Lou Montana/Sandbox – User
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1.60 
1.00 
1.00
Definitions
Simulation Time Scope
Simulation Time Scope is updated on a lower frequency to save performance the more distance between the unit and the camera the lower the refresh frequency will be. [citation needed]
Render Time Scope
Render Time Scope is updated on a very high frequency (presumably on each frame). The position of the unit is interpolated depending on its speed and movement direction. Due to interpolation the position might not be accurate, but it's updated frequently, resulting in a smooth motion. Usually, Render Time Scope should be used when something is visible to the player. [citation needed]
Simulation vs Render
Simulation and Render cycles are separated since Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead v1.60. This means that any object has now "two" positions: the computed one (simulation), and the visual one (render).
- For visual (e.g HUD-related) operations, use *visual Render Time Scope scripting commands (e.g getPosATLVisual)
- "Normal" commands (e.g getPosATL) are to be used if the position isn't updated frequently and the effect is not visible to players.
Before Simulation and Render separation
From Operation Flashpoint to Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead v1.59, the simulation first updated the world's state (units position) then the visual rendering was done.
Sequencing these operations worked fine only in non-intensive scenarios; as soon as the CPU reached its limits, the simulation frequency was lowered in order to maintain acceptable FPS, resulting in units visually "jumping".
See Also
- Experimental betas - Interpolating the future blog article
- Sniperwolf572 forum post explanation