GTA 3 Mapper 2.6 - by KCow
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Last Updated: 21/08/2002


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CONTENTS
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1. Introduction
2. Usage Notes - READ !!!
3. ToDo
4. Rotation
5. History
6. Distribution Notes


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1. Introduction
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GTA 3 Mapper is a utility for object placement within the Grand Theft Auto 3 PC data files! This is by no means idiot proof, and is meant to help those who already have a slight understanding of how the GTA 3 map files work, if you do not, then read the quick below!


IDE Files (Object Definition):

  These files declare the objects used and contains some data on the object itself.

IPL Files (Object Instance):

  This holds placement of each object, you can only add objects that have been declared in one of the IDE files.


WARNING: Adding / removing some objects causes GTA 3 to crash, so it is best to follow these rules:

* BACKUP!! Otherwise you might not be able to undo what you have done
* Add a new ipl file to hold your modifications
* Do not add duplicate items which have paths specified on them
* All items are defined and given an ID, make sure the name and ID are the same as defined in the IDE files
* Check the GTA3.DAT file to see which IPL and IDE files are used, as there are duplicates which arent used at all!


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2. Usage Notes - READ !!!
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Firstly backup the ENTIRE "data" directory in the "GTA 3" folder so if anything gets mucked up you will be able to revert back to a good copy without having to reinstall.

Firstly when you run "GTA 3 Mapper" you will need to specify your GTA 3 directory, it will only ask you once, then it will remember it.

You will then need to open a map data file or the "gta3.dat" file in the "GTA 3\data" folder which will open all the data files you need to view / edit the map. You might not want to open the gta3.dat file if you are just editing one or two files as this will use a hell of a lot of memory!

Click on the Eye icon or select 'View->3D view' from the menu to bring up the 3d view.

Click on the 'Controls' buttons to see how to move objects and move around the map.

You can click on the object to bring up properties of these objects.

Saving will only save the files which you have changed.

Also, please read the included FAQ.TXT file!


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3. Rotation
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Rotation is done using 4 values, 3 represent what axis' are being rotated, and the last shows the angle. For ease of use, I have included four buttons X,Y,Z,N to setup the axis of rotation. Just click on Z to select rotation round the Z axis (most common) and then use the far right slider to change the value of rotation.

For example, an object will usually have rotation axis' of 180, 180, 180 and an angle of 0

To make it face the other way, we click on the Z button (under the 'Rotation Vector' text) then move the slider on the far right till it says 180

The object will now be facing the other way!

To get used to this, I suggest you just experiment and see what works, as for complete rotational control you need to be able to rotate around more than one axis at a time, which is possible but confusing!


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4. ToDo
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# Pedestrian path editor
# Fixing bugs which hopefully dont exist :)
# Undo feature
# 1st person viewing
# Increased error checking
# Auto select LOD (level of detail) objects
# Key movement
# Possible texturing in future


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5. History
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2.6
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* Rotation now centers around 0 and not 180
* Fixed delete key on rotation values
* Selecting grid lines no longer crashes
* New add / choose item layout
* Update after deleting items not working properly


2.5
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* Allows file reload right click option
* Fixes saving the 2dfx section
* Fixes crashes due to some duplicate loading


2.4
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* Fixed access violation when changing model name


2.3
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* Rotation support! (read the FAQ.TXT for info)
* Allows add new IDE file
* Added code line in 3d view
* Fixes some value updating issues
* Mouse wheel works better on choose
* Added view grid option
* Asks save changes on exit


2.2
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* Changing position using edit boxes now updates properly
* Fixed 3d buffer causing Access Violations on Win 9X/ME
* On IPL file load, zooms in to first item
* Rotation changes take effect (but no dragging support yet)


2.1
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* Fixed SHELL32.DLL Access Violation on Win 9X/ME


2.0
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* Implementation of 3d View
* Model loading and viewer
* Add / Remove Objects
* Remember GTA 3 directory
* Can add new ipl files


1.4
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* Locale decimal separator bug fix


1.3
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* Bug fixes
* Better error handling
* Better current path finding
* Background defaults on
* Open dialog appears on startup


1.2
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* Radar map support added


1.1
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* Corrected Y-Axis (Was wrong way round)


1.0
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* Initial Release


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6. Distribution Notes
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I hope that this tool provides some use to those who are trying to develop GTA 3. This program is freeware and can be freely distributed as long as this readme file is included within the distribution. I take no responsibility of any damage caused by usage of this product.

Also, if you have any bugs, comments or suggestions then feel free to let me know. But please read the included FAQ.TXT file before mailing me! Thank you

       Name: KCow (Alastair Burr)
     E-Mail: gta3@chronetal.co.uk
        WWW: http://www.chronetal.co.uk/gta3/
