LDraw AIOI, LDView, the LDraw parts library, and LGEO.xml

[Michael Horvath]

I've been learning my way around rendering using LDView & POV-Ray. Along the way I've learnt about the basic/editor .dat part files, the much more detailed LGEO .inc files, and how LDView uses LGEO.xml to know when .inc part files are available, then the .dat files as a fallback in other cases. (Side note: Please let me know if I have any of that wrong!)

What I've discovered in my adventures is that the LGEO.xml file in use seems to be the one that resides in the LDView folder (C:\program files (x86)\Ldraw\LDView\), which comes with LDraw AIOI. I think in theory this should be synchronised with the .inc files available in the Ldraw parts library also installed in LDraw AIOI. However, for at least one part - 2815 technic tyre - the .inc file is in my parts library, but missing from my LGEO.xml file.

I have edited it in manually, and now my pov renders use the high resolution part.

I wonder though if I am missing something. How is LGEO.xml normally kept up to date / edited? Is there any automated tools, or official downloads that should maintain and update it?

I created these things years ago:

https://github.com/mjhorvath/LGEO-Management-Tools

I no longer remember what they do, but they might help you.



I assembled all the LGEO parts except for Damien's newest ones too. But I can't upload them due to copyright/permissions.