Noobinator in need of assistance!

[Flarmapoint 2]

Hey guys :)

Ok, can someone explain this to me:


http://junk.kegetys.net/arma2naamat/hhl_01_co.jpg



How is it created?
why is it created, and why like this?
how does go from looking like that, to looking like it does in-game?


Thanks :)

[Abs]

Imagine you buy someone a gift. You don't want to give it to them in a plain, boring looking box, right? So you buy some wrapping paper, and wrap the box in it. The wrapping paper then takes the shape of the box - even though on it's own the wrapping paper is flat.

Imagine the box as being a 3d model. Imagine the wrapping paper as being the UV map. Imagine the decorations on the wrapping paper as being the texture.

In 3d modelling, when you create the model, there is no relevant information on the model on how to convert the surface onto a texture. This is taken care of by a process called UV mapping (which, in my opinion, is the worst part of addon making). If you try to texture an unmapped model, it will look like gibberish. Creating a UV map allows you to "map" the 3d model onto a 2d surface.

Once the map is laid out, you can then begin texturing it.

I hope this has somewhat clarified this issue for you. If not, feel free to ask more questions.

Abs

[Flarmapoint 2]

Hmm yeah, i think ive got it, thanks abs! :D


So that picture is a 2d representation of the 3d model? with the texture applied on top?

[Abs]

Something like that. The 'texture' is pretty much the completed coloured portion of it...so the skin, the hair, etc...

Abs

[Flarmapoint 2]

Right, so if i was to create a soldier, what software would i use, and what process must be done to get something like the picture i provided above?

[Abs]

It's really dependant on the software you use. Personally, I use 3ds max and use this program called Unfold3d (http://www.polygonal-design.fr/e_unfold/) to do the unwrapping. There are some videos that show you how to do it on their site.

Abs

[Flarmapoint 2]

Thankyou very much Abs for your help, its very much appreciated buddy :D

Im gonna take a look at this uvmapping thing, and see what i can do. :)

[Abs]

No worries, man...good luck!

Abs