I have a little news for you on the updated Caucasus map for DCS World 2.5. A key part of DCS World 2.5 will be the unification of the Caucasus and Nevada maps (and all other future maps). In order to do this, we first need to update the Caucasus map to the T4 map standard (as the Nevada map is).
Initially, we planned just to update the file structure and field textures, but we later decided to greatly expand on that. Because the Caucasus often servers as the first impression for new DCS World users, we feel it important to have a more substantial update that matches map quality to vehicle module quality. While the attached summer season images are still very much Work-In-Progress (with a lot of fixes, tuning and some pretty big changes to still come), they do provide a glimpse of where we are going.
In the attached images, you may notice the following: updated / higher resolution textures for almost all terrain surfaces, airfields, and ground objects; new tree system for both forests and “urban areas”; much greater population of forested areas; several new ground objects with improved geometry detail; deferred lighting system; new water renderer; procedural grass; and improved shadows. We also hope to include a higher resolution terrain elevation mesh, but no promises on that. In previous images, we showed off how the updated map is looking from “squirrel cam” level, but today we thought we’d raise the camera up a bit.
Once the map update is near final with concrete poured, we can provide more details. However, prior to then, too much can still change to make any additional feature statements.
We share your desire to have “the great unification” happen as soon as possible, as it will make the lives of both developer and customer a lot easier. However, this map update is long overdue and will need to be completed before that can happen. We are still looking at this being completed by the end of 2016.
All in all, this is going to be a pretty extensive update to the map and we think will breath some new life into this region for both past and future missions. Best of all, we are providing this extensive map update for FREE.
More images found on the link above...
Nate
Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)
#4281255 - 07/23/1605:50 PMRe: Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016
[Re: Nate]
Very, very nice. Looking forward to flying over the "new" Caucasus. EDGE already was a big step forward, Starway's (and Barthek's) terrain textures further improved the visual quality. Here's hoping that a more detailed terrain mesh will make it into the update. The blocky mountains are looking terribly outdated by now.
"...late afternoon the Air Tasking Order came in [and] we found the A-10 part and we said, "We are going where!? We are doing what!?"
Capt. Todd Sheehy, Hog pilot, on receiving orders during Operation Desert Storm
#4281289 - 07/23/1607:59 PMRe: Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016
[Re: Nate]
Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,572LOF_Rugg
Senior Member
Very nice, and I am glad it will be included for everyone. It looks a good bit better.
Originally Posted By: cichlidfan
Nice. Free, however, is somewhat of a misnomer when the price of new aircraft goes up, while including less content.
Agreed, but previously the price was going up with more and more updates becoming paid. At least if the aircraft prices go up we are seeing a return to free updates. It is a better direction than what we've seen as of late.
#4281447 - 07/24/1607:51 AMRe: Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016
[Re: Nate]
Yes, it should. It's called a typo. Notice on the keyboard the location of the "r" in relation to the "e" and "s" and you'll see why the r got in by mistake.
However, I will say this is a mixed announcement to me. Like the original "we're putting DX10 into A-10!" announcement all those years ago, ED is the poster child for feature creep. "Let's put X into it, which will take 3 months" morphs into "let's put X and Y and Z and some G and a smattering of B and K, and it will only take a year!" Meanwhile, those waiting for X get disillusioned with the delays.
Is it feasible to release X first, then Y, then Z, and so on instead of tying them all together? I don't know. I just wish it was.
The Jedi Master
The anteater is wearing the bagel because he's a reindeer princess. -- my 4 yr old daughter
#4282808 - 07/28/1607:34 PMRe: Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016
[Re: Nate]
It's amazing to think that when I started simming, state of the art scenery involved a blue sky, green ground and a blocky runway. We have come a long, long way.
Edit> well I guess I was mistaken, the ground was blue!
Last edited by Paul Rix; 07/29/1604:35 AM.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
#4282912 - 07/29/1605:46 AMRe: Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016
[Re: Nate]
Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 2,477HomeFries
Air Dominance Project
HomeFries
Air Dominance Project
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,477
I remember the days of bombing triangles in F-15 Strike Eagle!
-Home Fries
"Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty." - Robert A. Heinlein
The average naval aviator, despite the sometimes swaggering exterior, is very much capable of such feelings as love, affection, intimacy, and caring. These feelings just don't involve anyone else.
#4282964 - 07/29/1602:33 PMRe: Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016
[Re: Nate]
I remember the days of bombing triangles in F-15 Strike Eagle!
Your base is black triangle, your target is brown triangle, your carrier is blue triangle (carrier??!?), MiGs are wireframe triangles...EVERYTHING triangle!
The Jedi Master
The anteater is wearing the bagel because he's a reindeer princess. -- my 4 yr old daughter
Very, very nice. Looking forward to flying over the "new" Caucasus. EDGE already was a big step forward, Starway's (and Barthek's) terrain textures further improved the visual quality. Here's hoping that a more detailed terrain mesh will make it into the update. The blocky mountains are looking terribly outdated by now.
I remember the days of bombing triangles in F-15 Strike Eagle!
Your base is black triangle, your target is brown triangle, your carrier is blue triangle (carrier??!?), MiGs are wireframe triangles...EVERYTHING triangle!