hi there! new here!

[god2allsims]

hi im brian anywayz ive searched teh threads and i couldnt find my query basicly what i want to know is exacly what is a lot and bat file i kno what they are but the difference they hold as far as teh type of file (i.e bats hold buildings and lots hold ) i know thats probly not rite but its an example thank you much help is always appreciated 

srry i also meant to ask whats the deal with model and desc files do hose go in the plugins folder? and what do they do ..once agagin thank you

[mightygoose]

Firstly welcome to the community. Secondly, all the information you are asking for is found in the various tutorials on this site. A good tutorial for the BAT is here [linkie]. A good tutorial for the LOT Editor is here [linkie]. As for model and desc files. A model is the series of images that represent the building made in the correct form to be used in Simcity 4. The desc file is created by the Plugin Manager. It tells SC4 what to do with the model in the game. It tells the game engine how many people the building employs, how much water it uses, etc. A good intro to the Plugin Manager is here [linkie]

Thirdly, first impressions count for alot and I see that you are American. English is your first language so please endeavour to use it correctly.

[god2allsims]

youve been more than helpfull i appreciate it very much so i would need all of those files .bat, .model, .lot, .desc in the plug-ins for a mod to fully work?

[mightygoose]

Mods are viewed differently here. In the SC4 community a Mod is something that alters the way the game does something. For example the NAM (network addon Mod) alters the way the game deals with traffic and transportational infrastructure. A Lot is reference to a building downloaded from the STEX/LEX/SCEX/PLEX or any other SC4 exchange for that matter. For it to work correctly, you must unpack the .zip file. Ensure that all .sc4model, .sc4desc and .sc4lot files are in the Plugins directory or a subdirectory thereof. However some downloads do not have a .sc4desc so do not worry if one is present. Next read the readme and find any dependencies you need. Ensure they are unpacked and placed in the Plugins directory. The .gmax or .3ds files do not need to be in the Plugins directory and is not included in any downloads unless specified. If all those steps are followed, check the readme again to make sure you have got and done everything. Then your download should work, if not delete it, re-download it and try again. IF then it still doesnt work. try to find the thread of the guy who created it and make a post outlining your problem as clearly as possible, preferraby with pictures.

[god2allsims]

thank you Thats perfect You sumed it up all at once ur the man as they like to say bravo ol' chap bravo

[jplumbley]

hi im brian anywayz ive searched teh threads and i couldnt find my query basicly what i want to know is exacly what is a lot and bat file i kno what they are but the difference they hold as far as teh type of file (i.e bats hold buildings and lots hold ) i know thats probly not rite but its an example thank you much help is always appreciated 

srry i also meant to ask whats the deal with model and desc files do hose go in the plugins folder? and what do they do ..once agagin thank you

Hello Brian,

What is the difference between BAT, Model, Prop Desc, Building Desc and Lot files?

In general terms a BAT and Model are the same thing.  Buildint Architect Tool (BAT) is a MAXIS program created to make SC4Model Files from Gmax models.

Now, Plugin Manager (PIM) is another MAXIS program file for making Description files for the SC4Model files.  There are two types of Description files, Prop and Building Descriptions.  This file does what it sounds like, it makes a description of the building or prop Properties, such as Building Capacity.  What is the difference between a Building and a Prop?  A prop is essentially a fence, car, etc and a Building is the actual building you see on the lot.  Every SC4Model requires one of these to be used in a lot.

Finally, Lot Editor (LE) is a third MAXIS program made to create SC4Lot files.  SC4Lot files hold the location of all the SC4Models and some other variables.  Without this file the lot will never build in game.  There can be multiple SC4Lot files used for a Building Descrition but there can only be one Building Description on each SC4Lot.

I hope this has been helpful in determining what each thing is used for.

JPlumbley