SpeedTree In Action
Just how much can SpeedTree do? We’ve assembled a number of executables, movies, and screenshots to demonstrate the power and flexibility of the SpeedTree family. Click on any of the links below and find out why everyone’s talking about SpeedTree’s revolutionary tree rendering power for games and animations.
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SpeedTreeCAD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does SpeedTreeCAD work with other SpeedTree products?
SpeedTreeCAD stores the procedural tree data in a proprietary data format (“.spt” files). These “.spt” files contain not only the information required to construct the tree geometry but also the data necessary for LOD implementation, wind animation, and cloning. SpeedTreeRT, SpeedTreeMAX, and SpeedTreeMAYA read “.spt” files and report tree rendering data to their respective applications.
Can I model my own trees or do I have to buy new trees from IDV?
SpeedTreeCAD allows you to model any tree you desire without having to purchase trees from IDV. All SpeedTree products ship with a library of example trees that can be used as a starting point for custom tree modeling.
Can I create my own leaf and bark texture maps?
Bark and leaf texture maps are imported into SpeedTreeCAD by selecting image files with a file selector. The images are completely under your control and are typically originated from digital photography, scanned images, or original artwork.
How many polygons are in a typical tree?
Polygonal resolution is determined by the tree modeler depending on the application. Real-time trees typically range from 400 to 3,000 triangles at the highest level-of-detail (lower levels of detail are generated automatically). Trees used in off-line renderings typically range from 2,000 to 20,000 triangles. Each tree in the library is represented by several tree models with different polygonal resolutions.
Can multiple variations of a tree be created from a single tree model?
All tree modeling is done by varying the parameters that define the general tree shape. Specific trees are generated based on an integer seed value. Changing this seed value yields slightly different trees governed by the general tree parameters. This mechanism makes it easy to add variety to your scenes.
Is it possible to make low polygon count trees from higher polygon count models?
Most low polygon count trees are created by modifying a higher detail model. The SpeedTreeCAD user reference contains a help page that details several polygon reduction techniques.
What data formats does SpeedTreeCAD export?
SpeedTreeCAD exports all image files (tree images, composite maps, and self-shadow images) in the Targa format or in the DXT compressed DDS format. SpeedTreeCAD saves tree model data in the “.spt” format used by all other SpeedTree products.
Does SpeedTreeCAD have any real-time specific features?
SpeedTreeCAD allows tree modelers to tune the automatic level-of-detail generation, preview both static (color based) and dynamic (normal based) lighting, preview wind behavior, and generate composite textures maps that contain the leaf maps and billboard images of multiple species.
Your demos have shadows from the leaves on the branches. How is that accomplished?
SpeedTreeCAD provides tree modelers with the ability to create what we call a self-shadow image. This image is taken from a user-controlled direction and then projected onto the branches. When a tree model is loaded by SpeedTreeRT, the projected texture coordinates are automatically computed and made available to the renderer via the geometry portion of the SpeedTreeRT API.