Over the past two weeks I have been working on the final user interface design for TerreSculptor.
This task included re-arranging some of the user interface elements to make it easy-to-use and more intuitive; the writing of additional custom Windows user interface controls; and setting the final overall color scheme. I decided to use the typical dark gray flat metal look found on most paint and 3D graphics applications, sort-of halfway between PhotoShop and 3DS Max/Blender. TerreSculptor has been designed mainly for use in 64-bit Windows Vista and Windows 7, but is currently compatible with Windows XP SP3, although some of the interface looks slightly different.
Remaining for completion before release to a public beta are two major features and around two hundred minor features. Best estimates put this at somewhere around mid-summer, we'll keep you updated on the progress here on this blog.
This design facelift also takes into consideration the future 150+ major features and hundreds of minor features that are already planned for the next versions of TerreSculptor.
The first release version of TerreSculptor will also include a set of visualization tools that include multiple Backdrop types, an overhead level design layout Designer, Fog, Lighting, and multiple Water types.
TerreSculptor is a 3D design application and not a game engine or renderer, so the visualization features and functionality reflect this.
With all of this facelift talk you have probably been waiting for the screenshots.
Here are three current shots of TerreSculptor. These are close to the final release look with only a few interface areas remaining to be completed.
The main application with welcome screen.
The main application 3D editor with a few of the scene "helpers" rendered in wireframe view.
The main application 3D editor with a high-resolution 3601x3601 DEM terrain and textured backdrop skyplane and textured water plane.
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