Project setup

How to configure a new project for the COALA plugin:


The plugin itself came with a example level where everything is prepared: The Papermap

To use the map there are a couple of steps needed.

1) How to have a sneak peek into the map

Create new project

Select "Blank" template

Sample project settings could look like this.

After the project is created and the editor will start.

Make shure that the plugin "Coala Blueprints" is enabled.

As well as this:

  • Mobile Location Services - Android Implementation

  • Mobile Location Services - IOS Implementation

  • Mobile Location Services Blueprint Library

And this:

  • Procedural Mesh Component

You can already have a sneak peak into the "Coala_Paper_Map" level that is located here:

ThoughtfishCoalaPlugin Content -> PaperMap -> Content -> PaperMap

Loading the level, press play and wait until the map is generated.

HINT: If you want to observe how the level is generated, uncheck the "Show Loading" box on the "BP_Coala_Interface" actor.

As soon as the map is loaded, click "Eject" to detach from the player controller.

And investigate the scene as you please.

2) Move over the map by click/touch

Configure the input bindings in the editor (have a look at the image)

  • SetDestination

  • InteractPOI

  • ZoomIn


(Hint: Verify that "Action Mappings" is spelled correctly because it needs to match the values in the Plugin)

In the "World Outliner" select "BP_Coala".

Check "Enable Movement by Click" in the Details panel under Coala

Press play and as soon as the map is loaded ...

... you can move around the generated world by right clicking on it

3) Mobile build

Under Project Settings, set the "Coala_Paper_Map" level as the default map for Editor and Game.

Verify that your "Platforms - Android" settings correct.

We used the following:

  • check "Pack game data inside .apk?"

  • check "Support arm64 [aka arm74-v8a]"

  • check "Support OpenGL ES3.1"

Extend Platform.ini file with these values

(This will allow more object spawned by the engine, wich is needed for decorations)

[/Script/Engine.GarbageCollectionSettings]

gc.MaxObjectsInGame=1310720

gc.TimeBetweenPurgingPendingKillObjects=300.000000

To start the build, navigate to

File -> Package Project -> Android -> Android (Multi: ASTC,DXT,ETC2)

select a a save path and wait for the result

The .apk (android package file) can now be used to install the example on an android device.

3.1) Important if building for Android

    • make sure you have added the needed extra permissions for GPS

      • android.permission.ACCESS_GPS

      • android.permission.ACCESS_LOCATION

      • android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION

      • android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION

3.2) Important if building for iOS

Make sure you have enabled "Allow web connections to non-HTTPS websites" if building for iOS.