Road Lines at Intersection

[Professor]

Hello All...

 

I'm looking for some tips on applying road markings at intersections. I'm using Gradient Ramp and Masking to create road lines on the main part of the road, but scratching my head on what to do at the intersection where the lines fillet together and there usually are other markings as well such as stop bars, lettering, crosswalks, etc...

 

My thoughts so far are: 1) create additional polygon geometry at intersection and use multi/sub-object materials with map channels and different UVW's. 2) Create additional objects that sit on top of the road surface that will get the materials or 3) Photoshop the intersection linework in an image and then apply image to geometry with Unwrap UVW's. I'd love to hear some input on how you might accomplish this? Hopefully there are some easier and more elegant ways to accomplish this.

 

One other question... How do you guys apply multiple bump maps to an object. For instance, sidewalks? Using a bump map for the texturing the concrete and another bump map for creating the expansion joints with gradient ramp. Right now I am using Composite Map in the Bump map channel and then blending the two together with different opacity and blending modes. It works, but again, is there a more elegant way to accomplish this?

 

Thanks for any input and attached is an unfinished image of the road intersection.

[Corey Beaulieu]

Scott, Sounds like you have a plan for each of your questions. They all would work and it really is up to you on how you want to proceed.

 

That said, my usual workflow is for street markings is to just build them out of splines and then setting it in top of the road geometry. The paint in the street is usually pretty thick so I find that it has a realistic quality to it.

 

On the mapping question, I would again recommend geometry and then just use a concrete map. Otherwise a Tiles map using the concrete as the tile and the concrete map darker as the grout. Then use the same tiles map in the bump slot but leave the grout as black.

[Professor]

Thanks Corey! Those are both great ideas. I always like hearing different approaches to doing things. I like both your ideas and will give them a try!

 

Cheers!

[dande]

If you using 3DS Max design have a look at civil View. It has tools for road marking

[beestee]

I have done it before with polygons floating slightly above the road geometry and then turn off shadow casting for those objects within their properties. You could also use masks with this method to make the edges of the paint more believable for closer viewing.

 

A 'composite' map can handle blending different bump maps. It works much like layer blending in photoshop.