Can I get larger Texture Maps - this 4'x4' is too small!

[bob]

Okay, first a little history:

The texture maps contained within the StoneCAD application are based on photography of each product. Many years ago (pre-digital publishing) a standard was established of a 4'x4' sample board which is then photographed and converted to the sample swatches used in the marketing literature of the array of products available. In an effort to provide consistency a standard lighting and photographic studio were established so as new textures and colors have been introduced the color balance and matching to the actual product has been meticulously reproduced in print. To build the original sample boards, representative products of sizes of shapes are carefully selected from masters molds.  These sample boards in some cases may or may not still exist, but the photography of each sample has been maintained over the years and is used in the promotion of the product.

When StoneCAD version 1.0 was created we digitized this photography and then painstakingly retouched to remove the light fall off and stones which appeared unique and would cause  obvious repeating patterns. Over the years we've had discussions regarding how best to up the sample size to 8'x8' or even 10'x10' but there's always been other priorities. Historically, we have had about 10 written requests per year to increase the size of the texture map samples. As more architects and designers are migrating to software applications like Revit and SketchUp you can imagine those requests have been increasing.

Reality Check:

The task of building larger sample board and photographing those boards for the creation of texture maps would not be a trivial or inexpensive undertaking.  We've studied several alternative solutions to the issue such as the creation of multiple 4'x4' sample boards for each texture/color that could be randomly mixed and matched.  We've even considered a real time server based creation of maps based on criteria describing the target application - in essence real time UV texture mapping. The best answer I can give you today is we are fully aware of the issue but we can't promise the issue will be addressed. It is certainly something we'd like to see happen.

If this is something you have a need for, please feel free to respond to this post. We are listening and your input can help direct where we spend StoneCAD development dollars.