Microsoft has released World Update 21 for "Microsoft Flight Simulator", which massively enhances the Australian continent with high-resolution photogrammetry for 40 regions and six handcrafted airports.
The update is available now for free and represents the first comprehensive overhaul of Australia since January 2021. In collaboration with Bing Maps, Vexcel, and Gaya, topographic data and textures based on Triangulated Irregular Networks (TIN) have been fundamentally updated. The expansion covers all six states and the two territories of Australia and is optimized for both Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and version 2024.
Photogrammetry initiative for 40 regions
The core technical component of the update is the implementation of current photogrammetry data for a total of 40 areas. While the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth were already present in previous versions, smaller centers and suburbs now also benefit from significantly greater detail. Regions such as Albury, Newcastle-Maitland, and the aviation hub of Moorabbin are rendered with considerably more depth thanks to the new TIN surface texturing.
This data update for the “Microsoft Flight SimulatorThis is critical for sim pilots, as it massively improves visual navigation (VFR) during low-altitude flight phases. The integration of partners like Vexcel ensures greater consistency in the aerial imagery, minimizing the typical color differences between various tiles.
Six new handcrafted airports
The development studio Gaya has also meticulously recreated six airports strategically located across the continent. Of particular note is Lord Howe Island Airport (YLHI), which serves as an important refueling stop for light aircraft between Australia and New Zealand. Also included are:
- Broken Hill (YBHI): Royal Flying Doctor Service base in the outback.
- Broome International (YBRM): The gateway to the Kimberley region.
- Coober Pedy (YCBP): Famous opal mining area with mixed ski slope surfaces.
- Bathurst (YBTH): Located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.
- RAAF Base Tindal (YPTN): A combined military-civilian facility.
A new feature is the differentiation of gameplay content between the 2020 and 2024 versions. While both versions include Discovery Flights over Canberra and the Whitsunday Islands, the 2024 version offers additional technical challenges. These include precision landings with the F/A-18 Super Hornet at RAAF Base Tindal and special rally races over the famous "Twelve Apostles" rock formations. Users of the 2020 version will have to make do with a reduced selection of landing challenges and a bush trip along the Great Ocean Road.
For players, this update primarily means the end of the outdated 2021 data structure in Australia. The use of modern TIN textures significantly reduces visual artifacts in mountainous regions like the Blue Mountains. Those who have already upgraded to Flight Simulator 2024 will also benefit from the more complex mission scripts. Installation is free for all owners of the base game via the in-game marketplace, but requires a significant amount of download space due to the amount of photogrammetry data.
I would prefer bug fixes.
This also applies to other games; without a patch, many games would not work.
Whether VR or flat.