LOD

LOD models are the low level of detail versions of the original models. This is what you see loaded far away. As you get closer to the LOD model, it should change to the original model if it has one.

How to

To create an LOD version of the original model, create a model that has a lower level of detail than the original model, i.e. less polygons and smaller textures.

In the IDE file, the draw distance of the LOD object should be 301-3000 units. The draw distance of the original object should be 300 units or less.

Vice City

The LOD models should have the same name as the original model, except the first three letters of the LOD model are replaced by the letters "LOD." Create an LOD version of the collision model of the original model. The LOD collision should be the same size as the original model's but with nothing in it.

San Andreas

Which object is used as LOD is defined in the IPL entry for the original object. The last (11th) value defines the line number in the same IPL file for the LOD object instance. The first item in IPL file is line number 0, second is number 1 and so on. A value of -1 means no LOD is used.

External Link

•  GTAForums: Explanation of GTA SA LOD System - Post by steve-m explaining the LOD system for IPL files in GTA SA.