Dynamic Virtual Environment: OpenGL-Based 3D Simulation

This project, Dynamic Virtual Environment, is a C++ application that utilizes OpenGL and GLUT to create a 3D environment. The simulation features a dynamic path surrounded by fog, walls, and a skybox, offering a virtual exploration experience with real-time interactions and camera controls.

Features

• 3D Environment: The application renders a 3D path with fog, walls, a skybox, and a roof.
• Dynamic Camera Movement: Supports forward/backward movement, strafing, and adjustable camera angles using keyboard and mouse inputs.
• Interactive Walls and Path: Adjust the height of the walls and the width of the path dynamically.
• Fog Effects: Adds fog for enhanced depth perception and visual effects.

Requirements

• Operating System: Windows, Linux, or macOS
• Dependencies:
  • OpenGL
  • GLUT (e.g., FreeGLUT or similar library)

Setup

1. Install Dependencies:

   • Ensure that OpenGL and GLUT are installed on your system.
   • On Linux, you can install them with:

     sudo apt-get install freeglut3-dev

   • On Windows, add the appropriate GLUT and OpenGL libraries to your project.

2. Compile and Build:

   • Use a C++ compiler (e.g., g++, MSVC) to compile the source files.
   • Example build command with g++:

     g++ main.cpp Dynamo.cpp -o dynamic_env -lGL -lGLU -lglut

3. Run the Program:

   • Run the executable file:

     ./dynamic_env

Controls

• Camera Movement:
  • Arrow Keys:
    • Up: Move forward
    • Down: Move backward
    • Left: Strafe left
    • Right: Strafe right
• Wall and Path Adjustment:
  • A/a: Lift the right wall
  • S/s: Lift the left wall
  • Z/z: Lower the right wall
  • X/x: Lower the left wall
  • D/d: Widen the path
  • C/c: Narrow the path
• Mouse: Passive mouse movement is used for camera adjustments.

Example Gameplay

1. Start the Simulation:

   • Upon launching, the program creates a window titled "A Path Among the Clouds."
   • The camera is positioned at the start of a dynamic path surrounded by fog and walls.

2. Navigate Through the Environment:

   • Use the keyboard to move along the path, adjust the walls, and explore the 3D space.
   • The camera responds in real-time to changes in position and direction.

Code Structure

• main.cpp:

  • Contains the main entry point and GLUT callback functions for rendering, resizing, keyboard, and mouse events.
  • Responsible for creating the OpenGL window and managing the rendering loop.

• Dynamo.cpp:

  • Implements the Dynamo class, which handles rendering elements like fog, walls, path, roof, and skybox.
  • Manages camera controls, directional inputs, and texture loading.

• Dynamo.h:

  • Header file for the Dynamo class, declaring the methods and variables used for rendering and interaction.

Notes

• Texture Files: The application loads texture files (rock.tga, sky.tga, roof.tga). Ensure that these files are available in the same directory as the executable.
• Performance: The application may experience lag when multiple textures are loaded due to OpenGL's processing requirements.

Limitations

• The simulation currently only supports basic 3D navigation and environment interactions.
• Only TGA textures are supported for the loaded elements.
• It lacks collision detection, so the camera can pass through walls.