Step 7: Splitting Your Terrains

Objective:

Divide your terrain into smaller, manageable chunks to optimize streaming and performance using World Streamer 2’s Terrain Splitter.

Why This Step is Important:

Splitting terrains allows for efficient loading and unloading of terrain sections based on the player’s location, reducing memory usage and improving performance in large open-world environments.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Access World Streamer’s Scene Manager:
   • In Unity’s top menu, navigate to:
     Tools > Nature Manufacture > World Streamer > Scene Manager

   • This will open the Scene Manager window.
2. Navigate to Terrain Manager Tab:
   • Within the Scene Manager, ensure you’re on the Terrain Manager tab.
3. Scroll to Terrain Splitter Section:
   • Locate the Terrain Splitter controls at the bottom of the Terrain Manager tab.
4. Configure Terrain Splitter Options:
   • Split Size:
     • Definition: Determines how many parts each terrain will be divided into along each axis.
     • Calculation: Total terrains after splitting = Split Size squared (for 2D) or cubed (for 3D).
     • Example: If Split Size is set to 2, each terrain will split into 4 (2×2) or 8 (2x2x2) smaller terrains.
   • Add Terrain Culling:
     • Recommendation: Keep this enabled.
     • Function: Unloads terrains that are behind the camera, freeing up resources.
     • Additional Setup: You can define a delay before unloading to prevent abrupt disappearances.
5. Initiate Terrain Splitting:
   • Choose between:
     • Split All Terrains: Splits every terrain present in the current scene.
     • Split Selected Terrains: Splits only the terrains you’ve selected in the Hierarchy.
   • Action: Click the appropriate button to start the splitting process.
6. Wait for the Process to Complete:
   • Large Worlds: If working with extensive terrains, the splitting process may take considerable time.
   • Recommendation: Avoid interacting with Unity during this process to prevent potential issues.
7. Best Practices:
   • Pre-Splitting Work: Complete this step before adding dynamic elements like rivers or digger modifications to ensure smoother integration.
   • Backup: Always backup your project before performing bulk operations like terrain splitting.

Troubleshooting:

• Terrains Disappear or Turn Pink:
  • Possible Cause: Shader issues, especially if using advanced terrain shaders like MicroSplat.
  • Solution: Refer to the Step 7 Note below.

Note:

• Handling Shader Issues:
  • If terrains disappear or display pink textures post-splitting, particularly when using MicroSplat, refer to the troubleshooting section or proceed to Step 8 for potential fixes.

Tips:

• Incremental Testing: Start with a smaller Split Size to test the process before scaling up.
• Resource Monitoring: Keep an eye on Unity’s Console and Profiler for any errors or performance issues during splitting.