Step 10: Configuring Streaming Layer Parameters

Objective:

Set specific parameters for each streaming layer to control how and when objects within those layers are loaded and unloaded.

Why This Step is Important:

Proper configuration ensures that each category of objects behaves optimally, balancing performance with visual fidelity based on their importance and size.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Access Streaming Layers Configuration:
   • Open the Scene Manager:
     Tools > Nature Manufacture > World Streamer > Scene Manager

   • Navigate to the Streaming Layers tab.
2. Select a Streaming Layer:
   • Click on a streaming layer you created, e.g., TerrainAndTrees.
3. Configure Size Parameters:
   • Size X and Size Z:
     • Definition: Maximum distance (in meters) at which objects in this layer are rendered.
     • Terrain Example: If terrains are split into 500m chunks (Split Size of 2), set Size X and Size Z to 500.
   • Medium and Small Objects:
     • MediumOutdoorObjects: Example Size X/Z = 250m.
     • SmallOutdoorObjects: Example Size X/Z = 100m.
   • Guideline: Base the size on the split terrain size, adjusting smaller layers proportionally.
4. Optional Y Splitting:
   • Purpose: Split objects vertically, useful for environments with underground or underwater elements.
   • Setting Split Y:
     • Enable Split Y if your game world includes vertical variations.
     • Define Size Y based on gameplay needs, e.g., 100m for small objects that might be submerged.
5. Define GameObject Prefix:
   • Purpose: World Streamer identifies which objects belong to each streaming layer using prefixes.
   • Methods:
     • Naming Objects: Prefix the name of each GameObject with the layer’s prefix.
       • Example: For HugeObjects, name buildings as Huge_Building1, Huge_Building2.
     • Parenting Objects: Nest objects under a parent GameObject with the ObjectParent script component.
       • Set the prefix within the ObjectParent component.
   • Example Prefix: Huge_ for the HugeObjects layer.
6. Set Scene Prefix:
   • Definition: A unique identifier for scenes managed by the streaming layer.
   • Customization: Can be similar to or different from the GameObject prefix.
   • Example: For HugeObjects, set Scene Prefix to HugeScene_.
7. Repeat for All Streaming Layers:
   • Perform the above configurations for each streaming layer you’ve created, adjusting parameters as necessary based on object categories.

Example Configuration Table:

Notes:

• Trial and Error: Finding the optimal Size X, Size Z, and Size Y values may require testing and adjustments based on your game’s specific requirements.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly profile your game to ensure that streaming layers are performing as expected without causing bottlenecks.

Tips:

• Consistency: Maintain consistent prefixes across objects and scenes to streamline management.
• Documentation: Keep a record of your streaming layer configurations for future reference and team collaboration.