(2026-01-27, 20:50)Manfred Schaefer Wrote: Regarding SVG graphics. I use Inkscape to convert bitmap graphics into vector graphics. This works quite well. [process snipped]
Once I've gotten that far, why should I still use SVG?
Exactly. The idea of supporting SVG is so that you wouldn't have to go that far.
But your point is well taken that it's only a small number of SVG parameters that must be converted, and to do so is fairly trivial (in terms of process if not human time), so why take the trouble to implement SVG at any kind of full level?
It occurs to me that SVG is really more of a language than a format, and so the better idea might be to adapt statements from that language into LDraw's, rather than converting or parsing at render time.
Quote:If primitives are used, scaling is hardly a problem thanks to the capabilities of LDView.
True, although primitives tend to see less use in patterns than in 3D geometry. There are also cases like text, where gaining scalability comes at a cost to file size and mesh complexity.
I would like to see a case where such scaling capabilities can be applied to non-primitive curves as well. Right now the biggest challenge in rendering seems to be where primitives adjoin non-primitive curved surfaces.
Quote:Before the TEXMAP specification is extended, I would consider it more useful to improve the graphics capabilities, such as color gradients.
Or functions such as for loops, parameter passing, and much more.
If improving graphics capabilities within the LDraw specification is moved to a separate proposition, and if the SVG parameters are joined to that discussion instead of this one, then I see no reason why TEXMAP has to wait. The only remaining component would then be the addition of LDraw code to the TEXMAP spec, which so far has seen some support and no objection that I know of. So that part should be ready to go, and if and when LDraw language is extended with additional graphics capabilities, they would already be supported by a mapping and projection method.
This raises the question, then: If SVG were removed from the proposal, leaving only LDraw code to be added to TEXMAP, what remains to be determined before the proposal could advance?
Are there any arguments against the LDraw side of the proposal?