L3DT release 2.3b

Released on the 6th of November, 2005 (see announcement)

• Algorithms
  • Alpha maps can be exported for run-time texture splatting (see algorithms page, user-guide).
  • Shadows are anti-aliased (see algorithms page).
  • There is stronger erosion of auto-generated design maps.
  • The channelling erosion routine has been improved (both speed and realism).
  • Added the combine mosaic map and split map into mosaic options.
  • Added the clip heightfield option.
• File I/O
  • Added new export wizard that allows maps to be resized, exported as mosaics, etc.
  • Added native support for TER files in mosaic heightfields, plus the option to export as bitmap and jpeg.
  • Added a 16-bit PNG import/export for height maps (including mosaic export).
  • PNG support in alpha-map generation (8bit, 24bit and 32bit).
  • Deprecated old LMF and TNF formats (replaced by bmp, jpg, png).
  • Enabled internal tiling in HFF.
  • Added the HTML map summary.
• User interface
  • Reorganised the right-click pop-up menu, added operations sub-menu.
• Bug fixes
  • Fixed whitespace handling in climate file loader.
  • Added additional thread-collision prevention in progress map display (caused a cascade of GetPixel errors for two users).
  • Fixed PeakPass behaviour for maps with very large HorizScale settings.
  • Fixed some bugs in the Export to Enviro feature.
  • Fixed selection of directories in the file paths dialog.
  • Fixed bug in water-table flooding for odd-sized maps.
  • Fixed strange 'fringe' problem with volcano overlays.
• Structural
  • Implemented keyfile system, with some features restricted to registered versions.
  • Changed pixel index variables to 64-bit.
  • Increased the size-limit of RAM-only heightmaps to 8192 × 8192 pixels (64 Mpxls).
  • Increased the size-limit for mosaic heightmaps to 128k × 128k pixels (16 Gpxls).
  • Increased the size limit for mosaic textures to 2M × 2M pixels (4 Tpxls).
• Climates
  • Revised some water coefficients in the 'Temperate' climate to lower occurrences of mudslide-like features.
  • Added a modified temperate climate for very small-scale maps (eg HorizScale of 25cm) to better manage the water-table dependence.
• Eye candy
  • Animated transitions between wizard panes.