Recommended Addon for Ground Textures / more Details

[swiesma 313]

Hi guys,

 

I am relatively new to P3D (2 months) but I guess I have all neccessary addons right now.

The only thing which stilll is not up to my expectations is the terrain.

 

I read about some addons, mainly FTX Global + Global Vector + OpenLC.

As the price of these 3 Addons is pretty high, I wanted to ask if there are any other recommendations from the pro users in the forum  :smile:

 

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

And please excuse the bad english...

 

Cheers from EDDM

[Demious 21]

To start with, you dont need all three. If you're talking about textures, FTX global is a good one and GEP3D. It's a matter of taste, but I prefer FTX Global over GEP3D.

When you're talking about more detail, detail in the shape of the land, you'll need a mesh and on this forum you can find FreeMeshX, it's free and it's good.

Then FTX Vector is still a bit harsh on VAS, therefor I'm using UTX v2 myself, but that also a personal choice. I still use Vector, but for elevation issues only.

OpenLC is landclass data, it prevents repetition of the the same patterns of textures. You can use OpenLC, but UTX also has LC data, so if you'd choose UTX you'd have vector and landclass in one. But on the other hand, if the landclass of UTX isnt to your liking, you could always combine UTX with OpenLC.

 

But to start with I'd go for a proper textures replacement and there are cheaper ones, but I tried some and in the end I still bought FTX Global, since the cheaper ones indeed look cheap.

[swiesma 313]

Thank you  :smile:

So going for FTX global to start with is not a bad idea at all I guess.

[Nyxx 1,243]

This is all down to what type of flying you do.

 

If high

 

Start with Global.

 

Then add Vector (not out for v3 atm)

 

That's  all I use.

 

OLC is better but more strain on your system.

 

The most detail is Orbx regions they are the best but again they need the most resources to run, but if you fly slow and low they are the best for you to go for. 

[swiesma 313]

I am only at high altitudes except for deaprting and arriving  :smile:

777-only Pilot at the moment. I am into big airliners.

 

Btw: I installed Soft Clouds and PrecipitFX yesterday but only had the chance to do a very short flight.

The clouds look amazing! 

[Nyxx 1,243]

Then Global/vector is all you need!

 

Have a read thought my guide below in my sig on how to get the beat out of the 777, info on Vector in there also. Note it was written for 2.5 not v3 but 90% is the same.

[swiesma 313]

I already followed your guide. In fact this was one of the first things I found for tweaking the PMDG and v2.5!!!

Great work. Thank you again for this. But I only use the OPTIMIZE_PARTS=1 and this was set in v3 by default so I did not have to change it.

 

My sim runs great, only MyTraffic 6 is a bit of a hit on the FPS.... But I can live with this as it is only a problem in heavy crowded airports such as OMDB or KLAX.

 

Thanks again for your great guides and help!

[Nyxx 1,243]

Your Welcome, happy to help.

[Flic1 104]

I'll put a vote in for GEP3D and UTX. I think this combo is fantastic..especially if you do night flying. I used to have FTX global and vector (Vector for only a short time due to performance issues) on my FSX but decided to change over when I moved to P3D. FTx global does look good but I didn't like the way it looked at night. Night textures were barely visible and their 3D lights are nothing special. I do airline flying as well and you couldn't see cities as you flew over them which is very unrealistic. If you don't fly at night it's probably a toss up between FTX and GEP3D for textures. UTX much better than Vector but it is regional and does not cover the globe.

[swiesma 313]

Was looking for GEP3D and could not find any store to buy it from? Maybe I am just blind...

How much would this + UTX be compared to FTX Global + Vector?

[Flic1 104]

Was looking for GEP3D and could not find any store to buy it from? Maybe I am just blind...

How much would this + UTX be compared to FTX Global + Vector?

Flight1 has them...can't recall exact prices but GEP3D was about $130. UTX regions around $30 each.

[Clutch Cargo 108]

For flying high altitudes you might consider photoreal scenery.

[Psybear 12]

It's a personal preference thing. I'm partial to GEP3D and UTX and use openLC layered in.

 

But be aware that GEP3D and Global Base are incompatible. It's either or. 

 

Research, research and don't rush in. They are both happy to sell tomorrow or the day after.  :wink:  :wink:  :smile:

[swiesma 313]

So now I am really confused  :smile:

I am looking at screenshots of all sorts and cannot get to a conclusion...

 

Is there a difference in performance in GEP3D + UTX vs. Global / Vector?

[louisdecoolste 12]

Slight concern that even after all these updates, new ground textures for V3 is even needed.

 

Surely by now a sim this advanced doesn't need anything at all?

 

The advanced sim is just that, not intended for general simmers but for incorporation into much larger and more sophisticated hardware and software. Not really for fans of a particular aircraft type.

 

If they supplied no textures you'd be here complaning, but as thy reference aftermarket textures AND support photoreal, and it is intended not as a sim abut as a sim platform, I think you should be thankful they include any default aircraft, ground textures or autogen at all. And there isn't too much wrong with the default textures, if truth be told. :smile:

 

You're confusing `needs` with `wants`.

[onebob 59]

It's a personal preference thing. I'm partial to GEP3D and UTX and use openLC layered in.

 

But be aware that GEP3D and Global Base are incompatible. It's either or. 

 

Research, research and don't rush in. They are both happy to sell tomorrow or the day after.  :wink:  :wink:  :smile:

I have also gone the GEP3D and UTX route but don't you need Global Base for OpenLC, How did you manage to layer it in.

 

bob

[swiesma 313]

I think I will go for UTX + GEP3D.

 

But i saw that there are more versions of UTX, for different regions.

So I buy this:

http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=utxeurope

For Europe...

And this:

http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=gexp3dworld

 

Right?

But they sell only the Academic Version of GEP3D here.

I am using P3d Professional, any thoughts about this?

[sgreen91 75]

GEX will work with the Pro version P3d. It does not look at the version your running it just backs up your current textures then installs. If you have the UT addon you can check a button to make it blend seamlessly with GEX.

 

It's sort of like Vector works best with FTX Global.

[swiesma 313]

Thanks!

[vgbaron 1,211]

LM's sole purpose for P3D is purely for entertainment purposes and for flight simmers. Anyone who believes otherwise is blinded by Avsim eula topics that border on fantasy.

That statement is so far from the truth that it requires no reply.

 

Vic

[swiesma 313]

Could you stop the OT please?  :wink:

Thank you!

 

It is as it is: The standard textures are "ok" but far from good and I guess I will try GEP3D and UTX Europe.

[louisdecoolste 12]

Let us know how you get on. 

[swiesma 313]

Let us know how you get on. 

 

Sure but this may take some weeks  :smile:

Thanks again for all the input...

[swiesma 313]

So... I have gone the FTX Global + Vector + OpenLC way.

Installed everything (man, huge amount of data)... Then I started P3d without configuring anything.

 

I notice that the ground textures load in a strange way.

Do I need to set up or configure anything before using FTX?!

[haakeger 4]

So... I have gone the FTX Global + Vector + OpenLC way.

Installed everything (man, huge amount of data)... Then I started P3d without configuring anything.

 

I notice that the ground textures load in a strange way.

Do I need to set up or configure anything before using FTX?!

 

Probably you should get an answer to your questions in the Orbx forum, I do not think you are the only starter with such issues and they will help you: http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/

 

For all thinking of getting into FTXG: Orbx has 35 % discount on all stuff until year end, see here: http://www.avsim.com/forum/514-the-bargain-hunters-shack/

 

And if you want to read what components are needed for a step-by-step upgrade: http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/topic/74345-the-definitive-guide-to-ftx-products-the-go-to-source-of-ftx-information/#comment-681767