.dat from .gp4 inversion - cure found !

Hello,
I created a method to stop the sector inversion issue from occurring

RIC-O-TTA Method® - named after the Rosetta Stone

- Uploaded an illustrated .pdf guide detailing the research including a GP4Builder-only procedure for non-Blender users.
- Uploaded a video demo of a physics .dat layout from track mesh .gp4 without any inversion occurring, on first attempt.

[drive.google.com]

Thanks
Ric-o



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2026 04:18AM by ricomaster.

Superb Rico! Thank you for share your tuto.

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PLEASE VISIT: Grand Prix Mods Blog

Great stuff, thanks for sharing.
Some years ago i was working on the texas motor speedway to convert the 3d track mesh to a dat file.
Sadly it was bugged and just left it, but maybe its time to pick it up again.

---

My Grand Prix 4 Files
I'm a total dick. How many people can say that?

I watched the video. Wasted my time.
So you discovered the .dat to .gp4 feature and track profiler ... (witch was in early GP4builder early versions already)
Nothing new to me.


2010 to 2021 Gp4 Track updates Jorge's Track updates blog

JCaranti Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I watched the video. Wasted my time.
> So you discovered the .dat to .gp4 feature and tra
> ck profiler ... (witch was in early GP4builder ear
> ly versions already)
> Nothing new to me.

Hi J,
Maybe I wasnt clear enough then. It demonstrates the .dat layout from .gp4 but that is not the point.
For that track mesh I was getting inverted orientations from #128 to #1178.

Did you notice the darker blue "twisted" mesh sections? That should catch the eye in the video.
I highlighted and took the time to explain those are the sections adjusted according to the method.
The video shows .dat generation running smoothly from the adjusted mesh.
Do you think it would be better to first present the .dat attempt from the non-adjusted track?

Also, I highly praise Lo2k's work because I intend no offence on showing a fix for an issue with it.

Anyway I thank you for your feedback - it shows the way I presented the video may have misled you into dismissing it as "nothing new".
Fixing that issue in GP4Builder is unheard of, and that is new indeed.

Thanks,
Ric-o

PS no I did not discover the .dat to .gp4 feature and track profiler.
I created a method to fix the rotation inversion when using the .dat layout f.r.o.m .gp4.
I point to the Moon, yet you stare at my finger.



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 08/06/2026 07:10PM by ricomaster.

Turbo Lover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Great stuff, thanks for sharing.
> Some years ago i was working on the texas motor sp
> eedway to convert the 3d track mesh to a dat file.
> Sadly it was bugged and just left it, but maybe it
> s time to pick it up again.

Yes, please do so, that is important.
In the .pdf I highlight the need of experiment on other tracks, by other users.
If you need any help please do call me.
Also, please take note on difficulties, doubts, and send them to me.
I will gladly address them and it will also help improving the guide and method steps.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Ric-o

ricomaster Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> PS no I did not discover the .dat to .gp4 feature
> and track profiler.
> I created a method to fix the rotation inversion w
> hen using the .dat layout f.r.o.m .gp4.
> I point to the Moon, yet you stare at my finger.

Well in the video to me it looked like you discovered those features...

You said you found a fix using gp4builder to make those fix of orientation of the mesh. I did not see that.
I saw you use Blender for it.

You maybe looking into your fingers ...

We need someone to update GP4builder and possibly add more features.

Anyway i am glad your learning the tools, etc.


2010 to 2021 Gp4 Track updates Jorge's Track updates blog

JCaranti Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ricomaster Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > PS no I did not discover the .dat to .gp4 featur
> e
> > and track profiler.
> > I created a method to fix the rotation inversion
> w
> > hen using the .dat layout f.r.o.m .gp4.
> > I point to the Moon, yet you stare at my finger.
>
> Well in the video to me it looked like you discove
> red those features...
>
> You said you found a fix using gp4builder to make
> those fix of orientation of the mesh. I did not se
> e that.
> I saw you use Blender for it.
>
> You maybe looking into your fingers ...
>
> We need someone to update GP4builder and possibly
> add more features.
>
> Anyway i am glad your learning the tools, etc.

One should bother reading the .pdf document which explains the method...
On page 20 I explicitly write the method is not Blender specific and propose a GP4B-only procedure for non 3D/Blender users.
Oh, look! There is even a detailed illustrated step by step guide for it!
Listening the song "days of wine and roses"... while typing.. feeling a finger cramp and thinking of roses to swine
Best regards,
Ric-o



Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 08/07/2026 03:43PM by ricomaster.

ricomaster Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> One should bother reading the .pdf document which
> explains the method...
> On page 20 I explicitly write the method is not Bl
> ender specific and propose a GP4B-only procedure f
> or non 3D/Blender users.
> Oh, look! There is even a detailed illustrated ste
> p by step guide for it!
> Listening the song "days of wine and roses"... wh
> ile typing.. feeling a finger cramp and thinking o
> f roses to swine
> Best regards,
> Ric-o

Well you discovered that you can copy and paste vertices edges from one place to another.
Nothing new.
But i am really glad your learning the tool to build tracks for Gp4.

If your interested i can give you a specific task for a 2021 track using your claimed method.
Let me know.


2010 to 2021 Gp4 Track updates Jorge's Track updates blog

My fellow modder,

I will summarize for you, step by step, the origins of this method:
1 - Adjusted track's mesh in Blender,
2 - Tried getting the .dat layout from it in GP4Builder;
3 - Result: severe problem of direction inversion (all sectors from #128 to #1178)
4 - Manual fix: unpractical - it would take a huge amount of effort and time (manually correcting 1,050 sectors' orientation after manually calculating the direction (value minus 180));
5 - Track mesh HAD to be as it was, because it is true to the reliable references
6 - Researched and found a way to fix the problem, which is well known and I assume it has troubled people before me;
7 - Contacted the author, explained what I did firsthand;
8 - Took the time to do a comprehensive description and illustrated guide for it, including non-3D Gp4Builder vertex editing procedure;
9 - Shared with others the solution so they don't abandon a project or modify the mesh because of that specific GP4B issue.

You used the phrasing "using your claimed method" - and that is very appropriate, I appreciate it!
I really agree with that : always be skeptical, doubt every claims, check if they are reproducible by other peers.
Thanks for offering your 2021 track, but having me doing it does not validate the method - I am biased.
You must do it, without my interference, and check what results you achieve.
That is the beauty of the Scientific Method - please read the .pdf section "Discussion"

Your other comment "Well you discovered that you can copy and paste vertices edges from one place to another.", etc. are really unorthodox and mesmerizing to me.
It all looks like typical responses people use when under stress or in a conflict situation.
We are not, and I would invite you to let this topic settle in a friendly manner.

Best regards,
Ric-o