Design Parts: Difference between revisions
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=Sketch= | =Sketch= | ||
[[file:ScSketch.png|64px|right|Sketch]] | [[file:ScSketch.png|64px|right|Sketch]] | ||
A sketch is a rectangle for displaying a picture. | |||
The sketch is not included in the design when it appears in the game. It is used only during the design process. | |||
The design refers to the picture by it's file path name. The picture itself is not embedded in the design. If the picture file is moved or renamed, it will no longer be visible. | |||
The designer must be restarted to see changes to the picture in the file, if changes are made to it after the picture was loaded by the designer. | |||
=Space Vehicle Landing System= | =Space Vehicle Landing System= | ||
Revision as of 23:36, 16 July 2020
Designs are made up of parts. Here is a comprehensive list of all of the parts that can comprise a design.
Some parts are only available depending on if it is a building design, spacecraft design, or other.
Barrier
Barriers created obstructions to movement and gunfire inside voids.
Barriers are not visible when the design is seen in the game environment.
Barriers create floors for things on top of them. Use barriers to create the floors of ramps and stairs. When creating stairs, it is much more efficient to make a ramp-floor under the steps than to create complex or many barriers to simulate every step.
Barriers can be associated with a state of a door or landing gear. This determines which barriers are obstructions when the door or landing gear is operated. It is ok to associate more than one barrier with a state of a door or landing gear.
Berth, Capt
Capt berth is the place where the captain sleeps. Only a human player can occupy the capt berth.
A design can have only one capt berth. Attempting to add additional capt berths causes the existing capt berth to move to the new location, instead of adding a new one.
The cursor depicts a space that is 1m x 2m. This does not establish any minima or maxima. The occupant appears at the center location of the icon.
The berth is not visible when the design appears in the game environment. The architect must create any geometry depicting the berth that is desired. Berths provide life support to the occupant so it is appropriate to depict a cover or capsule of some kind.
Berths are only placed in spacecraft designs. Berths are not used in building designs.
Berth, Crew
Crew berth is the place where a member of the crew sleeps. Human players and NPCs can occupy crew berths.
When crew board a newly assigned ship, they do so by recalling to their berth. The architect should insure they can find a path from their berth to every control station on the ship. The control station they are assigned is unpredictable because it is affected by the NPC's skill level.
The cursor depicts a space that is 1m x 2m. This does not establish any minima or maxima. The occupant appears at the center location of the icon.
The berth is not visible when the design appears in the game environment. The architect must create any geometry depicting the berth that is desired. Berths provide life support to the occupant so it is appropriate to depict a cover or capsule of some kind.
Berths are only placed in spacecraft designs. Berths are not used in building designs.
Berth, Officer
Officer berth is the place where an officer of the ship sleeps. Human players and NPCs can occupy officer berths.
When officers board a newly assigned ship, they do so by recalling to their berth. They sometimes like to sit at a command station but it is never required. It is considerate to insure the path network helps them find their way to any command stations aboard the ship.
The cursor depicts a space that is 1m x 2m. This does not establish any minima or maxima. The occupant appears at the center location of the icon.
The berth is not visible when the design appears in the game environment. The architect must create any geometry depicting the berth that is desired. Berths provide life support to the occupant so it is appropriate to depict a cover or capsule of some kind.
Berths are only placed in spacecraft designs. Berths are not used in building designs.
Berth, Passenger
Passenger berth is the place where a passenger of the ship sleeps. Human players and NPCs can occupy passenger berths.
When passengers board a newly assigned ship, they do so by recalling to their berth. They like to explore the ship so you will find them wherever they can gain access. Passengers cannot open locked doors but they will walk through any door that is open.
The cursor depicts a space that is 1m x 2m. This does not establish any minima or maxima. The occupant appears at the center location of the icon.
The berth is not visible when the design appears in the game environment. The architect must create any geometry depicting the berth that is desired. Berths provide life support to the occupant so it is appropriate to depict a cover or capsule of some kind.
Berths are only placed in spacecraft designs. Berths are not used in building designs.
Berth, Troop
Troop berth is the place where a troop assigned to the ship sleeps. Human players and NPCs can occupy troop berths.
When troops board a newly assigned ship, they do so by recalling to their berth. Troops operate the gun turrets of a ship but not its main weapon systems; they also position themselves at troop posts. The architect should insure the troops can find a path from their berth to every turret station and troop post on the ship.
The cursor depicts a space that is 1m x 2m. This does not establish any minima or maxima. The occupant appears at the center location of the icon.
The berth is not visible when the design appears in the game environment. The architect must create any geometry depicting the berth that is desired. Berths provide life support to the occupant so it is appropriate to depict a cover or capsule of some kind.
Berths are only placed in spacecraft designs. Berths are not used in building designs.
Build Zone
A build zone mesh describes the areas of a platform structure where buildings may be constructed. They also create floors for creatures and things on top of the platform. More than one build zone mesh may be used to describe building areas of a platform.
Build zones create floors for creatures and things on top of the platform. The space for 3m above a build zone acts like a hull void to negate hull obstructions.
Build zone meshes should form level flat areas for buildings. Buildings built on build zone meshes do not modify the underlying platform model, like they do when placed on natural terrain.
Site meshes of buildings built on a platform must fit within the bounds of the platform's build zone meshes. Buildings are oriented up with respect to the platform, regardless of any slope of the build zone mesh.
Camera
Remote cameras permit an avatar sitting at a command station to see from the camera's location.
Command station controls provide a camera on/off switch, then back/next sequencing to select cameras. The part number of a camera determines its order in the back/next sequence.
Remote camera icons provide location information only. They are not visible in the final model. Size and rotation of the icon do not affect the camera. Camera location is at the center of the icon.
To avoid tediously switching between many cameras, use an efficient number of remote cameras.
Console, Command
Command console provides a place for the capt or officer to command the ship. NPC officers are not required to sit there but sometimes they will choose to do so.
The default command console model is a chair with no screen. A screen appears when the person at the station brings up some control station for interaction.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the command station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding command station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Engineer
Engineer console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the power plant, maneuver drive, and FTL drive of the ship.
Engineer stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the engineer station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding engineer station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Fire Control
Fire control console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the equipment bays of the ship. Equipment bays typically hold weapon systems, though they can also hold harvesters and tractor beams.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the fire control station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding fire control station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Helm
Helm console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to pilot the ship.
Helm stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the helm station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding helm station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Medic
Medic console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to operate a surgery unit on the ship.
The medic station stores a patient location and orientation for the patient. The patient location is only a location. Additional geometry may be added to create the appearance of a bed or chamber.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the medic station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding medic station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Navigator console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to plan and establish a route for the ship.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the navigator station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding navigator station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Power Relay
Power relay console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to make dubious adjustments to the power system of the spacecraft.
Power relay stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the power relay station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding power relay station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Sensor
Sensor console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the sensors of a spacecraft or building.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the sensor station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding sensor station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Shield
Shield console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the shields of a spacecraft or building.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the shield station is required.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding shield station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Console, Transporter
Transporter console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control a transporter system of a spacecraft or building.
Each transporter station creates a new transporter system. Each station stores the location of its teleportation pads.
Consoles create a standard swivel chair and station screen in the final model that looks somewhat like an elementary school student's desk. No further modeling of the transporter station is required.
The architect must create the geometry for teleportation pads, if desired. Using surface effects, teleporter pads can be made to look alive when the transporter is in use.
User controls enable the screen to be moved and rotated for optimum viewing. Due to differences in avatar DNA, the last used position is stored/restored per avatar.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the console model, with the screen in its default position. The placement point of the console is the point at which the chair spins around when the occupant turns.
To create custom geometry for a station, there is a corresponding transporter station part that can be used instead of this stock console.
Contrail Emitter
Contrail emitters provide places for the glowing hot exhaust of maneuver drives to emanate when the engines are running.
Contrails emit a glowing trail as a space ship moves. On space stations, contrails are short in length and they point down toward gravity, as if the station were hovering there strictly on thrusters alone.
The width of the contrail made by the emitter is based on the size of the emitter icon in the design.
The color of contrails is an empire policy setting.
A space ship with no contrail emitter will get a default emitter. It will be centered at the aft extents of the design. The size will be about 1/4 the width of the design.
Space stations are not required to have contrail emitters. If none are added to the design, a space station will emit no contrails.
Decal
Decal parts are intended to simulate the decals applied to plastic models. They typically arrive on a sheet. They are stuck to the finished plastic model like stickers.
A decal's faces are textured like the faces of any other part. When rendered, faces of decals are blended onto the faces of underlying geometry. OpenGL is configured to enable decals to exist in the same plane as other surfaces, without getting culled or causing unwanted surface collisions.
Decals should generally be placed where they conform to an existing surface, though this is not strictly necessary if a desirable visual effect is achieved by using them otherwise.
Decal, Berth Name
A berth name decal is a rectangle for displaying the name of the person assigned to a berth. When the associated berth is not assigned, the berth name decal shows Unassigned.
Decal, Capt Name
A capt name decal is a rectangle for displaying the name of the captain of the spacecraft.
Decal, Empire Flag
A flag decal is a rectangle for displaying the flag of the empire.
Decal, Empire Name
A empire name decal is a rectangle for displaying the name of the empire.
Decal, Ship Name
A ship name decal is a rectangle for displaying the name of the spacecraft.
Door
Doors are used to interconnect rooms and to connect the rooms inside a design with the outside.
Doors open and close in response to players and NPCs. Each door can provide geometry for its appearance when open, closed, and several states in between for animation. The open state often has no geometry, which is typical, though it could have geometry, such as a door swung open. The closed state is usually drawn to look like it would block your way; otherwise it is confusing to players when they cannot move through the closed doorway. The geometry of each door state has no effect on obstructions; it just looks nice.
Doors have two door switches. The default location for door switches is the center of the door geometry. Door switches can be moved anywhere else in the design. They are not visible. The architect must create some geometry to give a visual cue of its presence, if desired.
Doors can be locked, to restrict who is allowed to open them. Each door can provide geometry for its appearance when locked and unlocked. When no locked states are provided, the unlocked door states are used.
Doors can be stuck in the open or closed state. Each door can provide geometry for its appearance when stuck open and stuck closed. When no stuck states are provided, the normal door states are used.
The open state of a door is associated with one or more voids. Those voids are only accessible when the door is in the open state. That is what makes doors work to permit movement from one room void to another or from a room void to outside.
The open state of a door is associated with one or more walk paths or ladder paths. This allows NPCs to find a path through the door, and to know it needs to be opened first.
Add more states to the door by right-clicking on it in the parts window. Change the state of the door to Open and change it's appearance to the way it should look when opened. You can add geometry, such as a ladder or ramp that deploys when the door is open. You may delete the open door faces entirely so the door vanishes when it is opened. After the states of a door are finished, that door can be copied and pasted to replace the default door in other identical door openings.
Interior Door Structure
The Interior Door Structure diagram shows how an interior door should be constructed in the design.
The architect designs two rooms where a door is needed. Room voids are added to each room; they do not overlap, which prevents people from moving from one room to the other room.
A door hole is cut into each opposing room wall. The shape of the door opening is arbitrary. The walls to be connected are parallel in the diagram but that is not a requirement. The sides of the opening are lined with faces to make a seamless passage between the rooms. A door part is created to fill the hole, appearing to block the opening.
Door jigs exist to make this connection automatically. They cut the walls, line the passage way, and create a basic door.
A room void is created that intersects both room voids through the doorway, creating a connection between them that a person can move through. That room void is associated with the open state of the door. Then the room void is only there and passable when the door is open.
That is enough for human players to use the door. However, Hazeron is populated by dumb NPCs that need a little help.
Walk paths are added for NPCs. Walk paths should be added to connect each room. The walk path through the door is usually a single segment that starts and ends in the room voids on each side of the door. The ends should place an NPC close enough to the door switch to operate the door. The ends must be inside room voids that are not associated with the door, so they can be reached when the door is open or closed. The walk path through the door is also associated with the open state of the door.
The walk path through the door should be connected with the rest of the path network on each side of the door, if any.
Hull Door Structure
The Hull Door Structure diagram shows how an exterior door should be constructed in the design.
The architect designs a hull and places a room inside where an exterior door is wanted.
A room void is added to the room. There is no connection between the inside and the outside of the design.
A door opening is cut through to the outside and a door part is created to block the opening. Use a jig.
A room void is added that intersects Room Void A and ends somewhere inside the door. The person going through the door is "inside" the ship while inside this room void, or any room void.
A hull void is added that intersects the room void inside the door and extends out through the door.
The hull void and the door room void are associated with the open state of the door. The association of both a room void and a hull void to a door is what distinguishes the door as a hull door. Then the room void and the hull void are only there and passable when the door is open.
Walk paths are added for NPCs. Walk paths should be added to connect the room void to the outside. The walk path through the door is usually a single segment from the interior room void to outside the door. The ends should place an NPC close enough to the door switch to operate the door. One end must be inside the interior room void, so NPCs can move there when the door is closed. The other end of the walk path must be accessible from the outside when the door is closed or open. The walk path through the door is also associated with the open state of the door.
In the interior room void, the walk path through the door should be connected with the rest of the path network.
Due to the obstruction model, it may also be necessary to add another hull void just outside the door (not pictured). Do not associate it with the door. That hull void may be needed to allow people to move close enough to the door to operate the door switch.
Fence
Fence parts create fences and walls.
Fence parts can only be added to building designs. They are not permitted in spacecraft designs.
Fences and walls are drawn as a series of segments. Each fence segment creates a fence part. That fence part represents a single section, with a post at each end; redundant posts are removed where multiple fences join. When a fence part is drawn in a design, it is not subdivided into nominal section lengths like when a fence is drawn on terrain in the game environment. The architect decides the location of every post.
When the building design is placed on terrain, end points of fence sections elevate to the terrain as it rises and falls due to site grading.
Fence Styles
Fences offer a selection of fence and wall styles.
Fences and walls are obstructions to movement and gunfire, depending on the style.
- Wood Posts - Posts block movement and gunfire.
- Tee Posts - Posts block movement and gunfire.
- Wire Fence on Wood Posts - Wire fences block movement of large things. Movement of creatures is not blocked if their max health is 100hp or less. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Wire Fence on Tee Posts - Wire fences block movement of large things. Movement of creatures is not blocked if their max health is 100hp or less. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Range Fence on Wood Posts - Range fencing blocks movement of most things. Movement of creatures is not blocked if their max health is 10hp or less. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Range Fence on Tee Posts - Range fencing blocks movement of most things. Movement of creatures is not blocked if their max health is 10hp or less. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Chain Link Fence - Chain link fences block movement. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Chain Link Fence with Razor Wire - Chain link fences block movement. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Split Rail Fence - Split rail fences block movement of large things. Movement of creatures is not blocked if their max health is 100hp or less. Gunfire is not blocked.
- Stockade Fence - Stockade fences block movement and gunfire.
- Sand Bag Wall - Sand bag walls block movement and gunfire.
- Brick Wall - Walls block movement and gunfire.
- Stone Wall - Walls block movement and gunfire.
- Custom Wall or Fence - Custom walls and fences block movement and gunfire.
Custom fences can only be previewed while on line. When off line, those fences will appear as a row of stakes connected with string. That is how a fence under construction appears in the game environment. Custom fences and walls are not currently supported as a part of a building design. They can be drawn in the game environment, using custom fence and wall designs.
Game Table
Game tables provide a place for avatars to play games with each other.
Game tables create a standard table with four chairs in the final model. No further modeling of the game table is required.
The default size of the placement icon is the size of the game table model. Changing the size of the icon does not change the size of the table.
Hull
Hull parts describe the solid parts of the design, visually and structurally.
Hull parts are the primary contributor to the solid portion of the obstruction model.
Jig, Cutting
A cutting jig is used like a cookie cutter, to cut the faces of parts. It is created by drawing the shape of the cut. The shape is extruded into a jig. Round jigs can be created to make round cuts.
To use a cutting jig, position it so it penetrates one or two parts. Not all parts can be cut using a jig.
Select the jig and the parts. Use the Design, Jig Cut command to make the cut. If the cut produces broken results, use undo, then move the jig or modify it slightly, then try again. The jig is unchanged so it can be used repeatedly to make additional matching cuts.
Jigs are no longer needed after making a cut. They may remain in the design for future use.
Jigs are omitted from the finalized blueprint and they cannot be seen in the game environment. In order to share a design with the jigs intact, the blueprint must be finalized as an assembly. Then no part is omitted.
Jig, Decal
A decal jig is used like a cookie cutter, to cut a decal that conforms to the faces of parts. It is created by drawing the shape of the decal outline. The shape is extruded into a jig. Round jigs can be made by entering a radius.
To use the decal jig, position it so it penetrates one part. Select the jig and the part. Use the Jig Cut command to make the decal. If the cut produces broken results, use undo, then move the jig or modify it slightly, then try again. The jig is unchanged so it can be used repeatedly to make additional matching cuts.
The original part is unchanged. The jig produces a new decal part that conforms to the faces intersected by the jig.
Jigs are no longer needed after making a decal. They may remain in the design for future use. Jigs are not visible in the game.
Jigs are omitted from the finalized blueprint and they cannot be seen in the game environment. In order to share a design with the jigs intact, the blueprint must be finalized as an assembly. Then no part is omitted.
Jig, Door
A door jig makes a door between an interior room and the outside of the hull. A door jig also makes a door between two interior rooms.
A door jig is used like a cookie cutter, to cut doors in walls. It is created by drawing the shape of the door. The shape is extruded into a jig. Round jigs can be made by entering a radius.
To use the door jig, position it so it penetrates two parts. They can be hull or room parts. Select the jig and the two parts. Use the Jig Cut command to make the cut. If the cut produces broken results, use undo, then move the jig or modify it slightly, then try again. The jig is unchanged so it can be used repeatedly to make additional matching doors.
A door part is created with geometry in the Closed state and no geometry in the Open state. If no other states or geometry are added, the door will simply disappear when opened. It reappears when closed.
Jigs are no longer needed after doors are cut. They may remain in the design for future use. Jigs are not visible in the game.
Jigs are omitted from the finalized blueprint and they cannot be seen in the game environment. In order to share a design with the jigs intact, the blueprint must be finalized as an assembly. Then no part is omitted.
Jig, Launch Tube
A launch tube jig is used like a cookie cutter, to cut a passage between an interior room and the hull skin. It is created by drawing the shape of the launch tube. The shape is extruded into a jig. Round jigs can be made by entering a radius.
To use the launch tube jig, position it so it penetrates a room and a hull part. Select the jig, room and hull parts. Use Jig Cut to cut the launch tube. If the cut produces broken results, use undo, then move the jig or modify it slightly, then try again. The jig is unchanged so it can be used repeatedly to make additional matching launch tubes.
After the launch tube is cut out, a space vehicle launcher must be installed to complete the launch system.
Jigs are no longer needed after making a cut. They may remain in the design for future use. Jigs are not visible in the game.
Jigs are omitted from the finalized blueprint and they cannot be seen in the game environment. In order to share a design with the jigs intact, the blueprint must be finalized as an assembly. Then no part is omitted.
Jig, Window
A window jig makes a window between an interior room and the outside of the hull. A window jig also makes a window between two interior rooms.
A window jig is used like a cookie cutter, to cut windows in walls. It is created by drawing the shape of the window. The shape is extruded into a jig. Round jigs can be made by entering a radius.
To use the window jig, position it so it penetrates one or two parts. They can be hull or room parts. When only one part is penetrated, it must be a hull. Select the jig and the parts. Use the Jig Cut command to make the cut. If the cut produces broken results, use undo, then move the jig or modify it slightly, then try again. The jig is unchanged so it can be used repeatedly to make additional matching windows.
A pane of glass is created from the cut of each part. Glass is optional and it may be deleted, moved, or used in any way you like. When only a hull part is cut, the glass is translucent and only decorative. Windows glow when inside lighting is on, including decorative windows.
Jigs are no longer needed after windows are cut. They may remain in the design for future use. Jigs are not visible in the game.
Jigs are omitted from the finalized blueprint and they cannot be seen in the game environment. In order to share a design with the jigs intact, the blueprint must be finalized as an assembly. Then no part is omitted.
Landing Gear
Light Bulb
Light Lens
Mesh
Panel, Capacitor
Panel, FTL Drive
Panel, Life Support
Panel, Maneuver Drive
Panel, Power Plant
Panel, Sensor
Panel, Shield
Panel, Weapon
Parking Spot, Ground Vehicle
Parking Spot, Spacecraft
Parking Spot, Space Rocket
Parking Spot, Space Vehicle
Parking Spot, Water Vehicle
Path, Ladder
Path, Walk
Pod Bay
Post, Citizen
Post, Livestock
Post, Troop
Room
Rotating Beacon Lens
Shrub
Site
Sketch
A sketch is a rectangle for displaying a picture.
The sketch is not included in the design when it appears in the game. It is used only during the design process.
The design refers to the picture by it's file path name. The picture itself is not embedded in the design. If the picture file is moved or renamed, it will no longer be visible.
The designer must be restarted to see changes to the picture in the file, if changes are made to it after the picture was loaded by the designer.
Space Vehicle Landing System
Space Vehicle Launcher
Station, Command
Command station provides a place for the capt or officer to command the ship. NPC officers are not required to sit there but sometimes they will choose to do so.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding command console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Designer
Designer console provides a place for an avatar to enter a designer instance while aboard a spacecraft.
Each designer station accesses a separate designer instance aboard the same ship.
Designer stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings. Designers in buildings are entered using the Building window.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
The occupant of the designer instance never actually appears in the station operator's position. They disappear from the game universe when they enter the designer and they exit the designer back to where they were when they entered the designer.
Station, Engineer
Engineer console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the power plant, maneuver drive, and FTL drive of the ship.
Engineer stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding engineer console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Fire Control
Fire control console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the equipment bays of the ship. Equipment bays typically hold weapon systems, though they can also hold harvesters and tractor beams.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding fire control console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Helm
Helm console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to pilot the ship.
Helm stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding helm console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Medic
Medic console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to operate a surgery unit on the ship.
The medic station stores a patient location and orientation for the patient. The patient location is only a location. Additional geometry may be added to create the appearance of a bed or chamber.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding medic console part that can be used instead of this station.
Navigator console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to plan and establish a route for the ship.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding navigator console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Power Relay
Power relay console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to make dubious adjustments to the power system of the spacecraft.
Power relay stations are only for spacecraft designs; they cannot be placed in buildings.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding power relay console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Sensor
Sensor console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the sensors of a spacecraft or building.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding sensor console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Shield
Shield console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control the shields of a spacecraft or building.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding shield console part that can be used instead of this station.
Station, Transporter
Transporter console provides a place for an avatar or NPC crew to control a transporter system of a spacecraft or building.
Each transporter station creates a new transporter system. Each station stores the location of its teleportation pads.
The architect must create the geometry for teleportation pads, if desired. Using surface effects, teleporter pads can be made to look alive when the transporter is in use.
Stations store the location of their screen and occupant. They do not provide any additional geometry in the final model, other than the screen itself. The architect draws the geometry surrounding the screen and possibly a chair.
To create a station that provides its own generic geometry, there is a corresponding transporter console part that can be used instead of this station.
Status, Alert
Status, Life Support
Status, Mission
Status, World Map
Strobe Lens
Tree
Turbo Lift
Turbo lifts work like elevators. They move from one stop to another, at the request of the passengers. Unlike a real elevator, a turbo lift teleports instantly to each stop.
This enables separate interior sections of a design to be connected in a way that feels contiguous to players. Turbo lifts also enable separate sections to be interconnected when the geometry to create the passage ways between them might be difficult or impossible to make.
Turret
Void, Environment
Void, Room
Room voids exclude or erase portions of the obstruction model. Objects inside a room void are never considered to be blocked by the hull obstruction model, though they may be blocked by barriers.
Room voids are not visible in the game environment. Room voids allow the visible room geometry to be complex while keeping the room void simple. Simplicity is critical for room voids, to minimize the CPU's work when using them in calculations.
Room voids provide a habitable environment. Objects inside a room void are considered to be inside the design.
Room void lights can be turned on and off.
Room voids offer a choice of internal gravity options.
Room voids enable access to the cargo hold.
Options for room void gravity and hold access are configured when the void is created. Room void properties can be changed afterwards using Part, Properties, Room Void Gravity and Hold Access.
Room voids are usually grouped with the visible room geometry of the room. That way, the room geometry is lit according to the lights in the room void. The name of the group is the name of the room that will be seen in the game.
Room voids may be associated with a state of a part. Doors associate a room void with their open state, to create a passage that is only accessible when the door is opened.
Void, Hull
Hull voids exclude or erase portions of the obstruction model. Objects inside a hull void are never considered to be blocked by the hull obstruction model, though they may be blocked by barriers.
Depressions and cavities formed in a single hull part may result in unwanted obstructions. For example, a thruster nozzle made from a single conical hull part would be obstructed inside the cone; a hull void could be used to permit movement into the cone.
Gravity inside hull voids matches the environment around the spacecraft or building.
Hull voids are also integral to describing a hull door. Refer to the section on doors.
- Faces of a void must form an airtight shell.
- Faces of a void must be flat, not bent. Use triangles to make bumpy voids. Do not bend quads or poly faces.
- Use voids sparingly and strictly limit the number of faces. Overall size of a void is not a factor; number of faces is the critical resource that must be minimized.
- Multiple voids with few faces is strongly preferred over elaborate voids with many faces. It is far better to intersect two long boxes than to make a single cross shaped void.
- Voids may overlap other voids, allowing movement from one void to the next. A small amount of overlap is more reliable than trying to abut them perfectly and it's easier to draw.
- Hull voids should extend outside the obstruction model so there is no ambiguity when entering or exiting. Excess hull void that extends beyond the obstruction model has no negative consequence.
Window
Window parts exist primarily to create windows between the inside and outside of a building or spacecraft. However, windows can also be used to join rooms and they can be used for decoration.
A transparency value is assigned to windows. Transparency may be set to invisible. Invisible windows are not useful for any purpose.
Windows glow in response to internal lighting conditions. Transparent windows should be grouped with the room that contains them, to be lit appropriately.
Transparency may be set to translucent. Translucent windows are decorative, glowing in response to simulated internal lighting conditions. This makes them useful to create a facade, suggesting interior rooms where none exist, by creating the appearance of many windows.
Translucent decorative windows may be grouped to cause them to be lit the same, as if they are all part of the same room.
Avoid situations where the player may see through several windows at the same time. This will often produce undesirable results.