There are sources of data which put lot lines on places like Google Maps and Zillow.com where you know exactly where the property begins and ends. Bring that data as well as type of structure (single-family home, duplex, warehouse, commercial building, seaport structure) I think there is a good chance that XP10 can look amazing, given the right data to draw. The problem is that XP10's zoning algorithm is a blind guy trying to paint the next Van Gogh and he's deaf so you can't tell him what he's doing wrong. Give him the right direction, the right data, and we could have a masterpiece. I've been scouring all day trying to find sources of the right data, but short of asking where the data comes from on the other sites themselves (and getting a "like we're gonna tell you" reponse), the USGS and OSM data are about the only sources I can find, but I can't find one specific location for all data necessary. Maybe LR, with their corporate entity could yield better results or have more experience in looking for this sort of data. OSM data seems to have pretty good structure of data given the EU. The US shouldn't be a problem with the USGS GIS data, but places like Asia, Africa and Middle East are sparse as I can tell. Maybe Africa and the Middle East could use the existing algorithm where no data exists at all. Use a converter to convert and compile the Lot/Zoning data into a database from the various sources, then write a program that interprets the data for the auto-gen renderer.

OpenStreetMap is my favorite source, JOSM my favorite editing program.You can import OpenStreetMap roads, railways and power lines with XPOSM:http://marginal.org.uk/x-planescenery/tools.htmlYou can import OpenStreetMap buildings, forests and objects with OSM2XP:http://osm2xp.com/Of course, everything looks better if you add photosceneries:http://forums.x-pilot.com/index.php/topic/1394-osm2xp-scenery-generator-v20-out/page__st__60

OpenStreetMap is my favorite source, JOSM my favorite editing program.You can import OpenStreetMap roads, railways and power lines with XPOSM:http://marginal.org....nery/tools.htmlYou can import OpenStreetMap buildings, forests and objects with OSM2XP:http://osm2xp.com/Of course, everything looks better if you add photosceneries:http://forums.x-pilo...ut/page__st__60

I'll have to keep an eye on that. It seems to mix Austin's plausible world with the real world with good results. And this works with X-Plane 10?

I'll have to keep an eye on that. It seems to mix Austin's plausible world with the real world with good results. And this works with X-Plane 10?

Yes, X-Plane 9 sceneries are working great in X-Plane 10. Compared to the X-Plane 10 "plausible" world, you get much more FPS and it looks better.But you need:- OpenStreetMap buildings: check your location, do you have buildings in your town ? If not you'll need to add them: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners'_guide- Photo Sceneries (Here's a nice tool called GMaps)- Terabytes of hardisk spaceSo, this is not a solution for a default world shipped on 8 DVDs. ;)

Yes, X-Plane 9 sceneries are working great in X-Plane 10. Compared to the X-Plane 10 "plausible" world, you get much more FPS and it looks better.But you need:- OpenStreetMap buildings: check your location, do you have buildings in your town ? If not you'll need to add them: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners'_guide- Photo Sceneries (Here's a nice tool called GMaps)- Terabytes of hardisk spaceSo, this is not a solution for a default world shipped on 8 DVDs. ;)

Sounds like a lot of work. Maybe I'll just be content with default scenery for now. The links will make for some interesting reading some time.

The "problem" with openStreetMap is that there is not a lot of buildings outside Europe (sure you can add them, but it needs some work).But there are some exceptions, i will soon publish a video of Boston to show the difference beetween the "plausible world" and the openStreetMap generated one.

As long as the zoning data can be changed to be more realistic, i think it has a chance. ... The problem is that XP10's zoning algorithm is a blind guy trying to paint the next Van Gogh and he's deaf so you can't tell him what he's doing wrong.

I recall reading somewhere that X-Plane 10 developers were steering away from landclass tiles, because their resolution was too low to be useful (*in their opinion). This makes me think that the scenery engine uses some sort of algorithm based solely on how dense the streets are to determine the type of objects to draw alongside them.I'm assuming here, but if you have a lot of streets laid out in a grid, you get tenements and brownstones (see Brooklyn or Queens). A bit less dense and XP10 goes residential. (see Battery Park/Wall Street in New York City). FAR too few streets, and you get nothing (see the grass and tree lined piers of New York Harbor). Streets near train tracks? Maybe you get some industry? I dunno. There needs to be some sort of guidance as to what should actually go along the roadways - you cannot leave that up to an algorithm, especially considering that this algorithm does not produce plausible cities in the slightest. If nobody cared about the landscapes below them, X-Plane 10 would not be shipping on 8 DVD's taking up oh so many gigabytes of storage with scenery data.Here's to hoping things can be improved!!

Well, GEX and UTX changed FSX for me along with incredible aircraft offered thru the years. Also EZCA, TrackIR and Shade, RC just to mention a few. Maybe someone will drop in but it is all about return on investment. I have no idea how many will own XPX, but someone will do the math, and if it's not there it's not there. I personally think for the most part the scenery sucks (I mean it doesn't appeal me). Flying at night in XPX is a delight, partly because you really can't see the cartoon world. If some scenery designers get serious I may invest. No wonder FSX users are spoiled. It's like having a filet and lobster tail and then settling for hamburger helper.Hopefully it will improve, but no telling really where it will go as promises only go so far.Bob

I spent some time today looking around my area in OSM, all the roads are there but there is no housing information. I started to look at what my city's online GIS had to offer. While very good, it doesnt contain information about the houses, just the lots, so nothing that could be taken and used. Then again, thats just one city anyway. I look at areas of the UK and it seems fully populated with buildings. That cannot be guys just doing it for the fun of it. There must have been some cooperation with local government to import their data, or their local councils/governments doesn't have any restrictions on use of their data. I am guessing it's the same for any other area/city that is well populated. That to me is more believable than everyone in the uk has embraced OSM and put all their houses in it. So if there are not millions of little helpers doing it in their spare time what will happen to all the other areas where mass imports of data cannot happen? I guess they will stay bare and if OSM _is_ the foundation of XPX then I can't see it ever getting better for a lot (most) of places. Creating the scenery stuff is just not part of the flight sim experience that I get in to. I do lots of creation in other areas but in this hobby I just like to fly. I must admit that my enthusiasm is waining a bit here. As many people point out there is a base, and it's open so the potential is huge but being honest about it. XP 11 will be here before OSM has meaningful data for a lot of the world .

Xplane10 autogen is using roads, not osm buildings informations, to generate scenery.It's made that way because as you pointed, the majority of cities outside Europe (NYC for exemple) are empty speaking of buildings, and roads are the only thing in osm that has a good worldwide coverage.For cities with every building in osm , yes it's almost always a governmental source (boston : http://www.mass.gov/...uildingfp2d.htm) , some places are lucky like France, where the whole country has full building coverage, so you can have 100% realist placement of buildings using tools like mine(osm2xp) or future projects (XHT project).If a town hasn't buildings, well you can look for a way to get governmental data (Spain xplane community did that, and it seems they are on the way to get the data), or add them yourself/make a team.For very large cities it's gonna be a timesink, but it's very easy to do , i think with a few people you can cover large area in a few days :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6CNXmmUaB4