.. _lod-manager:

.. _LODmanager:

LOD Manager
===========

.. _LODmanagerFIG:

.. figure:: /img/LODmanager.jpg
   :width: 400
   :align: center

   LOD Manager panel

This panel (:numref:`Fig. %s <LODmanagerFIG>`) consents to change the LOD for each tile related to a high-res 3D dataset (such as, a photogrammetric survey of an archaeological context), previously segmented using the *Segmentation* tool of 3DSC, displayed in the viewport of Blender.

By using *LOD manager* it is possible to visualize in Blender different tiles, related to the same 3D dataset, with different LODs.

.. admonition:: Remember

 *LOD manager* can be employed only if LODs have been previously generated.



The tool allows to visualize two different linked data: **objects** or **meshes**.
To import linked data in Blender these simple steps must be followed:

- Press *File* -> *Link...*;

- Locate the *.blend* (all the options displayed on the right side of the window can be selected. If any issues occur, deselect the *Relative Path* option);

- If the imported linked data do not require modifications in scale and position, select the *Object* folder and then select the desired **objects**;

- If the imported linked data require modifications in scale and positions, select the *Mesh* folder and then select the desired **meshes**.

- Linked data (*objects* or *meshes*) can be grouped in different collections of Blender.
  By following the EM methods, these data should be stored within the same collection, for example the *RB* collection (that is, *Reality Based* collection), or in multiple collections.


.. admonition:: Remember

 It is not recommended to store linked data in sub-collections (such as, *sub-RB*).
 In that case, after setting *LOD level* and pressing *set LOD* or *set mesh LOD*, 3DSC will automatically display an error message and create a linked object, or mesh, within the main collection *RB*.



To visualize LODs related to **linked object**:

- select a linked object;
- Set the LOD value to be visualized;
- press the “set LOD” button.

To visualize LODs related to **linked meshes**:

- select a linked mesh;
- Set the LOD value to be visualized;
- press the “set mesh LOD” button.


This type of tool allows to manage the visualization of large datasets which have already been segmented (using the *Segmentation* tool).
Using this tool users can view different tiles of the same 3D mesh with different LODs

.. admonition:: Remember

 This tool can be employed only if LODs have been previously generated


To visualize a specific LOD:
first, select an object that has been previously processed with the *LOD generator tool*;
second, enter the desired LOD to be visualized;
third, press the *set LOD* button.