Overview

Since version 0.84 it is possible to add static objects into Tacview world. For now, you are only able to display simple predefined shapes. But despite the very basic aspect of this functionality, it can be really useful when you want to display the following objects into your missions:

Transparent static object

• Buildings & static targets
• Radar ranges
• Navpoints
• Air corridors
• ILS glides
• Borders
• ...

As you can guess, this feature can dramatically improve your missions debriefings by helping you showing conflict areas, SAM sites, interdiction zones...

This can also be a powerful tool to control trainee's training flights: Because now, you can visually check if each plane follows or not the defined flight plan by remaining in the flight path and ILS glide drawn as transparent 3D objects.

How to add static objects into Tacview world?

All static objects are declared into Unicode XML files, so this is really easy to share them with all your wingmen. In each XML file, you can declare as many objects as you want. The only limitation is memory and CPU/GPU performance.

Regroup theses files into sub-folders under /Tacview/Data/StaticObjects/ like in the following example:
(You can name sub-folders and XML files as you wish)

Start by creating a new empty XML file in the sub-folder of your choice. Then declare some objects like in the following sample:

Here the list of available parameters (some of them are mandatory, other are not, according to the object type):

• Name: (only if you want to disply a name) Object name.
• Type: (required only if the object is a special case like an Airport) Object type which can be Static or Airport
• Shape: (only if you want to disply a 3D object) Object shape which can be a Cube, Sphere, Dome, Tube, Cone or a Pyramid.
• Color: Object color formated as #RRGGBBAA, can be opaque like #79BBFF or transparent like #E0202062.
• Position: Object position on earth. Altitude is in meters.
• Orientation: Object orientation in degrees.
• Size: Object size in meters.
• BaseSize: (only for cone and pyramid shapes) Object size at its base.

Having a valid XML file is not enough! If you use - for example - Microsoft Notepad, remember to save your file in UTF-8 format. You can find the proper option at the bottom of the [Save As] dialog box.

Here some samples: EmptyObjectList.xml - Tutorial.xml - Airports.xml

What are the limitations?

• All theses objects will remain static. Typically: A weapon cannot destroy a static object.
• Currently, only basic shapes are supported. Support for complex meshes is not yet planned.
• Due to optimizations and visual improvements, objects colors may vary slightly in future releases of Tacview. However the shapes will remain the same.