[Kopachris]

I'm thinking of writing a set of Python modules based on this code.  The modules could be useful for writing small cross-platform scripts that would help smooth out the development process for mods.  My main motivation here is 1) to make it easier and simpler to work with POF files in Blender, and 2) to make it easier to develop FS mods on Linux, hopefully eliminating the need for WINE.  Before I get started on this, though, I want to hear what you think about it.

[Rodo]

Well we definitely need more tools to mod in fs2, I can help you with testing.

[Kopachris]

Well, Kazan and Spicious have already given me their vote of confidence (not).  We'll see how it goes.  I'm definitely going through with the Blender import/export (I might have to use some C++ code from PCS2 to generate the BSP tree) at the very least, and probably VP and ANI modules as well.  I don't like using Collada as a go-between.  It's clunky.

[Kopachris]

Progress with the POF module is coming along alright (nothing to release yet, though)... but I'm gonna have to port the code over to Python 3 now that Blender 2.5 is out (and stable).  In the process, I'll also convert it to Cython so that I can compile it so that generating a BSP tree won't take forever.

[Veers]

Ive done about 4 years of Python (nothing much further than high school level though)

So I might be able to help out a little, if not. I would still be picking up on the advanced applications of it

[Bobboau]

interestingly I recently started working on a PHP (and AJAX) based POF project, mostly just because it would be super cool.

[Kopachris]

interestingly I recently started working on a PHP (and AJAX) based POF project, mostly just because it would be super cool.

Yes, I've been following it somewhat. Unfortunately, I don't really know anything about OpenGL or WebGL, but I do know how to deal with binary data files in Python.

Ive done about 4 years of Python (nothing much further than high school level though)

So I might be able to help out a little, if not. I would still be picking up on the advanced applications of it

Any help is better than no help!

[Kopachris]

I heven't been able to do much work on this recently because of school.  Now that it's summer, I should be able to do more soon.  I have most everything outlined.  Here's the roadmap, in case anyone is interested:

POF module
    rawData
    Other data structures (Vertex, Face, etc.)
    BSPGen
    Load POF
    Load BSP
    Write POF/BSP to file
pofcachegen script (creates separate "bspcache.bsp" files for ea. submodel + "pofcache.xml" file for easier export)
import script
    BSP/submodel import
    Basic texture import
    User interface (continuous development from this point)
    Cache
    POF data import (as helpers)
    Advanced texture import (Blender materials)
    Finish user interface with all proper settings
    Quick default import settings (e.g. for video, models only, w/w/o helpers, BSP sortnorms, etc.)
export script
    POF export w/ "bspcache"
    BSP export w/ "pofcache"
VP module
ANI module
Misc.
    VP support for Blender
    .ANI support for Blender render
    Automatic .ANI generation (for shield .ani's, etc.)

Very ambitious, no?