CAD???

[Locki]

So I'm trying to get back into modding, haven't done any since Unreal Tournament and that was just level design.

What it comes down to is I work for an Architecture Firm as the IT guy as well as a CAD tech when I'm not fixing something. What it comes down to is I have access to thousands of Architectural drawings for houses, hospitals, government buildings, airports, and even a few correctional facilities.

My main question is what programs are best for importing or modeling these structures in Fallout NV. I'm figuring Id use either REVIT or Cad to get to the basic 3d model then add textures and atmospheric feeling in GECK as well as the rest of they typical stuff, (npc, loot, etc) I always had issues with Unreal Engine as I couldn't figure out the unit of measurement and not being able to mod with a measurement in feet drove me up the wall.

I know 3d Studio Max is a big favorite of the gaming community and is also a member of the AutoDesk family so it can be used if preferable.

My current intent is we have an old jail in town that has fallen into disrepair and as escaped the recking ball several time do to the hysterical society, (we've done the assessment for turning the building into something else and with building codes and its location there literally is no purpose for the building. Meaning they guy who's currently turning the building into offices is going to loose his ass.)

And an armory we have in town which is one of my favorite buildings which is also on the condemned list.

I understand that there could be some possible security issues with using say a current hospital plan, but I've spoken to my boss the owner/head architect, and he said simply no naming the building or modifying the plan would be more the adequate to avoid problems. Even so I'd probably use most as a inspiration for the final structure. Except if the building itself is no longer standing.

 

So ya whats would be the best applications to use for said purpose.

 

Sorry if this topic isn't in the right place first Topic.

Edited November 26, 2010 by Locki

[scruples]

No 3d packages handle nurbs well, you will likely have a lot of work cut out for you if the CAD is all in surfaces.

 

Autodesk integration of their products with each-other is truly lacking, so 3d studio max benefits are mainly from its

large community.

 

3ds Max is my recommendation here, XSI and Maya will also do the job just as well.

[fronzelneekburm]

Actually "Rhino" is awesome for NURBS, but if you wanna go for NURBS or polygons depends on your goals and preferences. generally NURBS is easier for organic and round models while classic polygon modeling is better for architectural models and boxy shapes. Actually you can convert nearly every format to nearly every other format so in the end I'd recommend to focus on programs you already know and like. If you use sketchup or 3DMax doesn't really make a difference in the long run.

[Locki]

Ya I have no clue what nurbs are (I'll be looking it up) I figured getting structures to the 3d was all about patients. They all draw in vectors from my knowledge so I figured along the lines of Mr. fronzel's comment of "you can convert nearly every format to nearly every other format".

I was just trying to figure out what would work best, there is no way Obsidian or Bethesda used the GECK to model this whole game it sucks, for complex tasks. I would love to be able to bring a handful of blueprints into Fallout NV all the current structures don't feel like structures because there layout is very unrealistically or there plainly just missing stuff.

 

In the end it's all zeros and ones.

[throttlekitty]

GECK does no actual work on models or textures, it just handles the placement of them into the game world.

 

As far as modeling workflow, Creating your models in your CAD app should be fine so long as you can find a common format to export into Blender or 3DSMax. From there, setting up materials, UVs, collision, and any other final prepwork to then export into a .nif file the game will use.

 

LHammonds has a nice set of links in the main modeling/texturing sections of the forums for more information for which package you'll use.

[Locki]

GECK does no actual work on models or textures, it just handles the placement of them into the game world.

 

As far as modeling workflow, Creating your models in your CAD app should be fine so long as you can find a common format to export into Blender or 3DSMax. From there, setting up materials, UVs, collision, and any other final prepwork to then export into a .nif file the game will use.

 

LHammonds has a nice set of links in the main modeling/texturing sections of the forums for more information for which package you'll use.

 

Thank you throttlekitty I'll check into LHammonds. I'm curious as to what tools where used to create Fallout NV. I'm also hoping they make a new engine this sucker is showing its age.

[scruples]

Dev's just about never release their proprietary tools, I am sure you could find out what 3d package they use though.