Best Modeling and UV Mapping Techniques for my mesh

micahpharoh

OK, so I was reading about WWI and various memorials created throughout the world to honor the soldiers and families that were effected by the war. So I was inspired to draw up some concept art for what I had envisioning in my head. From there I decided I want to make it in 3ds Max, then import it into the UDK.



Here's what I have of the monument itself so far. Just a few minutes worth of modeling to get the proportions how I wanted.



What I want to know is if I should have each step as a separate mesh, if the plaque should be a separate mesh, and how to unwrap the UVs so that I can have normal maps and textures that show ware and tear on the edges of the steps.

Thanks.

Mark Dygert

Sometimes the best way to figure it out is to do it the best way you think, find the pitfalls and bonuses of that method and if you're up for it do it again another way. But I'll nudge in the direction I would start to take this.

micahpharoh wrote: »

What I want to know is if I should have each step as a separate mesh,

Probably join each step so the whole thing is one solid mesh. I personally would create a pretty detailed base mesh, take that into mudbox and detail it, a TINY bit.

micahpharoh wrote: »

if the plaque should be a separate mesh,

It will probably be easier to work with. Easier to unwrap and if its an entirely different material (like metal) it can help to have separate objects for each material so you don't have one complex multi-sub-object material but two less complex materials. Also if its part of the main stone mesh you have to worry about stretching and relaxing warping the plaque. Even if it was one flat piece I would probably still cut in the geometry so it UV maps easily.

micahpharoh wrote: »

and how to unwrap the UVs so that I can have normal maps and textures that show ware and tear on the edges of the steps.

anyway you like, but you should think about how you want to do the details. Do you want the material to be 100% uniquely unwrapped? That could be pretty costly, or are you going to use tiles? Or use a combination of unique details and tiles?

I would go the blended route with tiles doing most of the work, with strategic cuts in places to allow for unique details. Those seams would be planned out in advance.

It's great that you kicked out a concept but I would suggest that you also dig up mountains of monument reference. There are key details that those photos will have that your concept will be missing. Things like how water and the elements works on the various rock surfaces, cracks, people traffic, water stains. If you have metal parts how it oxidizes.

micahpharoh

I just got a bit of a start on the texture, but tell me what you think. Also, where should the smoothing groups be for this mesh? I'm pretty inexperienced in modeling.

Thanks