Caucasus Map for 2.5 Update - 23 July 2016

[Wags]

Dear all,

 

I have a little news for you on the updated Caucasus map for DCS World 2.5. A key part of DCS World 2.5 will be the unification of the Caucasus and Nevada maps (and all other future maps). In order to do this, we first need to update the Caucasus map to the T4 map standard (as the Nevada map is).

 

Initially, we planned just to update the file structure and field textures, but we later decided to greatly expand on that. Because the Caucasus often servers as the first impression for new DCS World users, we feel it important to have a more substantial update that matches map quality to vehicle module quality. While the attached summer season images are still very much Work-In-Progress (with a lot of fixes, tuning and some pretty big changes to still come), they do provide a glimpse of where we are going.

 

In the attached images, you may notice the following: updated / higher resolution textures for almost all terrain surfaces, airfields, and ground objects; new tree system for both forests and “urban areas”; much greater population of forested areas; several new ground objects with improved geometry detail; deferred lighting system; new water renderer; procedural grass; corrected river and lake parallax; and improved shadows. We also hope to include a higher resolution terrain elevation mesh, but no promises on that. In previous images, we showed off how the updated map is looking from “squirrel cam” level, but today we thought we’d raise the camera up a bit.

 

Once the map update is near final with concrete poured, we can provide more details. However, prior to then, too much can still change to make any additional feature statements.

 

We share your desire to have “the great unification” happen as soon as possible, as it will make the lives of both developer and customer a lot easier. However, this map update is long overdue and will need to be completed before that can happen. We are still looking at this being completed by the end of 2016.

 

All in all, this is going to be a pretty extensive update to the map and we think will breath some new life into this region for both past and future missions. Best of all, we are providing this extensive map update for FREE.

 

Thanks

Edited July 23, 2016 by Wags

[Wags]

Hola everyone,

 

A little update... today the Caucasus map for DCS World 2.5 had its terrain elevation resolution increased by an average of 400%. This has eliminated almost all sharp edges to the terrain; and it's added rolling hills, much more detailed ridges and mountain sides, and provided many new places to hide down low.

 

I'll try to post some images in the coming weeks.

 

Yes, this is still a FREE upgrade planned for later this year.

 

Thanks