Strange ground shadows

[N2056 33]

The shadow cast from my bridge is wrong. Here's a pic...http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/44663.jpgThe supports extend well below the waterline, with one adjusted so that it's length is correct(no change). I have noticed that the shadows from the supports seem to move based on my position, and not that of the sun, while the bridge deck appears to look like it should. Strange...Robert

[arno 1]

Hi,You mean that in GMax you made them longer then what we see in FS (they go under the water)? I never tried that, but maybe that confuse the part of the scenery egine that makes the shadow.

[spotlope 0]

Hi Robert,I concur with Arno. In this case it's probably better to end the scenery of the bridge at the waterline and not continue the supports below that level. The shadows seem to be taking the submerged supports into account and causing the strangeness you're seeing. Since the water isn't transparent in FS (and we don't have tides... yet ;-)) there isn't much point in modeling what you don't see anyway. That should clear up the problem.

[arno 1]

The only problem could be if the water is not flat :). I noticed this once when I was placing some docks at PHNL. The water had a curve that, what resulted in some pilars floating in the air and the others deep in the water.

[N2056 33]

Actually, I considered the possibility that the "underwater" part of the supports could be causing the problem. I modified one support to end as it should, but saw no change in the shadow. I'll experiment tonight with a few ideas and let you know...Robert

[arno 1]

That is interesting. Do the support end at an altitude of 0 in GMax?

[N2056 33]

Well, after a whole lot of trial and frustration, here's what I've seen. Currently the shadows act like the light comes from the plane instead of the sun. As I circle the shadows move. I have tried moving pivot points, grouping the whole bridge and adjusting the pivot point, changing the support lengths, and a lot of other ideas. The only thing I tried that made the shadows display properly was to export the bridge thru makemdl with "negate z" unchecked. Unfortunately, everything is upside down, out of position, etc. I really don't know what is wrong with my design...I've done a couple of other scenery objects that display correctly.Robert

[N2056 33]

I think I might have figured it out. The shadow "layer" is above the water. Check the pic-http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/45221.jpgIf I slew down to the water surface the support on the left is actually above the water! Also, the bases for both supports are at the same elevation in gmax. Note the amount of visible support extending below the right base. I think I can finally get back to building...Never give up!Robert