------------------------ README -------------------------------
My 70% Project was to create a scene in OpenGL. Specifically, to render the moon rotating around the earth in space. Then, to add a Satellite that orbits the Earth.
The player can of course fly around with full camera controls, and each model has at least a semi-accurate orbit to that of real life.
A Cubemap is used to create the space skybox, and the planets themselves are loaded into the project using ASSIMP.
All Textures and Models can be found in the /media folder, and shaders are organised in the /shaders folder. If given the opportunity, I would have liked to have added in a sun, with lighting and shadow effects on the earth and moon, maybe even a day, or night cycle. But these are more advanced features and would take me a little more time to learn.
As required, there is a signature on each of the planets. The signature is my full name on each texture in stylised white text.
To run, Simply open the EarthSim-Coursework2.sln attached via Github, and start the project. Then, to move around, use the WASD Key's, and Mouse to look around the scene.
------------------- ENVIRONMENT USED -------------------------
Created in Visual Studio 2022 Version 17.8 Developed in C++ Utilised OOP methodologies
------------------- LIBRARIES NEEDED TO RUN ---------------------
Please make sure these libraries are added to the project in order to load the scene correctly:
- GLFW
- GLAD
- GLM
- ASSIMP
- LEARNOPENGL
Everything is found in C:\users\public\OpenGL - Except for assimp, which is also found in C:\users\public\Assimp
------------------- USEFUL LINKS -------------------------------
Github: https://github.com/DanielSteele1/COMP3016_2
YouTube demo vid: https://youtu.be/O0wtXeHL6Xc
------------------ EXTERNAL RESOURCES USED ---------------------
learnOpenGL.com - used to research how to implement skybox into the scene
Skybox textures - Created using a Free open-source .exe called Spacescape. It enables you to generate space and nebula skyboxes. Warning - clicking this link will start downloading the software. https://sourceforge.net/projects/spacescape/files/win/spacescape-0.5.1.zip/download?use_mirror=altushost-swe&download=&failedmirror=deac-riga.dl.sourceforge.net
Free Model and Texture assets for Satellite - https://free3d.com/3d-model/satellite-v1--384167.html
Texture for clouds (merged with texture for earth using PhotoPea) - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Solarsystemscope_texture_8k_earth_clouds.jpg
Models for Earth & Moon were created by myself using the software Blender.
---------------------- CONCLUSION -------------------------------
To conclude, I'm very happy with the outcome of this project, as it's my first project using OpenGL. I have learnt a lot and enjoyed the process, but I think if I could do more on this project, I would try to add in the sun, as well as lighting to create a shading effect, and try to implement a day-night cycle. I could also try to use PCG to generate a meteor belt around everything or try to generate the rest of the planets in our solar system.
Of course, these are just ideas but if I had more time and knowledge, I would have looked into these ideas in a lot more detail.