LOFTEMPS.DAT - Revision history

Hobbes: /* See Also */

2013-07-23T04:47:12Z

Daiky at 19:47, 1 March 2011

2011-03-01T19:47:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 1 March 2011
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	{{tocright}}		{{tocright}}

	'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape. These are used for [[Line of sight]] (LOS) and line of fire (LOF) purposes.		'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape. These are used for [[Line of sight]] (LOS) (to see units, terrain uses MCD[31]) and line of fire (LOF) purposes.

	The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for tiles defined in the [[MCD\|MCD files]], to create 3D 16x16x24 objects for each.		The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for tiles defined in the [[MCD\|MCD files]], to create 3D 16x16x24 objects for each.

Bomb Bloke at 08:05, 27 June 2010

2010-06-27T08:05:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:05, 27 June 2010
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	'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape. These are used for [[Line of sight]] (LOS) and line of fire (LOF) purposes.		'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape. These are used for [[Line of sight]] (LOS) and line of fire (LOF) purposes.

	The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for tiles defined in the [[~~TERRAIN#~~MCD\|MCD files]], to create 3D 16x16x24 objects for each.		The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for tiles defined in the [[MCD\|MCD files]], to create 3D 16x16x24 objects for each.

	Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.		Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.
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	==See Also==		==See Also==
	* [[Line of sight]]		* [[Line of sight]]
	* [[~~TERRAIN#~~MCD\|MCD structure]]		* [[MCD\|MCD structure]]
	* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/Map-Control-Data-MCD-long-Post-t1468.html BladeFireLight's MCD/LOFTemps explanation (StrategyCore forums)]		* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/Map-Control-Data-MCD-long-Post-t1468.html BladeFireLight's MCD/LOFTemps explanation (StrategyCore forums)]
	* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/The-Lightning-t417.html Discussion of the Lightning's glitchy design (StrategyCore forums)]		* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/The-Lightning-t417.html Discussion of the Lightning's glitchy design (StrategyCore forums)]

	[[Category:Game Files]]		[[Category:Game Files]]

Bomb Bloke at 10:02, 25 June 2010

2010-06-25T10:02:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:02, 25 June 2010
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	{{tocright}}		{{tocright}}

	'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape.		'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape. These are used for [[Line of sight]] (LOS) and line of fire (LOF) purposes.

	The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for ~~each and every tile~~ defined in the [[TERRAIN#MCD\|MCD files]], to create a 16x16x24 ~~3D object~~.		The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for tiles defined in the [[TERRAIN#MCD\|MCD files]], to create 3D 16x16x24 objects for each.

	Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.		Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.
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	The below images show the contrast between the Lightning's design, and that of the [[Medium Scout]]. Putting aside for now the rather large gap in the north-facing wall of the Lighting's LOFTemps diagram (refer [[LOFTEMPS.DAT#Blatant_LOFTemps_Bugs\|below]] for more on that), note that the diagonal "holes" (marked in red) do not exist in the Scout, due to the placement of pillars in the gaps. Click the images for a larger view.		The below images show the contrast between the Lightning's design, and that of the [[Medium Scout]]. Putting aside for now the rather large gap in the north-facing wall of the Lighting's LOFTemps diagram (refer [[LOFTEMPS.DAT#Blatant_LOFTemps_Bugs\|below]] for more on that), note that the diagonal "holes" (marked in red) do not exist in the Scout, due to the placement of pillars in the gaps. Click the images for a larger view.

	''(Note that despite this, it is '''still''' possible to see/shoot through most of those points if a unit stands in the same tile as a pillar - though the mechanics as to how that works really belongs on the [[Line of sight]]. Some of this ~~page~~ may get moved over there later, for now I consider both to be a "work in progress").''		''(Note that despite this, it is '''still''' possible to see/shoot through most of those points if a unit stands in the same tile as a pillar - though the mechanics as to how that works really belongs on the [[Line of sight]] page. Some parts of this article may get moved over there later, for now I consider both to be a "work in progress"). - [[User:Bomb_Bloke\|BB]]''

	<center><table><tr>		<center><table><tr>
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	</tr></table></center>		</tr></table></center>

	~~''Also to come, more examples~~ - ~~rather more common ones~~, ~~at that - showing how~~ the points ~~where ceilings~~ meet ~~walls are prone to~~ the ~~exact same problem~~. This is ~~how your troopers~~ can look out the ~~non~~-~~existent windows~~ of ~~your~~ SkyRanger, ~~for eg~~.''		Just as sight/shot lines can pass between diagonally adjacent points placed side-by-side, the same thing can happen when the upper or lower edges of these points only meet on the diagonal. This is a far more common situation (for example, it applies to every single staircase in the entire game), and is the reason why soldiers can "look out" through the (apparently solid) walls of their drop ships. Here are two side-on cross sections, one of the [[Skyranger]]'s troop bay, and one of the small two-story house from [[Urban_Terrain\|urban]] terror missions ([[MAPS_Terrain#City_Terror_Site\|map module 15]]):

			<center><table><tr>
			<td>[[Image:SkyRanger_LOFTemps_Cross-section.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|SkyRanger cross-section view.]]</td>
			<td>[[Image:Urban15_LOFTemps_Cross-section.png\|right\|thumb\|250px\|Two-story house cross-section view.]]</td>
			</tr></table></center>

			[[:Image:LOS_Test_-_Passenger_Ship.zip\|This sample save game for TFTD]] demonstrates how these diagonal joins can be "peeped" through. Turn the lone trooper to face the Triton, and she will be able to see inside it.


	===Blatant LOFTemps Bugs===		===Blatant LOFTemps Bugs===
	~~''Yet more~~ to ~~come: example images~~ of some of the ~~most obvious LOFTemp errors~~ in the ~~MCD files -~~ such ~~as the floating~~ wall of the Lightning, the ~~big~~ hole under the Triton's wing~~, the gap in the floor of~~ the ~~Supply Ship, etc~~.~~..''~~		While the game developers showed a large amount of attention to detail in constructing the 3D objects used in the game, there exist a number of errors. Here we have some of the more notable "gaps" in supposedly solid shapes, going beyond those caused by the diagonal joins mentioned above.

			These images were created using [[User:Bomb_Bloke\|Bomb Bloke's "LOF Terrain"]] program, which allows you to see the 3D shapes using the game engines themselves. Although still viewed in 2D (hence making it impossible to see all the details without "cutting away" certain tiles), this still shows many such problems at a glance.

			<center><table><tr>
			<td>[[Image:Lightning_LOFTemps_Hole.png\|right\|thumb\|240px\|The central northern wall of the [[Lightning]] floats out into space. Note that the soldiers can walk through the diagonal walls due to another bug completely unrelated to the LOF templates.]]</td>
			<td>[[Image:Supply_Ship_LOFTemps_Hole.png\|right\|thumb\|240px\|The [[Supply Ship]] has a hole in its hull, circled in yellow in the center image. It's even possible for units equipped with [[Flying Suit]]s to hover up through this gap and walk directly into the UFO.]]
			<td>[[Image:Triton_LOFTemps_Hole.png\|right\|thumb\|240px\|A large hole under the [[Triton]]'s wing reveals the aquanauts inside.]]</td>
			</tr></table></center>

Bomb Bloke at 11:33, 24 June 2010

2010-06-24T11:33:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:33, 24 June 2010
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	{{tocright}}		{{tocright}}

	LOFTEMPS.DAT is found in GEODATA ~~and~~ contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape.		'''LOFTEMPS.DAT''' is found in the [[GEODATA]] folder. It contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape.

	The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for each and every tile defined in the [[TERRAIN#MCD\|MCD files]], to create a 16x16x24 3D object.		The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for each and every tile defined in the [[TERRAIN#MCD\|MCD files]], to create a 16x16x24 3D object.
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	Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.		Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.

	In UFO there are 112 entries, 3,584 bytes in total (or, in TFTD, 114 entries spanning 3,648 bytes). TFTD stores the LOFTEMPS tables in the [[TERRAIN]] folder, but also keeps a copy of UFO's version in ~~it's~~ original location - though this old version is unused.		In UFO there are 112 entries, 3,584 bytes in total (or, in TFTD, 114 entries spanning 3,648 bytes). TFTD stores the LOFTEMPS tables in the [[TERRAIN]] folder, but also keeps a copy of UFO's version in its original location - though this old version is unused.


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	==Template Oddities==		==Template Oddities==
	~~''I'll write more here later; I intend~~ to ~~cover how it is possible~~ to ~~both~~ see ~~and~~ shoot ~~through these 3D objects on a~~ diagonal ~~angle, plus show example images~~ of ~~some of the more blatant LOFTemp errors~~ in the ~~MCD files - such~~ as ~~the floating wall of the Lightning, the big hole under the Triton's wing, the gap in the floor of the Supply Ship, etc..~~.''		===Diagonal Processing===
			If two "solid" points of a template are placed next to each other, horizontally or vertically, then there will be no way to see/shoot between them. This is not the case, however, if they are only connected diagonally. This is why no diagonal "lines" of a single pixel in width exist within the template tables (as they would be very ineffective at blocking sight/bullets).

			However, a problem occurs when placing two templates next to each other on the diagonal: You can't "widen" them at the meeting point, so at that exact spot there'll be two "solid" template points that ''only'' touch on the diagonal. Units can see/shoot right through these! Quite a few examples of this occur in the wall layout of the [[Lightning]] craft, while in (most) other cases such gaps are blocked off using additional tiles.

	~~==Additional Information==~~		The below images show the contrast between the Lightning's design, and that of the [[Medium Scout]]. Putting aside for now the rather large gap in the north-facing wall of the Lighting's LOFTemps diagram (refer [[LOFTEMPS.DAT#Blatant_LOFTemps_Bugs\|below]] for more on that), note that the diagonal "holes" (marked in red) do not exist in the Scout, due to the placement of pillars in the gaps. Click the images for a larger view.
	~~BladeFireLight has written detailed information~~ of the ~~MCD files and~~ the LOFTEMPS.DAT, ~~which can be found on this link: [http://www~~.~~strategycore~~.~~co.uk/forums/Map-Control-Data-MCD-long-Post-t1468.html Map Control Data (MCD)]~~

	==~~Images~~==		''(Note that despite this, it is '''still''' possible to see/shoot through most of those points if a unit stands in the same tile as a pillar - though the mechanics as to how that works really belongs on the [[Line of sight]]. Some of this page may get moved over there later, for now I consider both to be a "work in progress").''

			<center><table><tr>
			<td>[[Image:Lightning_LOFTemps_Topview.png\|right\|thumb\|150px\|Lightning LOFTemps wall layout; top-down view.]]</td>
			<td>[[Image:LIGHTNIN-L1.PNG\|right\|thumb\|150px\|Lightning as presented graphically.]]</td>
			<td>[[Image:Medium_Scout_LOFTemps_Topview.png\|right\|thumb\|150px\|Medium Scout LOFTemps wall layout; top-down view.]]</td>
			<td>[[Image:UFO_110MAP-L1.JPG\|right\|thumb\|150px\|Medium Scout as presented graphically.]]</td>
			</tr></table></center>

			''Also to come, more examples - rather more common ones, at that - showing how the points where ceilings meet walls are prone to the exact same problem. This is how your troopers can look out the non-existent windows of your SkyRanger, for eg.''

			===Blatant LOFTemps Bugs===
			''Yet more to come: example images of some of the most obvious LOFTemp errors in the MCD files - such as the floating wall of the Lightning, the big hole under the Triton's wing, the gap in the floor of the Supply Ship, etc...''


			==Template Tables==
	===UFO===		===UFO===
	Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):		Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):
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	[[Image:Loftemps_TFTD.png]]		[[Image:Loftemps_TFTD.png]]


			==See Also==
			* [[Line of sight]]
			* [[TERRAIN#MCD\|MCD structure]]
			* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/Map-Control-Data-MCD-long-Post-t1468.html BladeFireLight's MCD/LOFTemps explanation (StrategyCore forums)]
			* [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/The-Lightning-t417.html Discussion of the Lightning's glitchy design (StrategyCore forums)]

	[[Category:Game Files]]		[[Category:Game Files]]

Bomb Bloke at 07:25, 23 June 2010

2010-06-23T07:25:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:25, 23 June 2010
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	{{tocright}}		{{tocright}}

	LOFTEMPS.DAT is found in GEODATA and contains "3D~~" information on~~ the ~~map~~ objects.		LOFTEMPS.DAT is found in GEODATA and contains "Line of Fire Templates", used to create 3D representations of the creatures and objects within the battlescape.

	~~There are 112 entries~~ (~~114 for for TFTD), each of which are~~ 32 bytes ~~long. It is 3~~,~~584 bytes long (3~~,~~648~~ in the ~~sequel)~~.		The file is made up of multiple 16x16 bitmaps (32 bytes each, one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 LOF references for each and every tile defined in the [[TERRAIN#MCD\|MCD files]], to create a 16x16x24 3D object.

	TFTD stores the LOFTEMPS tables in the [[TERRAIN]] folder, but also keeps a copy of UFO's version in it's original location (~~unused~~).		Units are represented by a single LOF template, usually a round one, which is defined by offset 48 of the [[UNITREF.DAT]] record for that unit. This is stacked according to the unit's [[height]] (offset 49 or 50, depending on whether the unit is standing or kneeling), to create a cylinder shape. Note that "large" units, which cover four tiles, are made up of four such cylinders.

			In UFO there are 112 entries, 3,584 bytes in total (or, in TFTD, 114 entries spanning 3,648 bytes). TFTD stores the LOFTEMPS tables in the [[TERRAIN]] folder, but also keeps a copy of UFO's version in it's original location - though this old version is unused.


			==Template Usage==
			[[image:Loftemps_Example.png\|right\|thumb\|150px\|An example of a 3D tree made up of stacked LOF templates. Click for a larger view.]]
			Both UFO and TFTD are presented as 2D games, that is to say, all the images on the screen are made up of sprites. In the battlescape, everything is shown from an isometric perspective.

			However, the games are only ''presented'' in 2D - much of the actual processing is done on 3D objects (albeit primitive ones). These are defined by stacking the LOF templates stored on this file on top of each other.

			When a soldier crouches next to a short wall, for example, he may no longer be able to see over it if his head is now below the top. Likewise, he may or may not be able to see through the slats of a picket fence, depending on what angle he views it from.

			Likewise, these 3D objects also come into play when bullets fly though the air. If a unit is hiding behind a tree, the thick foliage will likely protect his head from a bullet aimed high - but a low flying shot may easily go past the thin trunk and get him in the legs.

			A soldier's head is positioned slightly higher then the barrel of his gun. For this reason, it is possible for him to be able to ''see'' an alien (that is, he has a valid "line of sight"), but not ''shoot'' it (because he has a blocked "line of fire").


			==Template Oddities==
			''I'll write more here later; I intend to cover how it is possible to both see and shoot through these 3D objects on a diagonal angle, plus show example images of some of the more blatant LOFTemp errors in the MCD files - such as the floating wall of the Lightning, the big hole under the Triton's wing, the gap in the floor of the Supply Ship, etc...''

	~~The file creates 16x16 bitmaps (one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 loft references in the MCD files to create a 16x16x24 3D object.~~

	==Additional Information==		==Additional Information==

Zombie: /* Additional Information */ Fixed link.

2008-08-25T03:31:53Z

Additional Information: Fixed link.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:31, 25 August 2008
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	==Additional Information==		==Additional Information==
	BladeFireLight has written detailed information of the MCD files and the LOFTEMPS.DAT, which can be found on this link: [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/~~lofiversion/index.php?~~t1468.html Map Control Data (MCD)]		BladeFireLight has written detailed information of the MCD files and the LOFTEMPS.DAT, which can be found on this link: [http://www.strategycore.co.uk/forums/Map-Control-Data-MCD-long-Post-t1468.html Map Control Data (MCD)]

	==Images==		==Images==

Bomb Bloke: /* TFTD */

2008-05-29T10:43:27Z

TFTD

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:43, 29 May 2008
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	===TFTD===		===TFTD===
	Here are the ~~112~~, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):		Here are the 114, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):

	[[Image:Loftemps_TFTD.png]]		[[Image:Loftemps_TFTD.png]]

	[[Category:Game Files]]		[[Category:Game Files]]

Bomb Bloke at 10:42, 29 May 2008

2008-05-29T10:42:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:42, 29 May 2008
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	~~==General Notes==~~		{{tocright}}
	~~LOFTEMPS.DAT is found in GEODATA and contains "3D" information on the map objects.~~

	~~There are 112 entries, each of which are 32 bytes long~~. It is ~~3,584 bytes long~~.		LOFTEMPS.DAT is found in GEODATA and contains "3D" information on the map objects.

	~~In Binary~~, ~~the file creates 16x16 bitmaps~~, ~~where 1 is solid and 0 is empty. These are then layered using the 12 loft references~~ in the ~~MCD files to create a 16x16x12 3D object~~.		There are 112 entries (114 for for TFTD), each of which are 32 bytes long. It is 3,584 bytes long (3,648 in the sequel).

	~~<i>Could be~~ double layered to create a 16x16x24 object. ~~- [[User:Bomb Bloke\|Bomb Bloke]] 04:14, 25 October 2007 (PDT)</i>~~		TFTD stores the LOFTEMPS tables in the [[TERRAIN]] folder, but also keeps a copy of UFO's version in it's original location (unused).

			The file creates 16x16 bitmaps (one bit per pixel, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty). These are then double layered using the 12 loft references in the MCD files to create a 16x16x24 3D object.

	==Additional Information==		==Additional Information==
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	==Images==		==Images==
			===UFO===
	Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):		Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):

	[[Image:Loftemps.png]]		[[Image:Loftemps.png]]

			===TFTD===
			Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):

			[[Image:Loftemps_TFTD.png]]

	[[Category:Game Files]]		[[Category:Game Files]]

Bomb Bloke at 11:14, 25 October 2007

2007-10-25T11:14:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:14, 25 October 2007
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	In Binary, the file creates 16x16 bitmaps, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty. These are then layered using the 12 loft references in the MCD files to create a 16x16x12 3D object.		In Binary, the file creates 16x16 bitmaps, where 1 is solid and 0 is empty. These are then layered using the 12 loft references in the MCD files to create a 16x16x12 3D object.

			<i>Could be double layered to create a 16x16x24 object. - [[User:Bomb Bloke\|Bomb Bloke]] 04:14, 25 October 2007 (PDT)</i>

	==Additional Information==		==Additional Information==
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	Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):		Here are the 112, 16x16 bitmaps (white is solid):

	[[Image:Loftemps.~~gif~~]]		[[Image:Loftemps.png]]

	~~Thanks to [[User:Bomb_Bloke\|Bomb Bloke]] for exporting them for me. --[[User:Danial\|Danial]] 15:15, 17 Nov 2005 (PST)~~
	[[Category:Game Files]]		[[Category:Game Files]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:47, 23 July 2013
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	[[Category:Game Files]]		[[Category:Game Files]]
			[[Category:Enemy Unknown/UFO Defense]]
			[[Category:TFTD]]