be to bad, hopefully. Wish me luck!
modest hemlock
Gotcha, thanks! I'll try the multiple mesh instances over just one, seems better...
do note that if you go the hard route
surfacetool and immediategeometry will make your life a biiit easier