BMProjectModules - Spline Path Visualizer

Summary

Spline Path Visualizer is a runtime-focused 3D path visualization layer for rendering world-space path data clearly and predictably across elevated and multi-level environments, without owning gameplay logic or path generation.

It is designed to visualize Paths and Path Previews provided by your own systems, keeping rendering concerns cleanly separated from navigation, input, and game logic.

The Path Visualizer renders spline-based paths using Niagara System rendering rather than traditional spline mesh components. This approach avoids common spline mesh artifacts such as visible seams, stretching, and complexity when paths are rebuilt, extended, or updated dynamically.

 

* The included demo uses the Unreal Engine Top Down template to provide a simple, stable reference environment for showcasing the Path Visualizer’s functionality. Images and video showcasing externally generated path data, grid and pathfinding systems are not included.

 

Supporting Video

The included video is broken into the following sections:

  1. Quick How to Use

  2. Overview and Core Concepts

  3. Scalability and Use with Grid-Based Pathfinding

 

Core Design Intent

  • Visualization only. No gameplay ownership.

  • Explicit function calls. No hidden ticking or state.

  • Designed for true 3D world-space spline visualization, including verticality and multi-level environments.

  • Niagara rendered splines. Designed for dynamic path updates and scalability.

  • The Visualizer internally manages incremental Path additions and reversals. You only need to provide new Path additions. Any reversals are handled using the path data already stored by the Visualizer.

  • Blueprint only. Fully readable and modifiable.

 

Features

  • Render spline-based Paths and Path Previews independently

  • Clean ribbon style visualization focused on gameplay readability

  • Independent visual control for Path and Path Preview

  • Stable appearance from elevated and distant camera angles

  • Optional direction-based Static Mesh Path Markers with path-flow-driven 3D orientation, configurable per axis, for start, end, or intermediate Path points.

 

Customization

Visual appearance is influenced by emissive intensity and spline width, allowing users to balance brightness and readability to suit their project.

Customizable options include:

  • Color presets

  • Width and scale presets

  • Intensity presets

  • Pulse speed and amplitude

  • Marker visibility per role (start, intermediary, end)

 

Visuals for Path Markers can be replaced while retaining the built-in placement and update logic, allowing use of your own custom Marker visuals.

 

Integration Workflow

  • Generate path points using your existing system (grid, navmesh, spline, or custom logic).

  • Call the Path Visualizer functions with your point data.

  • Update or clear Paths and Path Previews explicitly as needed.

 

What This Asset Does Not Do

  • Does not generate paths or grids

  • Does not perform pathfinding

  • Does not handle player input

  • Does not perform collision checks or ground snapping

  • Assumes valid world-space path points are provided