Apologies if this has been answered before but I cannot seem to find a definitive answer in the archives. Previous versions of FS seem to use a flat projected shadow that can only cover the ground. But after seeing NotASenator's water detail/Golden Gate Bridge video I noticed that flying under the bridge caused a nice shadow to fall on the plane (in addition to the plane

As far as I know, all scenery objects have been constructed to allow volumetric shadowing (meaning they are manifold objects) on other objects, such as aircraft. Aircraft self shadowing, on the other hand, utilizes shadow mapping. I believe that the intent was to have aircraft with volumetric shadowing as well, but they ran into problems with the more complex aircraft designs. Personally, I am glad that manifold geometries will not be required for aircraft - it would have been a cumbersome task to make all the aircraft for Eaglesoft manifold![edit]BTW, welcome to the AVSIM forums!Best,Owen

Wow that was quick. Thanks Owen for the reply! Good news indeed. I

My (crude) understanding is that an object with manifold geometry is "entire" or "complete" - there are no gaps in the object. Thus, any parts with different properties (i.e. windows) would need to be part of the fuselage object, but with different material properties. Many people make those separate parts at this point.I'm sure Owen or Bill can give a better explanation.Hope this helps,--Tom GibsonCal Classic Propliner Page: http://www.calclassic.comFreeflight Design Shop: http://www.freeflightdesign.comDrop by! ___x_x_(")_x_x___

>My (crude) understanding is that an object with manifold>geometry is "entire" or "complete" - there are no gaps in the>object. Thus, any parts with different properties (i.e.>windows) would need to be part of the fuselage object, but>with different material properties. Many people make those>separate parts at this point.>>I'm sure Owen or Bill can give a better explanation.>>Hope this helps,>-->Tom GibsonPretty good explaination, Tom. An easier way to look at it is a part is considered manifold when it is water-tight. Nice that we, as aircraft designers, do not have to worry with that. We will certainly be able to save a lot of polygons too!Owen