====== L3DT release 2.3b ======

Released on the 6th of November, 2005 ([[http://www.bundysoft.com/news/doku.php?id=l3dt:ann:v2.3b|see announcement]])

===== Changes =====

  * Algorithms
    * Alpha maps can be exported for run-time texture splatting (see [[l3dt:algorithms:splatting|algorithms page]], [[l3dt:userguide:ops:alpha|user-guide]]).
    * Shadows are anti-aliased (see [[l3dt:algorithms:lm#high-resolution light-mapping|algorithms page]]).
    * There is stronger erosion of auto-generated design maps.
    * The channelling erosion routine has been improved (both speed and realism).
    * Added the [[l3dt:userguide:ops:mosaic#combining a mosaic map|combine mosaic map]] and [[l3dt:userguide:ops:mosaic#splitting a map into a mosaic|split map into mosaic]] options.
    * Added the [[l3dt:userguide:ops:hf#clipping the heightfield|clip heightfield]] option.
  * File I/O
    * Added new [[l3dt:userguide:io:export:active|export wizard]] that allows maps to be resized, exported as mosaics, etc.
    * Added native support for TER files in mosaic heightfields, plus the option to export as bitmap and jpeg.
    * Added a 16-bit PNG import/export for height maps (including mosaic export).
    * PNG support in alpha-map generation (8bit, 24bit and 32bit).
    * Deprecated old LMF and TNF formats (replaced by bmp, jpg, png).
    * Enabled internal tiling in HFF.
    * Added the HTML map summary.
  * User interface
    * Reorganised the right-click pop-up menu, added operations sub-menu.
  * Bug fixes
    * Fixed whitespace handling in climate file loader.
    * Added additional thread-collision prevention in progress map display (caused a cascade of GetPixel errors for two users).
    * Fixed PeakPass behaviour for maps with very large HorizScale settings.
    * Fixed some bugs in the [[l3dt:userguide:io:export:enviro|Export to Enviro]] feature.
    * Fixed selection of directories in the [[l3dt:userguide:settings#file paths|file paths dialog]].
    * Fixed bug in water-table flooding for odd-sized maps.
    * Fixed strange 'fringe' problem with volcano overlays.
  * Structural
    * Implemented keyfile system, with some features restricted to [[http://www.bundysoft.com/L3DT/downloads.php#prover|registered versions]].
    * Changed pixel index variables to 64-bit.
    * Increased the size-limit of RAM-only heightmaps to 8192 × 8192 pixels (64 Mpxls).
    * Increased the size-limit for mosaic heightmaps to 128k × 128k pixels (16 Gpxls).
    * Increased the size limit for mosaic textures to 2M × 2M pixels (4 Tpxls).
  * Climates
    * Revised some water coefficients in the 'Temperate' climate to lower occurrences of mudslide-like features.
    * Added a modified temperate climate for very small-scale maps (eg HorizScale of 25cm) to better manage the water-table dependence.
  * Eye candy
    * Animated transitions between wizard panes.