Describing an Asset Using XML

XML is a simple way to describe a hierarchical structure. Katana leverages this format to provide a rich descriptive asset language. Through XML, assets can be structured so they are loaded and manipulated in stages. Simpler versions of the asset (proxies) load quicker and use less memory, allowing you to only load the full asset when absolutely necessary.

Some asset elements that you can describe within a ScenegraphXml file are:

• Assembly locations

• Component locations

• Level-of-detail group locations

• Level-of-detail locations

• Other XML locations

• Geometry caches

Adding an Asset Described Using XML

To add an asset described using XML:

1.

Create a ScenegraphXml_In node and add it to your recipe (assets are usually added first to any recipe).

2.

Select the ScenegraphXml_In node and press Alt+E.

The ScenegraphXml_In node becomes editable within the Parameters tab.

3.

In the name parameter, enter the scene graph location to place the data.

4.

Enter the asset filename in the asset parameter.

Note:  Providing a full description of how to describe a scene using XML is beyond the scope of the User Guide. For more information, consult the developer’s documentation accessed through the Help > Documentation menu.

For more information regarding the use of ScenegraphXml_In, refer to ScenegraphXML