1. CesiumOriginShiftComponent:
A new component that enables the shifting of the georeference origin as a pawn moves around the world.
2. CesiumFlyToComponent:
Provides pawns with the ability to smoothly fly between locations on the globe.
Migrated out of the GlobeAwareDefaultPawn class for improved functionality.
3. Globe Transformation:
Now possible to translate, rotate, and scale the entire globe using the CesiumGeoreference as a parent for other Actors.
4. Globe Anchor Rotation:
Introduces the ability to specify the globe-relative rotation of globe anchors in an East-South-Up coordinate system.
5. 3D Tileset Enhancements:
Added support for EXT_mesh_features and EXT_structural_metadata for metadata picking and styling.
Note: EXT_feature_metadata is no longer supported due to this change.
6. CesiumTileExcluder:
An interface for excluding tiles from a 3D Tileset based on custom user-defined logic, implementable in C++ or Blueprints.
7. CesiumSubLevelComponent:
A new component for sub-levels, working by creating Level Instance Actors and attaching this component to them.
Deprecated support for the old sub-level system based on the World Composition system.
8. Backwards Compatibility Warning:
Users are advised to make a backup of their projects before upgrading to Cesium for Unreal v2.0 due to potential breaking changes.
Integration with Unreal Engine 5
Cesium for Unreal 2.0 represents a significant leap in integration with Unreal Engine 5. Some of the highlighted features include:
3D Tiles 1.1 Metadata Support:
Includes extensions such as EXT_mesh_features and EXT_structural_metadata for improved metadata handling, picking, and styling.
Improved Sub-Level System:
Leveraging Unreal Engine 5’s streaming level instances, providing users with the ability to create sophisticated experiences at multiple global locations.
Enhanced Georeferencing and Globe Transformations:
Precise positioning of globes within Unreal worlds, offering improved workflows and georeferencing capabilities.
CesiumTileExcluder Integration:
Excluding parts of the globe from selection, loading, and rendering using custom logic implemented in Blueprints or C++.
Componentized and Flexible Design:
A more consistent and easier-to-use Blueprint and C++ API for improved development workflows.
Conclusion
Cesium for Unreal 2.0 brings a host of features and improvements, making it a powerful tool for developers creating real-world digital twins and applications within Unreal Engine. With enhanced geospatial capabilities, improved workflows, and an array of new components, this release is set to inspire innovation across various industries. Developers are encouraged to explore the preview release on Github, providing valuable feedback and reporting any bugs on the forum. As the geospatial landscape evolves, Cesium for Unreal continues to be a key player, driving innovation and realism in virtual environments.
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