Planet Noise Map

A test project for learning procedural generation techniques, Godot 3D development, and space game programming concepts with realistic physics simulation.

Project Purpose

This project was created as a learning exercise to explore:

• Procedural generation algorithms for solar systems
• Godot 4.2 3D capabilities and scene management
• Space physics simulation with real astronomical constants
• Noise-based terrain generation for planet surfaces

Features

• Procedural Solar System Generation: Creates random star systems with 0-12 planets
• Realistic Physics: Uses actual astronomical constants (Sun radius: 700,000 km, Earth radius: 6,300 km)
• Environmental Zones: Planets are placed based on:
  • Goldilocks zone (habitable region)
  • Frost line calculations
  • Roche limit (minimum safe distance)
  • Hill sphere (gravitational influence)
• Multiple Planet Types: Star, Terrestrial, Gaseous, Lava, Ice, No Atmosphere, Sand
• 3D Camera System: Free-look camera with WASD movement and mouse control
• Orbital Mechanics: Planets orbit stars with proper angular velocity

Technical Overview

• Engine: Godot 4.2 with Forward Plus rendering
• Noise Generation: FastNoiseLite for procedural planet generation
• External Addon: naejimer_3d_planet_generator for planet mesh creation
• Scaling: Real astronomical units scaled to Godot coordinate system (scale factor: 0.0000007)

Usage

1. Open the project in Godot 4.2
2. Run the main scene (main.tscn)
3. Click "spawn Star" button to generate a new star system
4. Use WASD keys to move the camera
5. Hold right mouse button and move mouse to look around
6. Use mouse wheel to adjust movement speed

Learning Goals

This project helped me learn:

• Procedural generation algorithms and noise functions
• 3D game development in Godot
• Space physics simulation and astronomical calculations
• Scene management and node relationships
• Camera systems and user input handling

Stretch Goals

• Multiple Star Systems: Planned implementation of several star systems based on noise representing gravitational hotspots
• Galaxy Generation: Procedural galaxy with interconnected star systems

These stretch goals remain planned features if I return to the project.

Controls

• W/A/S/D: Move camera forward/left/back/right
• Q/E: Move camera down/up
• Right Mouse: Look around (mouse capture)
• Mouse Wheel: Adjust movement speed
• Shift: Speed multiplier
• Button: Generate new star system

Project Structure

• Node3D.gd: Main system controller with physics calculations
• camera.gd: Free-look camera implementation
• main.tscn: Main scene with UI and system setup
• addons/: 3D planet generator addon
• bg_space_seamless.png: Space background texture