Web based VAB/SPH

[cageddanimal]

I am playing around with the idea of creating a WebGL(three.js) based VAB/SPH that will create craft files. If you think this is a good idea what kind of features would you want for an online VAB/SPH?

Some baseline features off the top of my head:

- Create crafts you can use in KSP very similar to the way you build crafts in the VAB/SPH

- Integrate with Google Drive to save/load your crafts.

- Load/Save crafts to a local directory

- Enable additional modes to attach parts (Mirror mode in VAB, Part welding, ect)

- Browse through your saved crafts by TWR, Crew capacity, mission capabilities

- Mission planning mode (Enter destination and it will recommend saved crafts that can make the trip/round trip)

The main reason I want to do this is because I am away from my one computer that can actually handle KSP but I would love a way just to design crafts no matter where I am. I would love to work on my crafts when I am traveling or sitting on the couch with my Chromebook.

What do you think? Would you be interested in using this? What would you want to see in a website like this?

[Justin Kerbice]

At first, I'm quite... => "what a dumb idea !" but reading your post made me => "it could be really cool" !

In fact, you could even make a 2D building facility for main design, then 3D view for small adjustment like adding strut connectors, ...

2D view could be kind of schematic of part layers

ascii art style for a JB64, two radial decoupler and 2 FLT-800 tanks for example, with under that 2 LVT-30 and 1 Mainsail:

    o                  x
    |
    O                  M
    |
    o                   x

There is some little explanations on ship file somewhere but there still some undocumented features which need to be discovered (as we can't expect Squad gives us the keys, they prefer to give a soccer ball)

[Link]

While this is an absolutely wonderful idea, I'm afraid it *may* go against the EULA or something due to having to use squads artwork, unless of course you remake everything yourself. In addition, mod support would be a forever WIP.

The great thing is it should use less processing power compared to the vab/sph ingame.

To me, there are more pros than cons to this idea. It would be an easy and great way for users to help other users troubleshoot designs without having to wait for the game to load. Sharing craft files would be quick. It'd make some peoples lifes easier. Oh gosh, the pro list goes on and on....

The biggest problem would be any licenses and such. I doubt you want to get into any legal trouble for something so awesome! Also,it will take a fair amount of time to have a working mockup. You'll have to do node attachments right, display com,cot,and col, partclipping, well.....you know.

From a programmers point of view, it'll be a nice challenge, and well worth it. I'll send you some tylenol for the headaches you get!

From a gamers perspective, it'll be tremendously helpful and quicker than having to go ingame.

All I know is I will definitely be keeping an eye on this!

[cageddanimal]

My main reason for doing this aside from being able to get my KSP fix while on my Chromebook is for me to learn WebGL. If Squad has a problem with me making this available for use I can always use it on my local server for my own use. So either way I am going to give it a shot.

I would also be more than happy to hand over the code and control of the project to them at no cost if it something they would like to support. I am not looking to profit at all I am only looking for a fun challenge that is applicable to my interests (Javascript, WebGL and KSP). To me it would be a Win/Win for Squad. But it is their game and they are well within their rights to stop me from doing it. I will certainly get the appropriate permissions before I put it out for the public to use.

[Justin Kerbice]

The hardest thing to achieve would be to be as close as possible to KSP bugs !

For the license, it possible to make a little script thing which load par t & texture and create a 2D pictures of it (based on a unity player) or using symbol like mere circle for FT, with their names inside ( FL-T 100/200/...), this is for the 2D style of course. And it solve any license issue.