Texturing airport taxiways and runways

[russellbdavis]

Hi all,

 

I am a newbie using 3d studio max 9. I am creating runways and taxiways. I'm not sure how to create the markings of centerlines and other linework on the surfaces. Mapping textures of asphalt and other materials to the geometry is not the difficult part, what I want to know is the best practice for creating the markings. Square or straight sections I imagine would be easy by using tileable textures with the linework already drawn on them (such as centerlines). Perhaps 256x256 tiled sections. But on a curved section, is there an easy way to have a curved centerline? or will I need to create the art work on unwrapped UV maps? Any assistance would be appreciated. Or links to tutorials to guide me would be great.

[Pechara]

Why not just use some geometry for the lines? I guess this depends on your application of the model... Perhaps a combination of texture and hard geometry. Post some examples of what you are doing.

[cupsster]

I would second Pechara, go for combination of geometry for lines [just draw them in CAD] bring in as spline and make them 3d. Then map them with same bump as runway and you can use some dirt as opacity map to look them aged.. Or spline mapping etc.. Depending on detail level and proximity..

[JonRashid]

As an addendum. I would make my sections with geometry then render these individual pieces to create my texture. This would allow me to photoshop dirt etc on and the reapply these texture maps to simpler geometry in my scene.

[erickdt]

I'd draw the lines either in AutoCAD or Illustrator and then get them into Photoshop to add in some texture, dirt etc. and then planar map the whole thing.

 

E