Freemeshx Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0 !!better!!
FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0 is a comprehensive, freeware replacement for the stock terrain mesh in flight simulators, designed to significantly enhance the 3D relief of the world. By increasing the density of elevation data points, it creates more defined mountains, sharper ridgelines, and realistic valleys without adding a heavy texture footprint. Core Features & Specifications
Global LOD10 Coverage: Standardizes the majority of the world's terrain to LOD10 (38m resolution), which is the same level of detail found by default only in the USA.
Massive Data Compilation: Built from over 400GB of raw terrain data, compressed into a roughly 46GB global package. Regional Detail Improvements:
Africa, Asia, and South America: These regions see the most dramatic improvements, moving from very low-detail default mesh to sharp LOD10.
High Latitude Exceptions: Regions like Antarctica, Greenland, and Russian territories above 60°N are typically rendered at LOD9 (76m) due to data limitations.
USA Expansion (Optional): While not in the standard global pack, a separate LOD12 (9.5m resolution) HD beta package is available specifically for the United States. Compatibility & Performance
Simulator Support: Fully compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX), FSX: Steam Edition, and all versions of Prepar3D (P3D).
Stackable Layers: It is designed to sit above default terrain in the Scenery Library but below landclass layers.
Resource Efficiency: Because it is purely elevation data (BGL files), it does not add new textures, meaning there is no extra texture memory (VRAM) footprint.
Recommended Add-ons: Experts suggest pairing it with vector products like ORBX Global Vector or Ultimate Terrain X (UTX) to ensure that roads, coastlines, and airport elevations align correctly with the new terrain heights. Installation Tip FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0 for FSX & P3D freemeshx global terrain mesh scenery 2.0
There is no formal academic or research paper for FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0. It is a major freeware project developed by Nine Two Productions for Flight Simulator X (FSX) and Prepar3D (P3D).
Instead of a formal paper, you can find the technical specifications and detailed usage instructions in its official release documentation and community support guides: Technical Specifications Version: 2.0 (Global).
Resolution: Primarily LOD10 (38m resolution) for most of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia/Oceania.
Data Size: The project is built from over 400GB of raw terrain data, compressed into a final install size of approximately 46GB.
USA Special Edition: A separate LOD12 (9.5m resolution) high-definition variant for the USA is available as a beta. Accessing Documentation
You can find the "official" documentation and downloads through the following major sim repositories:
Main File & Info: The complete package is hosted on Fly Away Simulation, which includes the developer's notes on the LOD transitions and data sources.
Technical Manuals: While there isn't a "paper," there are PDF folders included in similar large scenery releases (like the FSX Airport Catalog) that provide runway and location metadata.
Integration Guide: For instructions on manual installation and setting scenery library priority, you can refer to the community guide on Integrating FreeMeshX from an External Location. Scenery Addons for FSX & P3D (Freeware) FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2
FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0 is a comprehensive, freeware global terrain enhancement for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) and Prepar3D (P3D). Developed by Nine Two Productions, it replaces the default low-detail terrain mesh with a high-resolution version, bringing more realistic mountains, valleys, and ridges to the virtual world. Key Features
Near-Worldwide Coverage: Upgrades the entire world to LOD10 (38m) resolution. This is roughly the same level of detail that the default simulator only provides for the United States.
Massive Data Compilation: The 46GB final product was compiled from over 400GB of raw terrain data.
Regional Improvements: Provides the most dramatic upgrades for Africa, Asia, and South America, where default detail is often very low (LOD6/7).
Exceptions: A few regions, such as Antarctica, Greenland, and parts of Northern Russia, are limited to LOD9 due to data availability.
Performance Friendly: Because it only updates elevation data (the "shape" of the earth) and not textures, it has a minimal impact on frame rates. Essential Technical Notes
What it is NOT: FreeMeshX is not a texture pack; it does not change the look of the ground, only the underlying shape.
Layering Priority: For proper results in the Scenery Library, it should be placed above default terrain entries but below airport scenery and landclass layers.
Vector Conflicts: It does not update "vectors" (coastlines or rivers). Using it without a vector tool like FTX Vector may cause "plateau" effects where airports or water bodies appear at the wrong heights. The Only Downside No product is perfect
USA HD Mesh: While Global 2.0 covers the world at 38m, an optional FreeMeshX USA HD pack is available at a much sharper LOD12 (9.5m) resolution.
You can download various regions or the full global installer through sites like Fly Away Simulation or Simviation.
The Only Downside
No product is perfect. Because FreeMeshX alters the physical shape of the ground, default airports that were "flattened" for the old mesh may now sit on slopes or have slight plateaus. This is rare, but when it happens, you’ll need a separate airport flattening tool (like Airport Design Editor).
Additionally, the water masking, while good, isn’t perfect. You may occasionally see a river floating slightly above or below the terrain.
2. New Data Sources
V1 relied heavily on older NASA SRTM data. V2.0 merges:
- SRTM GL3 (30m) for most of the world.
- ASTER GDEM2 (30m) for high-latitude areas (Alaska, Northern Canada, Siberia) where SRTM is weak.
- NED (10m) for the United States.
- CDED (20m) for Canada.
The result is that remote mountain airstrips in Papua New Guinea or the Chilean Andes now have micro-terrain that matches real-world approach plates.
Quick FAQ
Q: Does this work with MSFS (Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020)? A: No. MSFS 2020 uses an entirely different streaming data engine and does not require this add-on. FreeMeshX is designed for the older ESP platform (FSX/P3D).
Q: Will this make my airports float or sink? A: Generally, no. The mesh is designed to align with default airport elevations. However, if you have custom airport add-ons that modify terrain, there may be minor elevation discrepancies, though version 2.0 handles these better than previous versions.
Q: Do I need to keep the default scenery files? A: The installer will overwrite or replace the necessary default terrain files to ensure the new mesh takes priority.