[http://sourceforge.net/p/ufoai/bugs/3408 Item 3408] imported from sourceforge.net tracker on 2013-01-28 20:10:24

When two transparent models (foliage, bushes, etc.) overlap, the game seems to have a problem rendering one behind the other. This is noticeable in places where one transparent model partly obscures another one. From certain angles one of the models will disappear, or sometimes one model will completely obscure a second one.

In the attached image I've shown an example map that uses a low-lying model that covers all of the ground. This model has transparency to look like lush, low growth in a forest (ie - the soldiers walk through brush up to their knees). There are two bushes on either side of the soldier in the top shot, but only one appears. When I rotate the camera, the other bush appears, but as you can see the edge of one of the low-growth models slices through the larger bush. The sharp edge you see is where one low-growth model stops and another starts (they are built to tile seamlessly).

I have attached the screenshot, as well as a zip file which includes several files you'll need to put in the right place:

/ufos/map_low_growth.ufo (select the map in skirmish mode)
/models/objects/vegi/low_growth/ (contains the md2 and skin)
/maps/test_low_growth.map (compile to BSP)

I understand these kinds of bugs are difficult to fix. But this is the fourth map I have started only to stop because of rendering/compiling problems. If there is some way to find a solution to this issue it would be really great. I think I could make a really nice looking forest map that is pretty simple using this trick with low growth and clumps of bushes.
===== Comments Ported from Sourceforge =====

====== natewr (2012-10-27 17:50:29.005000) ======

low_growth.zip
====== alextishin (2013-01-18 14:05:43.369000) ======

Known problem. Cannot be fixed completely because of limitations of current 3D hardware, but some workarounds are known. Will think on what is possible to do in our case.