SpeedTree 4.2 hits ‘mature beta’

IDV has released a mature beta version of its latest SpeedTree update.

Chief new features in version 4.2 include COLLADA and OBJ export support from SpeedTreeCAD (including normals, binormals, tangents and wind weights), more than 20 new species added to the Tree Library.

The SpeedTree reference application has also been updated, with new features including Local Wind – full run-time local wind capabilities with support for multiple sources – and Forest Preview, which allows artists to quickly see what their tree looks like as part of a forest within SpeedTreeCAD.

“We’ve given artists a powerful new tool in the SpeedTree modeling process,” said IDV CEO Chris King.

“Now they can preview vast forests of their creations right from the editor in a high performance rendering environment that supports local wind, 360 degree billboards, advanced lighting and other features.”