SplineLand Manual - iCube R&D Group - support
How to Use Spline Land Plugin for 3dmax
If you are a 3dmax user who wants to create realistic and accurate terrains from a set of splines, you might want to check out the Spline Land plugin. This plugin is a powerful tool that helps you generate topographically correct terrains from splines representing topographic contours or any other shapes. In this article, you will learn what Spline Land plugin is, why it is useful, how to install and activate it, how to use it, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of it.
Spline Land Plugin For 3dmax
What is Spline Land Plugin and What Does It Do?
Spline Land plugin is a plugin for Autodesk 3ds Max that helps you generate topographically accurate terrains from a set of splines. Without Spline Land, it is almost impossible to achieve such precise 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. You can use any types of splines, including open splines. With Spline Land, you can also create roads, platforms, bedding courses, and ground cuts over the terrain with ease.
Some of the main features and benefits of Spline Land plugin are:
Creation of precise and topologically correct terrains from splines
Possibility to use any types of splines, including open splines
Ability to create roads and platforms over the terrain
Ability to generate bedding courses and ground cuts at selected angles and heights
Possibility to assign ID to various terrain details
Control over grid density and terrain details
How to Install and Activate Spline Land Plugin
System Requirements and Compatibility
To use Spline Land plugin, you need to have the following system requirements:
3ds Max versions: 2009, 2010, 2011, 1012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022
3ds Max Design: all versions
OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 (all 32-bit or 64-bit)
User must have local administrator rights with Windows XP to use Spline Land. On Windows Vista or later administrator rights are needed only during installation.
Installation Steps
To install Spline Land plugin, follow these steps:
Download the plugin from the official website or from the link provided by the seller.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Select the 3ds Max versions that you want to install the plugin for.
Restart 3ds Max after the installation is complete.
Registration and License Activation
To use Spline Land plugin, you need to register and activate your license. You can do this online or offline, depending on your preference. Here are the steps for both methods:
Online Activation
Open 3ds Max and go to Customize > Spline Land > About.
Click on the Register button and enter your name, email, and serial number that you received after purchasing the plugin.
Click on the Activate Online button and wait for the confirmation message.
Restart 3ds Max to complete the activation process.
Offline Activation
Open 3ds Max and go to Customize > Spline Land > About.
Click on the Register button and enter your name, email, and serial number that you received after purchasing the plugin.
Click on the Activate Offline button and save the activation request file to your computer.
Go to another computer that has internet access and visit the activation page. Upload your activation request file and download the activation response file.
Go back to your computer with 3ds Max and Spline Land plugin. Open 3ds Max and go to Customize > Spline Land > About.
Click on the Load Activation File button and select the activation response file that you downloaded.
Restart 3ds Max to complete the activation process.
How to Use Spline Land Plugin
How to Create a Spline Land Object from Splines
To create a terrain from splines using Spline Land plugin, you need to create a Spline Land object first. A Spline Land object is a special type of object that contains all the information about the splines and their properties. Here is how you can create a Spline Land object from splines:
Create or import splines that represent your terrain contours or shapes. You can use any types of splines, including open splines. Make sure that each spline is in one plane only.
Select all the splines that you want to use for your terrain.
Go to Create > Geometry > SplineLand and click on the SplineLand button.
In the viewport, click and drag to create a Spline Land object. You can adjust its size and position as needed.
In the Modify panel, go to the Splines rollout and click on the Add button. This will add all the selected splines to the Spline Land object.
You can edit the properties of each spline in the Splines list, such as its name, color, ID, height, angle, etc.
How to Generate Terrain from Spline Land Object
Once you have created a Spline Land object from splines, you can generate a terrain from it. A terrain is a mesh object that is created based on the splines and their properties in the Spline Land object. Here is how you can generate a terrain from a Spline Land object:
Select the Spline Land object that you want to generate a terrain from.
In the Modify panel, go to the Terrain rollout and click on the Generate Terrain button. This will create a terrain mesh object in the same position as the Spline Land object.
You can adjust the properties of the terrain in the Terrain rollout, such as its name, material ID, grid density, smoothing groups, etc.
You can also use other modifiers on top of the terrain mesh object, such as UVW Map, Displace, Noise, etc., to add more details or variations to your terrain.
How to Use Spline Land Modifier (WSM)
Spline Land plugin also comes with a modifier called Spline Land (WSM). This modifier allows you to apply Spline Land functionality to any existing mesh object. This way, you can use any mesh object as a base for your terrain and modify it with splines. Here is how you can use Spline Land modifier (WSM):
Select the mesh object that you want to use as a base for your terrain.
In the Modify panel, go to the Modifier List and select Spline Land (WSM) from the list.
In the Modify panel, go to the Splines rollout and click on the Add button. This will open a dialog box where you can select the splines that you want to use for your terrain.
After selecting the splines, click on the OK button. This will add the splines to the Spline Land modifier.
You can edit the properties of each spline in the Splines list, such as its name, color, ID, height, angle, etc.
In the Modify panel, go to the Terrain rollout and click on the Apply button. This will apply the Spline Land functionality to your mesh object and modify it according to the splines and their properties.
You can adjust the properties of the terrain in the Terrain rollout, such as its name, material ID, grid density, smoothing groups, etc.
You can also use other modifiers on top of the Spline Land modifier (WSM), such as UVW Map, Displace, Noise, etc., to add more details or variations to your terrain.
How to Create Roads and Platforms with Spline Land Plugin
One of the most useful features of Spline Land plugin is that it allows you to create roads and platforms over your terrain with ease. Roads and platforms are special types of splines that have additional properties and functions. Here is how you can create roads and platforms with Spline Land plugin:
Create or import splines that represent your roads or platforms. You can use any types of splines, including open splines. Make sure that each spline is in one plane only.
Select all the splines that you want to use for your roads or platforms.
Go to Create > Geometry > SplineLand and click on the Road/Platform button.
In the viewport, click and drag to create a Road/Platform object. You can adjust its size and position as needed.
In the Modify panel, go to the Splines rollout and click on the Add button. This will add all the selected splines to the Road/Platform object.
You can edit the properties of each spline in the Splines list, such as its name, color, ID, width, height, offset, etc.
In the Modify panel, go to the Road/Platform rollout and click on the Generate Road/Platform button. This will create a road or platform mesh object in the same position as the Road/Platform object.
You can adjust the properties of the road or platform in the Road/Platform rollout, such as its name, material ID, grid density, smoothing groups, etc.
You can also use other modifiers on top of the road or platform mesh object, such as UVW Map, Displace, Noise, etc., to add more details or variations to your road or platform.
How to Control Grid Density and Terrain Details with Spline Land Plugin
Another important feature of Spline Land plugin is that it allows you to control the grid density and terrain details with Spline Land plugin. Grid density is the number of polygons that are used to create the terrain mesh. Terrain details are the variations and irregularities that are added to the terrain mesh to make it more realistic. Here is how you can control grid density and terrain details with Spline Land plugin:
How to Control Grid Density
Grid density is controlled by the Grid Size parameter in the Terrain rollout of the Spline Land object or modifier. The smaller the grid size, the higher the grid density, and vice versa. The default grid size is 10 units, which means that each polygon of the terrain mesh will have a size of 10x10 units. You can change the grid size according to your needs and preferences, depending on the scale and complexity of your terrain.
However, keep in mind that increasing the grid density will also increase the number of polygons and vertices of your terrain mesh, which may affect the performance and memory usage of your 3ds Max scene. Therefore, it is recommended to use the optimal grid size that suits your project and avoid using unnecessarily high grid density.
How to Control Terrain Details
Terrain details are controlled by the Detail Size and Detail Strength parameters in the Terrain rollout of the Spline Land object or modifier. Detail size is the size of the noise that is added to the terrain mesh to create variations and irregularities. Detail strength is the intensity of the noise that is added to the terrain mesh. The higher the detail size and strength, the more detailed and irregular your terrain will be, and vice versa. The default detail size is 0 units, which means that no noise will be added to your terrain mesh. The default detail strength is 100%, which means that the noise will have full effect on your terrain mesh.
You can change the detail size and strength according to your needs and preferences, depending on the type and realism of your terrain. For example, if you want to create a smooth and flat terrain, you can use low detail size and strength values. If you want to create a rough and mountainous terrain, you can use high detail size and strength values.
However, keep in mind that increasing the detail size and strength will also increase the complexity and variation of your terrain mesh, which may affect the appearance and quality of your terrain. Therefore, it is recommended to use the optimal detail size and strength that suits your project and avoid using unnecessarily high detail size and strength.
Tips and Tricks for Spline Land Plugin
Now that you know how to use Spline Land plugin, here are some tips and tricks that can help you improve your workflow and results with this plugin:
How to Use Multiple Descriptions for One Term
One of the advantages of Spline Land plugin is that it allows you to assign different descriptions to different parts of your terrain. A description is a set of properties that define the appearance and behavior of a part of your terrain, such as its material, texture, color, ID, etc. You can create multiple descriptions for one term and assign them to different splines or segments of splines. This way, you can create more variations and details for your terrain. Here is how you can use multiple descriptions for one term:
In the Modify panel, go to the Description rollout of the Spline Land object or modifier.
Click on the Add button to create a new description. You can name it as you like and edit its properties in the Description list.
Select the splines or segments of splines that you want to assign this description to.
Click on the Assign button to assign the selected description to the selected splines or segments.
Repeat steps 2-4 for each description that you want to create and assign.
How to Use Different Types of Splines, Including Open Splines
Another advantage of Spline Land plugin is that it allows you to use different types of splines, including open splines, for your terrain. An open spline is a spline that does not form a closed loop. You can use open splines to create roads, platforms, bedding courses, ground cuts, or any other shapes that do not need to be closed. Here is how you can use different types of splines, including open splines, for your terrain:
Create or import splines that represent your terrain contours or shapes. You can use any types of splines, including open splines. Make sure that each spline is in one plane only.
Select all the splines that you want to use for your terrain.
Go to Create > Geometry > SplineLand and click on the SplineLand button.
In the viewport, click and drag to create a Spline Land object. You can adjust its size and position as needed.
In the Modify panel, go to the Splines rollout and click on the Add button. This will add all the selected splines to the Spline Land object.
You can edit the properties of each spline in the Splines list, such as its name, color, ID, height, angle, etc.
If you want to use open splines for roads or platforms, go to the Road/Platform rollout and click on the Generate Road/Platform button. This will create a road or platform mesh object from the open splines in the Spline Land object.
If you want to use open splines for bedding courses or ground cuts, go to the Bedding Course/Ground Cut rollout and click on the Generate Bedding Course/Ground Cut button. This will create a bedding course or ground cut mesh object from the open splines in the Spline Land object.
How to Optimize Your Images for Spline Land Plugin
If you want to use images as textures or maps for your terrain, you need to optimize them for Spline Land plugin. Optimizing your images means reducing their size and resolution without compromising their quality. This way, you can improve the performance and memory usage of your 3ds Max scene and Spline Land plugin. Here is how you can optimize your images for Spline Land plugin:
Choose the right image format for your purpose. For example, use JPG or PNG for diffuse maps, BMP or TGA for displacement maps, etc.
Resize your images to the smallest size that still looks good on your terrain. For example, use 512x512 or 1024x1024 pixels for most cases, unless you need more details or variations.
Reduce the color depth of your images to the lowest level that still preserves the quality. For example, use 8-bit or 16-bit color depth for most cases, unless you need more colors or gradients.
Compress your images to reduce their file size without losing too much quality. For example, use ZIP or RAR compression for BMP or TGA files, or use JPG or PNG compression options for JPG or PNG files.
Save your images in the same folder as your 3ds Max scene file or in a subfolder of it. This way, you can avoid missing or broken links when you open your scene file on another computer or share it with others.
How to Use Internal and External Links with Spline Land Plugin
Another tip for using Spline Land plugin is to use internal and external links with Spline Land plugin. Internal links are links that connect different parts of your terrain within the same scene file. External links are links that connect your terrain with other scene files or external sources. You can use internal and external links to create more complex and interactive terrains with Spline Land plugin. Here is how you can use internal and external links with Spline Land plugin:
How to Use Internal Links
Create or import splines that represent your terrain contours or shapes. You can use any types of splines, including open splines. Make sure that each spline is in one plane only.
Select all the splines that you want to use for your terrain.
Go to Create > Geometry > SplineLand and click on the SplineLand button.
In the viewport, click and drag to create a Spline Land object. You can adjust its size and position as needed.
In the Modify panel, go to the Splines rollout and click on the Add button. This will add all the selected splines to the Spline Land object.
You can edit the properties of each spline in the Splines list, such as its name, color, ID, height, angle, etc.
In the Modify panel, go to the Links rollout and click on the Add button. This will open a dialog box where you can select other objects in your scene that you want to link to your terrain.
After selecting the objects, click on the OK button. This will add the objects to the Links list.
You can edit the properties of each link in the Links list, such as its name, type, target, offset, etc.
In the Modify panel, go to the Terrain rollout and click on the Generate Terrain button. This will create a terrain mesh object that is linked to the other objects in your scene.
How to Use External Links
Create or import splines that represent your terrain contours or shapes. You can use any types of splines, including open splines. Make sure that each spline is in one plane only.
Select all the splines that you want to use for your terrain.
Go to Create > Geometry > SplineLand and click on the SplineLand button.
In the viewport, click and drag to create a Spline Land object. You can adjust its size and position as needed.
In the Modify panel, go to the Splines rollout and click on the Add button. This will add all the selected splines to the Spline Land object.
You can edit the properties of each spline in the Splines list, such as its name, color, ID, height, angle, etc.
In the Modify panel, go to the Links rollout and click on the Add button. This will open a dialog box where you can select external files or sources that you want to link to your terrain.
After selecting the files or sources, click on the OK button. This will add the files or sources to the Links list.
You can edit the properties of each link in the Links list, such as its name, type, target, offset, etc.
In the Modify panel, go to the Terrain rollout and click on th