First, thanks for all those who contributed to explaining mesh, textures, landclass and scenery following my previous post. After references to FSGenesis I thought I'd try the freeware British Isles 76.4 m terrain mesh so I downloaded and installed the 2 included files in the recommended folder ([fs2004]\scenery\world\scenery).First question: how does FS9 recognize the new mesh? I went to the Scenery Library and 'Add area' and navigated to the [fs2004]\scenery\world\scenery folder, but no files were shown.I started FS but I could not discern any difference in 'detail' and the thought did occur that maybe FS' default resolution is 76.4 m. So, second question, what is FS default resolution?Third question: do I need any other files to take advantage of this mesh, assuming it's better than the default?TIA

Hi, Paolo!

I downloaded and installed the 2 included files in the recommended folder ([fs2004]\scenery\world\scenery).First question: how does FS9 recognize the new mesh?

Any bgl files you put into the Scenery\World\Scenery folder will be recognized automatically and do not require activation. Same for other subfolders in the default Scenery folder (Generic, Namw. etc).Also remember Great Britain is not Switzerland or Nepal, so you need to look around quite well to appreciate a good mesh.

maybe FS' default resolution is 76.4 m. So, second question, what is FS default resolution?

As far as I know the default FS mesh resolution is measured in hundreds of metres (say betwen 100 and 1300) in most places and 76.4m (LOD9) only in some areas with significant terrain elevation.The maximum mesh accuracy for FS9 is 10 metres (the best addons have it usually at either 9 or 19).

do I need any other files to take advantage of this mesh, assuming it's better than the default?

You can always enhance your terrain with proper landclass or, if you like it, a good photoscenery.As for the photo ground for the UK it might be the payware VFR scenery packs. I don't own any however, so maybe someone else could comment on it for you.

Rafal: thanks for your reply. As it happens further searching via Google discovered this website which answers all of my questions:http://home.earthlink.net/~smgreenwood/welcome.shtmlIt looks as though the default FS UK mesh is LOD9 which appears to be the same as the freeware 76M terrain I downloaded. Anyway, I'm a bit more along the way of understanding all this stuff!

Hi, Paolo!The maximum mesh accuracy for FS9 is 10 metres

Would you please provide documentation that supports that statement?gwillmot

You'll need to flirt over Scotland, Wales or pehaps the Peak District in the centre of England to see an appreciable difference in an improved UK terrain mesh. Whizzing around over flat bits such as Essex will probably not show any difference at all. If you check out where some lakes are, such as Derwentwater (roughly SE of EGCC, when you get to the Peak District if you fly about 25 miles), your improved mesh will probably show you that reservoir and lake textures are no longer depicted as running up the sides of hills, which can sometimes be the case with the default terrain mesh, as it isn't always good enough to be totally flat where water is surrounded by hills. A helicopter is a good choice for checking that kind of stuff out.Al

I think Derwentwater is in the Lake District, quite a way to the NW of EGCC, but not too far to the SW of Carlisle (EGNC) (about 25nm).Colin B

I think Derwentwater is in the Lake District, quite a way to the NW of EGCC, but not too far to the SW of Carlisle (EGNC) (about 25nm).Colin B

Yup, my bad, I meant Derwent Reservoir, I always end up calling it Derwentwater for some reason, and I wouldn't mind, but I know they are two different places, silly me. Anyway, the the big reservoir which 617 used up for practice in Derbyshire LOL.Al

I believe the default value for TERRAIN_MAX_VERTEX_LEVEL in FS 9.1 is 19 (LOD9). Values up to 21 (LOD11) work.scott s..