what is the difference between a decal, a Netlane, and a surface? I think I know what a surface is, it covers the ground but you can still see road markings. a decal is like a sticker on top of the ground so you can see both ground and decal? what is a netlane?
Hi! I will try to explain:
Surface: You can draw it with the shape you want, but only will stick to ground (all surfaces behave the same way). Can be displayed in ground and roads (also other component, but is useless). Have limitations on color/shadows because a bug in the game. You can create big shapes with them and work on slopes.
Decal: Is like you said, a sticker that snap to things. Will be displayed over determined game components (ground, roads, buildings, vehicles, props). Can't change form (at least for now) and you can't change where to display them (at least for now). Do not have color/shadow bug. Are easy to use and can be manipulated with move it or the transform tool. Do not work well on slopes.
"Netlane": Is like a decal that you can draw like a road or a fence. Will be displayed over determined game components (ground, roads, buildings, vehicles, props). Since is "like a road", to move it you need "move it" mod to manipulate them. Can't be drawn on elevated segments (yet), but you can rise them using move it (manipulation mode). Do not have color/shadow bug. The main advantage is that you create curved shapes with them. Can be drawn on slopes, but could be tricky.
In this mod, different surfaces, decals and netlanes, have different properties to achieve different goals. Some will only be displayed on ground, others, will hide road markings, other will not. This is to achieve different goals and specific necessities when detailing and also give flexibility to the user. The main limitation using all this components, is which will be displayed over the other (draw order).
If you have more questions, no doubt asking!
Cheers.