CompuServe Messages

>> Having imported a DXF into 3D Studio one encounters the time consuming task of mapping and texturing the surfaces of the model. This involves grouping the similar surfaces together and then sorting them into objects according to the surface normal angle of the constituent faces. This seems like a function that the computer could perform for us. Here, here!!!!!! I have personally been championing this very cause, as I find it to be perhaps the greatest weakness for architectural animations in an otherwise wonderful product. I find that often the mapping takes even longer than the creation of the model, and heaven help you if you change any of the geometries and have to re-apply mapping coordinates. As you pointed out, it's a simple matter for the computer to automate this process, and save the user HOURS of time. I have conceived of such an IPAS or routine to be included in the general 3DS interface for some time now. Indeed, if I were more familiar with IPAS development, I'd write one myself. I was even considering doing just that until the announcement of R5. I certainly would hate to write a routine that would possibly be included in R5's capabilities, and at the very least wouldn't be portable to the NT platform. I would certainly hope that YG will have corrected this shortcoming in R5, as they seem to be doing a wonderful job advancing 3DS so far. I just think it would be a shame to have to wait until the release of R5 to get this feature which is CRUCIAL to time-saving for architectural and similar meshes. I would buy such an IPAS in a heartbeat, and know several others who would, as well. (are you listening, YG? <g>)