I posted something in the MESH terrain forum with 27 replies and no answer. I was then wondering where I should start in terms of designing a local Municipal airport I fly out of. I have downloaded the SDK packs, GMAX, etc. I am overwhelmed and I can not find any websites with step by step tutorials for beginners.Thank you,Abe

Are you looking to make the buildings/airport structures to place at an existing default airport, or are you trying to create an entire airport where one does not exist in FS?Adam

Hi Adam. Thanks for the reply. I am trying to build the MESH around an existing airport and build the airport completely. It is an existing airport. I am having trouble on converting the SDTS data in a DEM file so that I can create the BGL file. And frankly I am lost on where to start with airport design. I am completely lost in all of the data available to me. Where do I start???!!!!Thanks,

Hi Abe:If you're asking for a recommendation in scenery design tools tocreate your hometown airport, I recommend the following programs:FS2000/2002:FS Architect 2002: http://www.pouksim.com/ The software is very easyto install and use. You can download a Freeware version for evaluationpurposes, plus a commercial version 3.00 build 14 is also available.FS 2004 Compatibility: FS Architect's main features for creating BGLscenery and mesh terrain ARE compatible with Flight Simulator 2004since FS2004 supports the legacy BGL format. Importing of FS2004 BGLfiles is not functional due to the file format changes. If you wouldlike to create scenery for FS2004, download FS Architect and try it.FS Scenery Creator: http://www.fssc.avsim.net/index.html FS SceneryCreator is my pick for a very nice freeware program.There are other FS2000/2002 programs as well, such as:Airport for Windows: http://www.airportforwindows.com/SCASM: http://www.scasm.de/FS2004:Gmax: http://www.discreet.com/products/gmax/ The gold standard forcreating objects in both FS2002 and 2004. The program comes withMicrosoft's Pro version of FS2002, or downloads a copy directly fromDescreet's Website.For modeling the balance of your scenery (airports, runways, taxiways,etc) you'll require additional tools. I recommend SceneGenX(www.airportforwindows.com) or AFCAD to handle this area of design.One final note of caution; the programs mentioned are in a constantstate of development, therefore it

The programs I use are:1) GMAX for modeling all airport objects2) AFCAD for altering the aprons, runways, parking etc3) Ground2K4 for modifying landclass and mesh.4) MSPaint and PaintShopPro7 for texture creating/editing5) ExcBuilder for removing the default MS buildings and objects6) FS2002/2004 SDK for export modules etc.7) TrafficTools fro creating airport specific AI trafficMy first step always of course is to visit the airport with my digital camera in hand and take all the necessary pictures.I have no knowledge of working with mesh from DEM data.Tom is correct in that there is a learning curve associated with these programs. I would be happy to send you a beta version of one of our latest airports. You could load it up, look at it and if it's what you are looking for, I would be glad to give you a step by step explanation of what we do.If you are interested, I would be happy to conference with you over Yahoo Messenger with a headset. This is by far the easiest way.If you want to follow this route, respond to the post and I'll send you contact info.Adam