Cloud layer thickness

[3saul]

I'm trying to get some really (really) large clouds like this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumulonimbus_cloud).

 

I'm using static weather to avoid the freezes which works well for me. However, I seem to be limited to a cloud thickness of 2000 ft? ...and I assume this is an XPX limitation.

 

edit--

Just read the comments on this post http://developer.x-plane.com/2013/12/skymaxx-pro-draws-in-3d-you-can-too/

--

 

Any thoughts, suggestions on getting large clouds?

Edited December 18, 2013 by 3saul

[sundog]

3saul, it's not a XPX limitation, it's just how we model the clouds. There is a slider in the SkyMaxx configuration for the cloud sizes, which controls the maximum size the cumulus congestus clouds can reach. This ranges from 500 meters to 5000 meters, so cranking that up should result in larger, thicker clouds. The cloud sizes follow an exponential distribution (as they do in real life,) so it may be rare to get a really big one even with the slider all the way up.

 

You asked specifically about cumulonimbus clouds - these are the "thunderheads" we sprinkle in the scene when X-Plane tells us thunderstorms are present. These are hard-coded to be 5KM across and 7KM tall (we really should add some randomness to that to make them a little more visually interesting - I think I'll do that now). But, these are anvil-shaped clouds and not the sort of towering cumulus cloud in your screenshot. Providing more variety in our cumulonimbus cloud shapes is something we can look at for future revisions.

 

It's actually possible to model your own cumulonimbus cloud shapes if you have 3D Studio Max - any adventurous souls interested in trying it out should PM me for details.

[arb65912]

 

 

It's actually possible to model your own cumulonimbus cloud shapes if you have 3D Studio Max - any adventurous souls interested in trying it out should PM me for details.

 

Hi Frank,

 

Does it have to be 3D Studio Max or Blender would also do the trick?

 

Fantastic software anyway, it is a real step up in XP simulation, I am enjoying it very much.  Thank you.

 

Cheers, AJ 

[3saul]

I don't have any 3D skills, let alone software, let alone spare time.

 

...and yes, incredible plugin. Really enjoying it. Can't wait to see where you take it.

[sundog]

Does it have to be 3D Studio Max or Blender would also do the trick?

 

 

It has to be 3D Studio - you have to export a VRML file with spheres that represent the cloud puffs, and our VRML parser is only written to handle the way 3D Studio writes it out.

 

Glad you're enjoying SkyMaxx!

[arb65912]

Thank you Frank. Kinda expected that. Cheers, AJ.