Using MassZone to Follow Point Cloud Terrain

  1. Use the Continuous Line line tool to trace out the edge of a roadway in the point cloud. Draw lines on both sides of the road.

    2. Make sure that your line doesn't snap to an object in the air.

  2. Select both lines <Ctrl + click> and from the Multi Select tool panel, click Create Surface.

  3. Click the surface to select it. You can apply colors and/or adjust the elevation to position the surface slightly below the point cloud.

  4. Expand MassZone Options and then click Add Surface to MassZone. This allows the MZU feature to detect elevation and friction at each tire position. You can also adjust settings that include:

    • Ground Friction - Adjust aspects of the road that affect friction. Adjust for wet roads, dirt roads, gravel, etc.

    • Rolling Resistance - Adjust rolling resistance. Consider forces that work against the motion of the vehicle. Consider the vehicle's weight, gravity, inertia, and the amount of friction between the tires and the road surface. Wind can also be a factor.

    • Terrain Priority

    • Friction Only

  5. Repeat this process for other roadways/terrains on which you plan to add vehicles.

    6. The vehicle added to MassZone follows the terrain. Animated vehicles that are not added to MassZone adhere to the animation path until a collision occurs, at which point MassZone controls the vehicle.

    MassZone only follows the terrain for presentation purposes. All physics calculations assume a flat 2D plane, and gravity (hills, etc.) are not included in the equation. Full 3D calculations and gravity considerations will be added in a future release.