Orbx FTX Global Version 1.

40 User Guide September 2015 Page 1

INDEX

TOPIC PAGE

Welcome ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

Quick Installation Guide ............................................................................................................................ 4

Compatibility Notes .................................................................................................................................... 5

FTX Central and Hybrid Mode................................................................................................................... 6

Orbx FTX openLC Demo ............................................................................................................................ 9

Worldwide Landclass Fixes ..................................................................................................................... 11

openLC Scenery Library Entries.............................................................................................................. 12

Seasonal Variations .................................................................................................................................. 13

Quick Reference Settings ......................................................................................................................... 15

Recommended FSX Slider Settings ........................................................................................................ 16

The Autogen Density Slider ..................................................................................................................... 19

The 3D Lighting System ........................................................................................................................... 20

Orbx Freeware .......................................................................................................................................... 21

Product Technical Support ...................................................................................................................... 22

FTX Community Forums .......................................................................................................................... 23

The Orbx Team ........................................................................................................................................... 23

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA) ............................................................................................... 25

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 2
Welcome
Orbx would like to thank you for purchasing FTX Global (FTXG), which is the culmination of over six years
of texture development now combined into a single product to cover your whole Flight Simulator X or
Prepar3D world with the renowned Orbx FTX textures.
What FTX Global Does

If you are reading this User Guide you have likely already installed FTXG and perhaps taken your first
flight to discover the difference. However for the sake of providing a documented definition here is what
FTXG does:
Replaces all the default landclass textures located in \Scenery\World\Texture with custom Orbx
FTX textures
Installs FTX Central and other supporting apps into the \ORBX folder. FTX Central and these other
apps help manage all Orbx addons including FTXG, FTX Regions and FTX Airports and well cover
them in more detail later
Adds 3D lights to all vector main roads all over the world. These can be turned on and off using
FTX Central (see page
Makes corrections to the base landclass for some parts of the world, particularly in SE Asia
Adds 3D lights to all textures all over the world. These can be turned off and on during
dawn/day/dusk using the FTX Lights Day and FTX Lights Night apps

So the difference between what you had before and after FTXG is quite remarkable; we like to compare
it to a complete simulator upgrade.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 3
Quick Installation Guide
The Orbx FTX Global uses the flightsimstore.com FSS security wrapper to validate your order number,
registration code and order date which then recognizes your legitimate purchase of the software and
unencrypts the installer files and proceeds with the installation.

STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1 Unzip the FlightSimStore.com (FSS) downloaded ZIP file. NOTE: You cannot run the
install from inside the ZIP file. Always extract it to a separate folder on your
desktop before running the installer executable. You should end up with between 9
and 10 data files, this PDF user guide and the FSS installer application.
2 Run the installer app. It should be named something like OrbxFTXGlobal140.exe

3 Fill in the Order Number, Date and Key when requested. This information would have
been emailed to you when you purchased the download of FTXG from FSS. To ensure
accuracy you can copy and paste the data from your email received from FSS.

4 The wrapper will unwrap the Orbx installer, which will then run and present the opening
installation screen. Please acknowledge the EULA page and continue. You cannot choose
a destination folder, since all Orbx products are installed into the ORBX folder in the
simulator root folder
5 If you have previously installed Orbx regions, the installer will run FTX Central and
ask you to set it to Default. This is an important step!

6 BACKUP OPTION
IMPORTANT! The FTX Global installer will then ask if you want to backup your
\Scenery\World\Texture folder. If you choose not to do this, you cannot uninstall FTX
Global. We recommend that you backup your previous textures so you can revert back.
The installer allows you to specify any location including driver letters, so an external HD
drive is possible.
7 Once the Orbx installer has performed the backup (if selected) it will copy all the relevant
files into your FSX/P3D folders, then you will be prompted to run FTX Central. When you
do so, FTX Central runs its initial file management routines, then presents the opening
screen.
8 When the main FTX Central screen is shown, simply select the FTX Global region and click
the Apply button. You will hear a confirmation 'ding' and you are ready to fly!

Well cover more specific information about FTX Central in the pages below.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 4
Compatibility Notes
Please visit http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/forum/80-ftx-compatibility-forum/ for the latest
compatibility information between FTX Global and third party addons.

ULTIMATE TERRAIN X (UTX)

FTX Global is fully compatible with UTX, since we replace the landclass textures that are also called by
UTX. You have a lot of configuration options available using the UTX config tool and we recommend you
take time to explore what works best when FTXG and UTX are combined. We do recommend that the
UTX lighting be disabled if you have a high FPS impact with them on, but this is entirely your choice of
course.

GROUND ENVIRONMENT X (GEX)

GEX is a default texture replacement product just like FTXG and is therefore not compatible at all. When
you install FTXG you will replace any GEX textures which may have been active in
Scenery\World\Texture. We do recommend that you firstly uninstall your GEX before installing FTXG,
then also using the backup option from our installer to make a backup of the default textures. Please
check the compatibility forums at the above link for more information.

REAL ENVIRONMENT XTREME (REX)

FTXG is 100% compatible with REX and you don't need to do anything special to use REX whilst flying
over FTXG. In fact, most of the Orbx developers and beta testers use REX, and it's an Orbx
recommended addon. The only thing we do is add new road textures to \Scenery\World\Texture so
check after the installation if you prefer the new FTXG roads or re-install some of your REX favorites. The
choice is yours of course.

THIRD PARTY TERRAIN MESH

FTXG does not include any terrain mesh files. Mesh is used to provide the definition of mountains and
undulating terrain so the smaller the distance between each mesh point (the resolution), the better
defined these features look in the simulator. We recommend you check the compatibility forum in the
link above or the FTX forums to research what the best terrain mesh product is for FTXG. Orbx will also
be partnering with other vendors on mesh and other products for FTXG so keep checking our website
and forums for announcements about that. Initially though, we simply recommend using FTXG using the
standard default mesh and see how you find that experience.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 5
FTX Central and Hybrid Mode
FTX Central is the one-stop application that controls all aspects of Orbx's FTX regions and airports as you
purchase and install them for FSX/P3D. It's an easy to use tool that provides convenient access to the
user manuals and any Control Panels that come with FTX airports, plus other utilities in the Tools menu.

If you do not have any FTX Regions installed, simply click on FTX Global and Apply Group to fully activate
Global. The following screenshots FTX Global with openLC addons (sold separately)

If you do have FTX Regions installed and wish to fly between them and Global, tick/check the Enable
hybrid mode box

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 6
If you intend to spend some time flying within the boundaries of an Orbx FTX Region then you will use
the Region Exclusive Mode Simply select the FTX Region (in this example, North America), and Apply
Group.

Other scenery elements that you may wish to activate will be Orbx Trees or FTX TreesHD (if
installed).You may optionally choose to enable the Vector Road Lights, which adds 3D lights for all main
arterial roads worldwide. Other scenery elements that you may wish to activate will be Orbx Trees or
FTX TreesHD (if installed).You may optionally choose to enable the Vector Road Lights, which adds 3D
lights for all main arterial roads worldwide. Note that this has a slight FPS impact.

You will find these extra options under Settings.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 7
Scenery Library Insertion Points
If you do have FTX Regions installed, you will need to manually manage its position in the scenery library.
You can use the Scenery Library Insertion Point tool for this and it is designed to be used easily. This
can be found under Settings>Tools in FTX Central.

Your FTX Regions and Airports are all grouped under FTX and can be moved by clicking and dragging.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 8
Orbx FTX openLC Demo
FTXG includes a demo of openLC, our landclass enhancement series of products available from Orbx to
enhance your FTXG your flying experience ever further. What openLC stands for is open source data
landclass, meaning we use OpenStreetMap (OSM) http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright and public
domain data sources to assemble much more accurate land usage definition files for seven worldwide
areas as shown in the map below:

FTXG comes bundled with a demo of what openLC does to improve the landclass; the Baltic States in
Eastern Europe. The map below shows the coverage area of the openLC Baltics demo and we
recommend a flight commencing at EVRA Riga Intl Airport in Latvia and then heading east towards the
capital city of Riga.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 9
The first thing you will notice about openLC is that the textures in the simulator are much more diverse
and have less repetition with virtually no checkbox effect. The two images below are what you can
expect to see when flying out of EVRA Riga International Airport. Also look for unique old city textures in
Riga.

Check the Orbx FTX website for more information about how to purchase the seven openLC addon
packs being released through 2015/16.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 10
Worldwide Landclass Fixes
To fix some very blatant omissions to landclass in Asia and parts of Europe and South America, we have
included some openLC base landclass fixes with FTX Global. The map below shows the areas highlighted
where we have edited the base landclass to make better use of the textures available.

In particular, Southeast Asia has been extensively modified to add unique crops, rice paddies and
villages as per the screenshot shown below of the Philippines:

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 11
openLC Scenery Library Entries
The openLC included with FTXG is contained in two initial folders inside the ORBX folder:

FTX_OLC\FTX_AA
FTX_OLC\FTX_EU1

These folders represent the base openLC folder (FTX_AA) and the first Europe folder (FTX_EU1) which
contains the Baltic States openLC demo. When you add more openLC products, more folders will be
added to the ORBX directory and also the Scenery Library.

If we look at the Scenery Library menu (FSX shown below; select Settings | Scenery Library) in this
example we can see two new entries added after the FTX Global installation. These entries are NOT tied
to any Orbx FTX folders like before, meaning you can move them up or down as you wish. This will allow
our openLC landclass to work in conjunction with other third party landclass products.

The simple rule to remember is that the highest priority in the Scenery Library always takes precedence,
so if you want a particular landclass product to override openLC or other products, just move it higher in
the Scenery Library.

IMPORTANT: You must always place the ORBX!OPENLC_BASE folder below all other ORBX!OPENLC*
folders in the scenery library, otherwise the fixes to SE Asia, Greece, Spain etc will not work correctly

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 12
Seasonal Variations
FTX Global textures (just like our FTX Region textures) have unique coloring across five seasons and
distinct unique FTX lighting which comes into its own at dawn, dusk and night. Here's an example of one
scene across five seasonal variations.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 13
We are confident you will be absolutely thrilled with the diversity and depth of FTX Global across all
seasons and times of day.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 14
Quick Reference Settings
The table below lists in a handy reference the minimum recommended settings required in FSX to enjoy
FTXG the way Orbx designed it. These settings run well on most PCs and take particular advantage of the
custom mesh and photoreal imagery used in the scenery area.

If you use the settings below you will enjoy a high fidelity experience and good performance.

Setting Value Why?

Level of detail radius Large Reduces blurring of textures

FTXG Texture Resolution Max Best displays photoreal textures

Mesh Complexity 100 Better terrain definition

Mesh Resolution 10m or 5m 10m is the recommended mesh resolution, but 5m is

recommended for best terrain results if you have Orbx
airports installed

Texture Resolution 7cm Sharpest roads and freeways

Extremely
Scenery Complexity How Orbx designed FTXG
Dense

Autogen Density Normal Best FPS versus detail

More discussion on this on page 22

Aircraft AI Traffic 16% Best balance, disable if not using AI traffic for better FPS

Road Vehicles 16% No need to set higher for FTXG

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 15
Recommended FSX Slider Settings
Firstly, like default FSX/P3D dragging all your sliders to the right even with todays modern hardware, will
for most people result in very poor visuals and performance. We suggest that you begin your
exploration of FTXG using the slider settings shown below, and then if you find performance to be
acceptable, you can move certain sliders to the right, although we recommend you only move one slider
at a time to gauge the effect.

The most critical slider in FSX/P3D is the Autogen Density slider. With the way FTXG has been designed,
it has the single most critical performance effect in the simulator. We'll discuss the best settings for this
slider later.

So before you begin your first flight, please change your FSX sliders to what is shown on the following
pages. You may think the settings are too low at first, but we're calling these the FTXG BASE SETTINGS
which is the recommended settings for medium spec PCs.

The following screenshots can be used as a reference for P3D as well.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 16
* Mesh resolution: set it to 5m if you have Orbx payware airports installed

* Please refer to the Autogen Density Table further in this user guide for specific information about this slider

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 17
Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 18
 The Autogen Density Slider
Because FTX Global uses much denser, more accurately placed autogen objects in its annotation, having
it set to Extremely Dense in large cities like Paris, Denver or Mexico City will bring even the most
powerful PC to its knees. We won't mince our words - FTXG is not designed to give you a 60FPS
experience with all sliders maxed.

The key thing to remember is that FTXG is designed to be used both today and in the FUTURE, meaning
that we did not cripple the product on release to cater for a broad range of PCs, but rather created a
standard that will be enjoyed by most people as hardware catches up.

Here's a simple table which should be used as a guide for the Autogen Density slider. If you adhere to
these slider settings in FTXG you will get a good balance between visuals and performance.
PC Specifications FTXG City / Urban Areas FTXG Rural / Wilderness Areas

Low Spec
Dual Core <= 2.5Ghz | < 512MB GPU

Mid Range (Intel Core Gen1)

Quad Core >= 2.8Ghz | 512MB+ GPU

High End (Intel Core Gen2)

Intel i5 | i7 < 4Ghz (not OC) | 1GB
GPU

Extreme (Intel Core Gen3)

Intel i7 >= 4Ghz (OC) | 1-2GB GPU

4th Generation Intel Core

Processors
Intel Haswell i7 @4-6Ghz | 2GB GPU

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 19
The 3D Lighting System
FTX Global uses a brand new 3D lighting system that has only a slight FPS impact. However, you should
keep in mind that FSX/P3D will always perform worse during dawn and dusk because of the way the
simulator applies two layers of textures to simulate lighting hues.

These 3D lights will display during dawn, dusk and night and will automatically turn off during the day.
There is nothing you need to do to control this lighting system.

The FTXG night lighting applies to the entire world, but does not work in the Orbx FTX Regions. If you
have the Orbx FTX airports installed you can still use the old FTX Day and FTX Night apps to disable the
lights during day flights, however these apps do not apply to FTXG. At some point in the future Orbx will
look into adding the new lighting systems to its regions, check the FTX forums for news about this.

Here is an example of the new 3D night lighting near LSZW Thun Airport in Switzerland:

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 20
Orbx Freeware

Orbx continually releases quality freeware addons including many GA airports, all similar in quality to
our payware airports. Please check the FTX website at http://fullterrain.com/freeware.html to see
what releases are coming.

We are also planning to release freeware addons for FTX Global, so it's best to watch for announcements
on our forums or to check the FTX website location above.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 21
Product Technical Support

Orbx has a very simple support policy: No question unanswered. That means, should you have any
questions about FTXG or its use, please feel free to register on the forums at fullterrain.com and then
log a support question in the FTX Payware Support Forum section. Orbx FTX experts will be available to
review your support questions and you will usually get a reply on the forums within 12 hours, often
much sooner than that.

To visit the our support forums, click on the button shown above from the fullterrain.com front
page or click on Help | Orbx FTX Support Forums from FTX Central

Please do NOT email support requests

Orbx provides world-class support on our forums, and it's the only way in which you can receive support
for FTX Global. Provided you adhere to the forum terms of use and have a legitimate copy of FTX Global,
you will always be offered our support at no cost as we work toward a problem resolution each time.

However, if you email Orbx asking for support, you will most likely not receive an answer at all, since our
policy is that all support is provided through our forums only.

Use the forum Search function

Before you post a question, please try searching for the answer first, using the forums built-in search
function located on the forum menu bar.

What to Include in Your Support Forum Requests

If at all possible, this is what wed like to see provided for each request you log:

A separate post on the FTX support forums for each issue (don't tag new issue reports onto
others)
Include your ORDER NUMBER from your FTXG purchase in your post or forum signature section
A screenshot to highlight what you are talking about
A descriptive post title which clearly states what the issue is
Detailed comments in your post about what you are reporting on

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 22
The Orbx support team is always on standby to assist you with any problems you may have, or will
comment on your issue reports. Please remember, our priority is fixing any urgent issues first, and
addressing bug reports second. Clearly though, any show stopper bugs will be given top priority
though.

FTX Community Forums

FTX already has quite a thriving and active user community on the forums, with nearly 22,000 members
as of July 2013.

You dont need a user account just to view preview screenshots and selected information posted by
Orbx staff, but if youd like to join in on the discussion there and view tips, guides and in-depth support
questions and answers, simply create your own account. Its instant and no validation email is required.
We like to keep things simple.

We hope to see you there soon!

Thanks for reading!

Youve stuck with us through all these pages of information, and we appreciate your taking the time to
read the user guide. I hope it gave you some tips and insights. I know youll have a fantastic experience
flying and exploring the whole world, especially areas you have not bothered to visit before. See you on
the forums!
The Orbx Team

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 23
The FTX Global Team

Ground Textures Eugene Krikunov, Matthew Tomkins, John

Venema

Autogen annotation Tim Harris, Martin Henare, Matt Tomkins, Eugene

Krikunov, John Venema

lclookup.bgl and regions R&D John Venema, Matt Tomkins, Holger Sandmann,
Paul Webster

Autogen implementation and textures Eugene Krikunov, Matt Tomkins, John Venema,
Martin Henare

Autogen tree models and textures Matt Tomkins, Bill Womack, Martin Henare

FTXG Night lighting system Eugene Krikunov

FSX/P3D Installers Ed Correia

FTX Central and Core Orbx App coding Adrian Lehmann

Beta Testing Team

(Not in alphabetical order) Friedi Gulder, Cdric Bogros, Eberhard Haberkorn, Tim Harris, Phil Manhart,
Scott Armstrong, Patrick Scharnowski, Ken Hall, Wolter van der Spoel, Vlad Maly, John Lovell, John Dow,
Edward
Boyte, Craig Hanley, Rob Newman, Fred Solli, Iain Emms, Alex Goff, Tore Stranden

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 24
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA)

END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR Orbx Simulation Systems Full Terrain Experience (FTX) Scenery Addon For Microsoft Flight
Simulator X and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: This End-User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal agreement between you (either
an individual or a single entity) and Orbx Simulation Systems Pty. Ltd. ("ORBX") for the ORBX software product identified above,
which includes computer software and includes associated media and online or electronic documentation (SOFTWARE
PRODUCT). The SOFTWARE PRODUCT also includes any updates and supplements to the original SOFTWARE PRODUCT which
may be provided to you by ORBX. By accessing or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms
of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

SOFTWARE PRODUCT LICENSE

The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is sold as a single user license and no ownership is transferred, only the right to use the license software. The SOFTWARE
PRODUCT may not be re-distributed, sold for non-profit or profit or subscription fees, repackaged, delivered on CD or DVD media or any other form
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or authorised by ORBX.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. This EULA grants you the following rights:

a. You may install, access, and run a SINGLE copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a SINGLE personal computer for your personal, non-commercial,
non-profit use. Any party or organisation seeking to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT under license for commercial use should contact ORBX at
info@orbxsystems.com
b. This SOFTWARE PRODUCT is for personal entertainment purposes only and may not be used for flight training or commercial purposes. This
SOFTWARE PRODUCT is not part of an approved training program under the standards of any aviation regulatory agency or body worldwide,
whether private or government.
c. Separation of Components. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as a single product. Its original component parts created by ORBX may not be
separated for use for other software or projects.
d. Trademarks. This EULA does not grant you any rights in connection with any trademarks or service marks of ORBX.
e. Rental. You may not rent, lease, or lend the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. You may not charge admission or fees for any simulator, entertainment or
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operation, installation or remedy of issues arising to the use of the SOFTWARE at its official support website at www.orbxsystems.com, however
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use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual
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provided only in electronic form, and you may print multiple copies of such electronic documentation.
3. LEGAL JURISDICTION. This EULA is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.
4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL ORBX BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR
INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT OR THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES, EVEN IF ORBX HAS BEEN
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COPYRIGHTS

Microsoft Flight Simulator X is a Copyrighted trademark of Microsoft Corporation

Prepar3D is a Copyrighted trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation
FTX and Full Terrain Experience are brands of Orbx Simulation Systems Pty. Ltd.
Source imagery used under license from various providers worldwide, all rights reserved. openLC Baltic
States Demo source data from CORINE and is copyright http://www.eea.europa.eu/legal/copyright
Copyright 2013 Orbx Simulation Systems Pty. Ltd.

Orbx FTX Global Version 1.40 User Guide September 2015 Page 25