A 3D Earth Moon Model

[OldsCool]

Hello! I am posting this because I saw some discussion regarding the process of wrapping images around a sphere.
I created this program about three years ago, It uses a 528 Poly sphere to display a space background, Earth and Moon.
I have since upgraded to a 2,208 poly sphere (which has a much 'rounder' appearance due to more polys) for projects I'm currently working on,  but this is a very good starting point for those looking for more understanding. Please see the included .pdf that describes how the Equirectangular Projections are converted into Polar Compressed map projections and then mapped onto the sphere.
The models are fully rotatable and scalable with many options. the Earth, Moon and distance between them is to scale making it hard to always get both in view at the same time...so I added an 'Exaggerate' option for both of them, check it out !
This program is also useful as a 360 Panoramic Viewer when you replace the space background with other images. After the initial posting I will add other planets and images that have already been prepared as Polar Compressed Projections.  BE SURE to download and try the image "Dragon Rock Projection24.jpg' found in a separate post below!!! Awesome.
 

[bplus]

Holy cow! That's nice!
 

[OldsCool]

Thanks, It was the beginning step of my first attempt at a Spherical-Driven Game Engine. I have come a good ways since this Earth-Moon model. As you can see, THIS program uses the included, pre-prepared, Polar Compressed map projections which were created from Equirectangular projections of earth, moon and sky.

I am going to upload a STANDALONE program that will convert any equirectangular or 360 Panorama image (of any size) into a Polar Compressed projection that is usable with this model.  I will attach several more projections that can be substituted in the Program. To get the cool 360 Panorama View experience substitute the Space Projection with the Church Projection!

[OldsCool]

More Polar Compressed Projections.

[OldsCool]

One More VERY COOL Polar Projection. use in place of the file 'Space Projection24.jpg' ....effectively becoming a 360 Panorama viewer.

[bplus]

Wow! what crazy stuff in that cabin, really nice panoramic effect!
 

[OldsCool]

Yeah, That Floating planet really stands out in the room !! haha
When using as a 360 Panorama Viewer the Earth and Moon scale can be reduced to their smallest value so as to hide them. the Dragon Rock image is the best demonstration when used as a viewer, the image is seamless and smooth.  This first go around with a 24 section,  528 poly sphere wasn't detailed enough so I upgraded.  I am currently using a 48 section model with a 2208 poly sphere and mapping image resolutions that are 2x of these.  the outcome is of game quality. thanks for the comments and checking it out !
DB

[bplus]

Thankyou,  That church had some interesting décor and Dragon Rock looks like a great setting for a game!

[LM]

@OldsCool Just chiming in to say that this is very impressive.  Amazing.  Beautiful work.

[Phlashlite]

Awesome!