A new addition to CityScape in version 1.7 is PowerLine Mode. This mode allows you to manually create powerline networks to span across your world. While it is not as fully fleshed out as some of the other modes that are would be considered the staple of the CityScape feature set, it certainly provides an easy and simple way to add this essential layer of detail to any urban environment.

For this week's tip, we'll take a look at some of the properties powerline mode offers to users.

Starting a PowerLine Network

First, we'll start off with a basic terrain setting:

NOTE: all the widgets for PowerLine mode are specific to the current powerline network. In other words, there are no global parameters for PowerLine mode (at least as of 1.7 there aren't). Consequently, when you first switch into PowerLine mode or you deselect your current powerline network, the right-hand widget bank will be empty.

To create a new network, simply right-click and an initial post will be added.

No, you're not looking at it crooked. That post is leaning to the right! Real quick, let's place down a couple more. Be sure to have the first one selected before placing the next one so that they are added to the same network and get connected.

The first thing you probably noticed was that the wires were automatically added between each post. You may have also noticed that each post has its own attributes of tilt and rotation applied. This is because usually world creators would like a little wear-and-tear to their environments; if all the posts were exactly plumb the world would look pristine and unnatural.

PowerLine Parameters

As you can see, PowerLine mode exposes an array of parameters to the user. We'll look at a few of these, but encourage you to play with the rest.

Vary Tilt: Adjusts the range of how far from plumb the post can lean. Notice that the wires will accommodate to the changes appropriately.

Presets: There are three post preset types available. These can serve as the base for a number of variations. All of the powerline post types we have used up until now were from the "Small" preset. Examples of the "Medium" and "Large" presets are shown below:

Cable Sag: Adjusts the sag of the wires between each post. A somewhat drastic comparison is shown below:

Post Taper: Adjusts how much the post radius shrinks as it approaches the top.

In Practice

As you can see in the industrial sector of the city below, powerline networks add an important layer of detail to help make it look even busier and more realistic.