OK i want to use ydnars q3map2 compiler but how do i set this puppy up for SOF2? -- does it require GTK radiant or can it be used without installing GTK?

you can install it without GTK, if you get the command lines right. They are quite different from the old q3map ones.
I actually prefer GTK. You could install GTK, try it. If you don't like it, just copy the command lines to your old Radiant and dump it.

fraco

Are my maps going to look any better if I use this new compiler?  Better lighting etc?

if you use it right, you will get
* faster compile times (way faster)
* possibility to make your map look better (lightmapped terrain, bumpmapping, flares, phong shading, whatnot)
* possibility to get better lighting
* better fps (does some tricks to reduce tris)

disadvantages:
* no lightstyles for sof2
* a map compiled with q3map will look darker when compiled with q3map2. It's a matter of setting the light values right

fraco

Using the -bounce # commandline option helps increase the overall lighting. It smooths out the shadows and the like. Only drawback is that every pass takes more compile time, but higher numbers are definately suggested for release maps.

Even still, the lighting will often be darker ( but more correct )

what the heck is phong shading, apart from a stupid name   . and will bump mapping make my terrain look like a golf ball

lol

bumpmapping could "theoretically make a ball out of a cube". Bumpmapping is really cool for making e.g. a wall look much more real.

You make an extra picture aka bumpmap (with a plugin e.g.) that indicates the orientation of every pixel on a texture. This info is used to make the lighting emhasise the little details like they should.
[EDIT] bumpmap tutorial

[EDIT]this THG article actually explains bumpmapping quite well

Phong shading... welleuh... i wish i knew. Seems to be some form of lighting that ... err.. is better. Hmmm. Something to do with emphasizing highlights in the lighting of objects (seems to be able to create cool light reflections).

fraco

how do u get gtk to compile with q3map2, it just looks like the normal compiler when i try :S

Phong ( Not thong ) shading basically smooths out the lighting more. You can set a break angle at which surfaces will be considered related. Sort of hard to explain. What it does is take that angle, and if two surfaces are related to each other by that angle, the lightmaps are blended. For example, a rather round object like a flower pot, curved wall, ect will have the lightmaps blended. This will make the walls not look so faceted. In contast though, on a 90 degree wall, the lighting will still appear sharp ( like it should ).

I think -shadeangle is the parameter for using it. Note, this is for GLOBAL shading. You can also define local shading angles in the shader.

thank you all, this lighting does look much better even without the time consuming bounce passes i hope ydnar will have the lightstyles added eventually.

p.s. the different shading models all have to do with the highlight mostly.
lambert = no highlights
phong = plastic looking highlight
phongE = more options than phong
blinn = metallic looking highlight
anisotropic =  elongated/distorted highlight