Mesh/How mesh content affects you
“Mesh” refers to polygonal models created in external applications and uploaded to Second Life. Mesh models are in COLLADA (.dae) format, similar to those used to create models for video games, films, and animation. The documentation on mesh is on the Second Life wiki at http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mesh.
Implications for Creators
Creators are able to use a range of external tools to craft content that they can upload to Second Life. The list of content creation tools and their relative efficiency with mesh can be found on the Second Life wiki. This new content pipeline enables significantly more efficient and detailed content creation than with existing prim content. However, creators need to spend time learning both the applications they wish to use and how to optimize content for Second Life. The mesh system exposes values for models (known as weights) to provide insight into how an object affects performance. Mesh content is not intended to replace the existing prim-based content system; each is a viable method of content creation in Second Life.
Given the unique environment of Second Life, many 3D models available for sale on the Internet, while technically compatible, are highly inefficient and consume unnecessary computing and land parcel resources without significant re-work.
Implications for Merchants
Merchants are able to sell mesh content inworld and on the Marketplace. On the Marketplace, only merchants who meet the requirements to upload mesh models are allowed to sell mesh content. Merchants can mark their listings as comprising partial or completely mesh content, so that consumers can make informed decisions about the nature of the content they are purchasing. Because the land resource usage (now called weight) of mesh objects is measured in prim-equivalents, no consumer side changes are necessary to communicate different weight values to customers. When rezzed, mesh content consumes a set number of the parcel’s supported prims based upon the content’s complexity, in the same way a multi-prim linked object would.
Implications for Consumers
“Mesh” content by itself is not inherently different from other content from a consumer perspective. However, in the hands of talented content creators, mesh provides the opportunity for the creation of highly engaging, detailed, and efficient objects in Second Life. The method used to calculate the effective prim count of a model that contains mesh differs from existing prims and sculpties by measuring the relative impact an object will have on the overall performance of a region. By contrast, prim and sculptie items only show a count of objects, with no consideration for their impact on rendering or server resources. This means that content creators who use mesh effectively can design objects and experiences that not only look amazing, but are optimized for better overall performance and a smoother user experience. Look for more information to help with maintaining maximum performance in future updates.
While the keyword search on Marketplace allows users to search for “mesh” in the listing name and description, we cannot guarantee that the item actually contains mesh content. Unrelated listings may simply describe a mesh fabric or texture, rather than an item created with a 3D tool and then imported for sale. Users should use their own discretion when shopping for mesh objects. Contact the merchant if you are not certain. We are looking for feedback as we consider a more effective way to list mesh content on the Marketplace.
Technical Details
Detailed documentation is available on the Mesh page in the Second Life wiki. It covers simple mesh upload instructions, advanced upload instructions, as well as mesh weights and calculations, and asset information. FAQ
The Mesh Project Viewer FAQ can be found on the Second Life wiki at http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mesh_Project_Viewer_FAQ.