Gaea EAP 4776
Beginning the final descent to release!
Build 4776 is now available. Open Gaea to get the update prompt or click the Download link in your original purchase receipt email.
This EAP brings a large range of additions and enhancements! It also continues our final development phase.
Over the next few weeks, all features from our v1 roadmap will be added to Gaea, and we will be announcing the final release date.
In the meantime, check out the slew of features in this build.
Quickstarts
Starting with this build, Gaea ships with several dozen quickstart files that you can use to get started or simply to learn different techniques. This build has 30 files, with more on the way as we finalize certain nodes.
See the Quickstarts catalog here.
NOTE: We know several users are facing an issue where the Erosion node immediately crashes. To avoid crashes when opening Quickstarts, you can use the catalog link above to see which files use the Erosion node.
We are actively working on this high priority issue and will publish a fix as soon as possible.
Interface Changes
Streamlined UI
New Start Screen
The Start Screen has been redesigned for faster cognition, and to accommodate the new quickstart library.
You can also access online resources like the Helpdesk and the Gaea Facebook community from the Online Resources tab.
The Start Screen is now also available anytime through the main menu.
Mutate
The Mutate button randomly changes all the Seed values in the terrain file. It is a fantastic way to explore different shapes, and even produce multiple variations of the same “type” of terrain.
Auto Layout updated
We have revised the Auto Layout function to work with “terrain flows”. This means that the new algorithm recognizes the most common patterns terrain graphs use and will accommodate the nodes accordingly. Even the unruliest of graphs can be neatly organized by simply pressing F4.
If a node is selected, only that node’s children will be laid out — this is very useful when you don’t want everything to be reformatted. You can do it piece-by-piece. If nothing is selected, then the entire graph is laid out.
The experimental “Waterfall” layout can create easier to follow graph flows. Press F4 once for Linear layout, press it again for a Waterfall layout (when available).
Toolbox Updates
The toolbox now has three modes: Off, Compact (docked next to the graph), and Expanded (docked to the side of the entire window).
By popular request, we have added the shortcut of TAB for search. Just press TAB and start typing!
Other changes
- Loading files is significantly faster
- Mouse middle button now pans the graph
- Mouse middle button now pans the viewport
- Highlight nodes in toolbox based on frequency of use (optional, enable in preferences)
- Motion blur and vignette removed from the Ultra performance profile
- Viewport defaults to Medium quality
- Post Process panel redesigned
- Clamp post process has been removed (for now)
- Multiple nodes can be bypassed at once
- Preferences dialog has been reworked (work in progress)
Nodes
Dunes
Dunes is a new Primitive node that focuses on artistic dune distribution for ground level viewing. It is an extremely simple node with just two controls: Scale and Seed.
Fault
The Fault primitive can create a canyon of various shapes and sizes in any terrain. Control placement, size, deviations, and more with simple settings. Fault gives you a valley mask for further processing.
Igneous
This new primitive creates rugged sandstone terrains. It is simple to use, and works great when merged with Mountain or other primitives.
Voronoi+
The Voronoi+ node uses discrete Poisson clusters to create Voronoi cells. This can be a useful primitive for creating alien worlds, or systematic cells. The Noisey Edges option gives the cells a more natural look. It works beautifully with the Sediment and Deposit nodes.
Synth
This advanced node can create terrain textures from a photograph or concept art with a single click.
Synth can learn color patterns from an image, then allows you to process and modify the gradient generated from the image. The gradient editor provides minute control over every aspect of the coloration process, while post-production effects provide additional options for the final output.
HSL + BrightnessContrast
These two nodes are nothing big, but they’re very handy utilities. They provide basic image adjustments like in any paint program.
New SatMaps + UI
SatMaps has been missing a custom interface for quite a while. Not only does this build add a new UI for this node, it also adds 200+ new SatMap presets painstakingly created from data over the Atacama, Sahara, and Kavir deserts; Northern Canada, and Upper Peru.
Erosion + Rivers
The Erosion node now offers a “Rivers” option along with a Depth slider for adjustment. These are not big, majestic rivers but deep flows. They can also act as additional “channeling” erosion if you have a very tall terrain.
Directed Erosion: Toolset 2
Toolset 2 (final name TBD) is aimed at eroding extremely large terrains. You can combine this with standard erosion or erode the entire terrain yourself, piece by piece.
When you do it yourself, erosion becomes non-uniform. You get to guide flows and create handcrafted character into the terrain, not possible with traditional erosion.
You can see a video presentation of this on our Facebook community page.
Separation Mask
The Combine node now has a Separation mask. This is especially useful for Max/Min combines.
For example, here a mountain and sand dunes are being Max-combined. You can color them separately by creating two separate color maps and then mixing them together using the Combine’s Separation mask. The two areas are kept clean and segregated.
Other Changes
- File node recognizes SVG files (simplified SVG recommended)
- Perlin and Voronoi now have X/Y scaling
- BiasGain processing fixed
- Zero Borders introduces an additional mode
- Threshold node now has two modes, and an invert option
- Placer has been renamed to Transform
- Rotator has been retired; use Transform instead
- Square mode in Gradient has been retired (for now)
Known Issues
- The Erosion node and Directed Erosion Toolset 2 may crash on certain PCs. We’re investigating this issue.
- Biome may show some unnecessary noise.
- Due to structural changes in the file format, old files may not fully work with this new build.
