Pic Of The Week #2 - The Cathedral Of Tramau

Originally published on December 29th, 2023

Welcome to the second and final 'CTS: Tram - Pic of the Week' for 2023!

Next year, you'll continue to get weekly glimpses into the development of our new tram simulator, 'City Transport Simulator: Tram.' In today's screenshot, we're sitting in the driver's cabin of the ULF tram from Vienna, taking in the view of the Cathedral – one of the most beautiful buildings in our city, Tramau.

Week 2: The Cathedral of Tramau




Built in 1205, the first church in Tramau was a modest structure reflecting the simplicity of the times. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent transformations, evolving with the architectural styles of Gothic and Baroque. Its intricate details and ornate windows turned it into a true architectural gem.

From the beginning, it was important to us that Tramau is a city full of landmarks and history to convey an authentic feeling. The presence of an imposing cathedral in the heart of the city was crucial. However, constructing such buildings is always a challenge, as they must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also performance-efficient.

Technical Challenge

Implementing this goal required more than just inserting a 3D model into the city. Every aspect, from placement to lighting, had to be carefully considered to ensure that the cathedral is not only visually impressive but also technically efficient.




The meticulous division of the 3D model into essential modules was a crucial step, allowing for the dynamic use of various Levels of Detail (LOD). Additionally, physically based materials (PBR) were created effectively and economically to preserve the aesthetic splendor and feel of the cathedral. While many modules were reused in this symmetrical structure, the cathedral alone consists of several hundred thousand triangles.

CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we look forward to sharing all the details with you. Stay tuned for a lot more exciting information. Head over to our brand-new Steam Forum, Discord server, and our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). Let us know what you think and become part of the CTS: Tram community.