Release Notes

Gaea 2.1.1 – Key Highlights

• Revamped Variable System – Improved UI, expanded support for all variable types, and a more flexible architecture.
• New Math Node Editor – Feature-rich editor with convenience tools for easier calculations and logic.
• Enhanced Cartography Node – Create even better maps with these new features.
• New Shade & Patterns Nodes – Generate simple lighting effects and create line, dot, and engraving patterns.
• Improved File Save System – Enhanced reliability to prevent data loss and corruption.
• Several important fixes - Improved stability from several key bug fixes based on user feedback.

See Variables and Expressions in action on our YouTube Channel

Variables & Workflow Improvements

• Revamped Variable UI – Improved design for better usability.
• Advanced Variable Architecture – New system for greater control and flexibility.
• Expanded Variable Support – Now supports all remaining variable types.
• Enhanced Variable Editing & Handling – More intuitive and efficient.
• Expressions – Now fully functional for all Float and Int properties.
• More Undo Opportunities – Expanded undo support for normal workflows.

Nodes Updates

• New Shade Node – Generates simple lighting effects for cartography and visualization.
• New Patterns Node – Create line, dot, and engraving patterns for stylized terrains.
• Cartography Node Overhaul – Improved contour control and new color palettes.
• Cartography Shade System Update – Now handled by the new Shade Node.
• Math Node Update – Upgraded with a feature-rich editor and convenience tools.
• Dilate Node Enhancement – Added curve support for better control.
• Unreal Engine Export – New option to disable texture map resizing.

Node Fixes

• LightX Node Fix – Secondary outputs are now correctly treated as masks.
• Large Blur Radius Fix – Prevents rare artifact generation.
• Volcano Example Load Fix – Ensures successful loading.
• Houdini Export Timeout Fixed – Now processes 8K terrains reliably.
• Pockmarks Node Fix – Now respects scale range.
• Dilate Node Fix – Prevents data contamination from previous nodes.

Performance & UI Enhancements

• Adaptive Timers (Experimental) – Faster node feedback for improved responsiveness.
• Streamlined About Dialog – Cleaner, more informative UI.
• Improved Diagnostics & Console Output – Better error reporting and license activation via CLI.
• Property Binding Menu – Enhanced visuals for a smoother experience.
• Missing VC++ Warning - Portable install will warn if C++ redistributable is missing.

File Management & Licensing

• Floating License Management – New option to permanently release a floating license.
• Thumbnail Storage Options – Choose to store thumbnails centrally instead of next to the file.
• Save System Improvements – More robust handling of file saves.
• File Size Estimation – Now available in the Bake Menu.
• Build Command-Line Preview Fixes – Prevents crashes if ESC is pressed.
• Status Bar Warning – Notifies users if the highest-rated compute device is disabled.
• Hybrid Build Error Messaging – More accurate feedback.

General Fixes

• Critical Fix for Stale Caches – Resolves long-standing cache handling issues.
• Improved Save System Stability – Ensures safer project saves.
• Fixed Memory Leak in Data View UI – Prevents excessive memory usage.
• Enhanced Readouts in Stats Data View – Displays project information when no node is selected.
• Color Picker Bug Fixed – Changing Hue now updates the color correctly.
• Color Editor Fix – Numeric entry now properly recognizes values.

UI & Workflow Fixes

• Prevented Accidental Modifier Reordering – Eliminates unintended dragging.
• Fixed Bookmarked Node Crash – Prevents errors if a bookmarked node is missing.
• Dropped File Behavior Fix – Closing the Start Window when dropping a file now works as expected.
• File Open Warnings – Now alerts users when changing files while nodes are actively building.
• Improved License Activation for IT Admins – Critical fix for enterprise setups.
• Hide License Button When Licensed – Onboarding UI now correctly reflects licensing status.