Can Gloss be Added to SU Object Exported to X-Plane?

BSquared18 · 23 Jul 2012, 16:24

Hello,

This question is for anyone familiar with using SketchUp to texture objects that are subsequently exported to X-Plane.

Recently, I used the projection method to add texture to the object version of an X-Plane aircraft. I then used the appropriate plug-in to export it to X-Plane.

My goal is to have the object "plane" fly in formation with the actual, look-alike aircraft

The object aircraft looks quite good flying in formation with the actual aircraft. But I did notice that while the aircraft version of the plane has the glossy look common with aircraft created in X-Plane Plane Maker (i.e., the sun shines off the skin of the aircraft), the object version, while the same color as the aircraft version, looks flat by comparison.

Is there a way--either in SketchUp or in Plane Maker after the object has been exported to X-Plane and included in the objects sub folder of the aircraft folder--that the object aircraft can have the same glossy look as the actual aircraft?

Thanks,
Bill

mitcorb · 23 Jul 2012, 17:29

Hi, Bill:
Sketchup does not support glossy textures, natively. I have seen someone (e.g. "hellnbak") create reasonable facsimiles of gloss highlights through application of small areas of SU colors. But, in general, surface effects like that are achieved in the rendering program of your choice. Look at VRay, Thea, Shaderlight, Indigo, Kerkythea, LightUp....
If X-Plane has an internal renderer, perhaps it can do this?

Did I misunderstand your question?

BSquared18 · 23 Jul 2012, 18:33

Mitcorb,

Thanks for the response. Excuse my ignorance, but am I correct or not that once a model is rendered in a program like Kerkythea, it cannot then be treated as a SketchUp model? My impression is that it no longer has the properties it had in sketchUp.

In an earlier post, I had asked about how to give SketchUp models a shiny, metallic appearance, and folks had pointed me--as you did--in the direction of programs like Kerkythea. So, I spent some time studying Kerkythea. It seemed to me that once rendered in a program like that, the resulting product cannot be worked on further as a SketchUp model.

Ultimately, the SketchUp model needs to be exported as such to X-Plane, where it is an X-Plane object that can be viewed and used in the X-Plane environment.

If my assumptions about the rendering process are incorrect, please let me know.

I don't know if X-Plane is capable of adding gloss to its objects. I'll look into that at the X-Plane.org forums.

Bill

mitcorb · 23 Jul 2012, 18:53

Hi, Bill:
Here is my understanding, though limited.
Glossy, and other shiny effects are a special function of rendering programs. Sketchup has a deliberately limited capability with regard to light.
If you export your model into a render program from Sketchup, you do not lose the model, nor any of the textures you may have placed as representatives of your final materials and effects to be seen in the rendered image. The rendering program has the capability to view the model and navigate around it, but generally does not have the capability to construct or edit the model.
Surface effects, such as gloss and reflection are actually mapped trajectories of photons, based on preset positions of light sources. Rendering programs are designed to accurately mimic the physics of light.
There are other folks here with a great deal of experience in this area who could comment on this issue.
I just felt the need to respond and maybe point you to a solution.

BSquared18 · 23 Jul 2012, 19:15

Thanks, Mitcorb. That's helpful information.

Meanwhile, after my last post I did some exploring and found out that I can edit the X-Plane object file in a text program such as Notepad so that the surface of the object is shiny. I tried it, and by golly it works!

But I'll keep your info in mind for future reference when and if I have a need to use a rendering program. By the way, I chose to look into Kerkythea because, being of Scot ancestry, I'm naturally attracted to free programs. However, my impression is that there's a long and steep learning curve with that program.

Have a great day,
Bill