README.md

VertexHeightOblateAdvanced

VertexHeightOblateAdvanced is a custom PQS Mod intended for use by planet modders to enable easy creation of oblate bodies via a simple PQS Mod, rather than via a heightmap. Additionally, when in the SOI of a body implmenting VertexHeightOblateAdvanced, two new camera modes will be added to the camera rotation after FREE mode to better support non-spherical bodies.

Installation and Use

• Install ALL listed dependencies, following the links below
• Download and extract the VertexHeightOblateAdvanced zip file
• Place the GameData folder into your KSP directory
• Once installed, simply add a VertexHeightOblateAdvanced node to the Mods node in your body's PQS node
• Using the following Google Sheet, find appropriate periods for your body to get the desired oblateness, based on body surface gravity and radius.

Camera modes:

• SURFACE NORMAL
  • Functions like FREE camera mode, but with the vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the shape defined by the VertexHeightOblateAdvanced instance. This eliminates the "uphill effect" that oblate bodies have.
  • Lerps to FREE camera mode when greater than 10% of the body radius above the maximum oblate height.
• GRAVITY NORMAL
  • Functions like FREE camera mode, but with the vertical axis aligned with the local apparent gravity vector, taking into account the effects of rotation. Surfaces that look flat and level are actually flat and level relative to gravity.
  • Lerps to FREE camera mode when greater than 10% of the body radius above the maximum oblate height.

Parameters and expected values:

• oblateMode: overall controller for type of generation used
  • Values: (PointEquipotential, UniformEquipotential, Blend, CustomEllipsoid)
    • PointEquipotential: Generates a point mass equipotential
    • UniformEquipotential: Generates a uniform density equipotential, either a Maclaurin spheroid or Jacobi ellipsoid deppending on energyMode and period
    • Blend: Multiply a PointEquipotential by a CustomEllipsoid
    • CustomEllipsoid: Generate an ellipsoid based on a, b, and c axis values
• energyMode :
  • Used with: oblateMode (UniformEquipotential)
  • Values: (Low, High)
    • Low: For the given period, generate using the low oblateness branch. Always generates a Maclaurin spheroid
    • High: For the given period, generate using the high oblateness branch. Generates either a Maclaurin spheroid or Jacobi ellipsoid based on period
• mass: Mass of the body. Optional if geeASL is provided.
  • Used with: oblateMode (PointEquipotential, UniformEquipotential, Blend)
  • Value: (greater than 0)
• geeASL: Surface gravity of the body. Ignored if mass is provided.
  • Used with: oblateMode (PointEquipotential, UniformEquipotential, Blend)
  • Value: (greater than 0)
• period: Rotational period of the body. Used with PointEquipotential, UniformEquipotential, and Blend oblateMode.
  • Used with: oblateMode (PointEquipotential, UniformEquipotential, Blend)
  • Value: (greater than 0)
• a: The primariy equatorial axis as a ratio of body radius.
  • Used with: oblateMode (Blend, CustomEllipsoid)
  • Value: (1 to infinity)
• b: The secondary equatorial axis as a ratio of body radius.
  • Used with: oblateMode (Blend, CustomEllipsoid)
  • Value: (1 to infinity)
• c: The polar axis as a ratio of body radius.
  • Used with: oblateMode (Blend, CustomEllipsoid)
  • Value: (1 to infinity)

Examples

• PointEqupotential

  

• UniformEquipotential Low

  

• UniformEquipotential Low

  

• UniformEquipotential High

  

• UniformEquipotential High

  

Requirements

• ModuleManager
• Kopernicus

FAQ

• Q. I'm not a planet modder? Do I need this?
• A. You do not need to install it manually yourself, but if you found this in your GameData, it is because a planet pack you have/had needs/needed it and so it was either included with the mod or auto installed through CKAN

Licensing

• VertexHeightOblateAdvanced is licensed under the MIT License