ALSOG

Another L-System Object Generator

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• What is ALSOG?
  ALSOG is an application for parsing, interpreting, and rendering of Lindenmayer systems. It is capable to save the resulting images as bitmap (“images”) files or export them as 3D-objects for later rendering/raytracing. It works under MS Windows (see below for other OS).
• What does ALSOG mean?
  ALSOG is an acronym for “Another L-System Object Generator”.
• What can ALSOG be used for?
  You can create beautiful images of fractals or plants with it. You can also generate 3D-objects and render or raytrace them using an external application. One of the most often used application for Lindenmayer Systems is the generation of plant models.

• What do I need to use ALSOG?
  Of course, you need ALSOG itself. Please consult the Download / Purchase page.
  Your computer should:
  • run a Microsoft Windows operating system;
  • support openGL.

• What is the current version?
  The current version is version 1.0.
• Can I render all the examples shown in ABoP?
  No. Version 1.0 allows you to define, render, and export almost all of the examples contained in “Algorithmic Beauty of Plants” [PrusinkiewiczLindenmayer2002] up to chapter 3 (“Developmental models of herbaceous plants”).
• Why does it not cover the complete book?
  Well, many different things had to be implemented so far, many ideas based on these features were born, but instead of getting more well-defined, solid, rocking, ALSOG got very complex, complicated, and diffuse. So in order to keep the software usable, the “feature list was frozen” at a certain point. Instead, in order to keep the possibility to make it the best L-System tool once, the development concentrated on making it a) complete in the means that the promised features are valid, b) usable in the means that the user interface is somehow easy to understand, c) better documented, and d) less buggy.
  It is not the end. The next release will hopefully allow to build more of the examples from ABoP and other sources. Watch out.

• None so far

• A loaded example does not look right or the screen stays black.
  Please update your graphics card driver.

• Is there a Linux port?
  No. Technically, this would be possible, as the code itself as well as the chosen libraries were done having portability in mind. But we can hardly cover the heterogeneity of Linux systems. Let us know if you know better.
• Is there a MacOS port?
  No. Technically, this would be possible, as the code itself as well as the chosen libraries were done having portability in mind. But we do not have a MacOS machine. If you buy us one, we may have a MacOS port.

• Will ALSOG be coninued to be developed?
  I think so.
• I need the feature YYY! When it will be implemented?
  As soon as I want to implement it. You may contact me as given below, maybe it will motivate me.