The NavMesh concept
- Game Development course
- Advanced
- Lesson 37/71
- 4 min
Learn that the NavMesh defines walkable surfaces.
NavMesh (Navigation Mesh) Concept
A NavMesh (navigation mesh) is a geometric surface representation defining where AI characters can traverse and which obstacles they must avoid in the 3D world.
// Static scene geometry is included in the NavMesh calculation
// Walkable areas are displayed in the editor as a cyan mesh overlayAfter tagging terrain and barriers as 'Navigation Static', the 'Bake' process automatically calculates the traversable (Walkable) topology.
NavMesh Layers and Area Costs
NavMesh surfaces can be segmented into distinct layers: Walkable (standard ground), Not Walkable (impassable barriers), and Jump (chasm gaps). Each area type carries an associated Area Cost.
using UnityEngine.AI;
// AI pathfinding prioritizes the shortest and least costly pathThe pathfinding algorithm (A*) may favor longer, clear paths over shorter routes through high-cost mud or hazardous zones.
Practice NavMesh status check
Define a Start method. Inside, declare string durum = "NavMesh yuzeyi hazir"; and print it to the console with Debug.Log(durum);.
Starter code
using UnityEngine;
public class NavMeshInfo : MonoBehaviour
{
// Start icinde durum degiskenini tanimla ve yazdir
}Sample solution
using UnityEngine;
public class NavMeshInfo : MonoBehaviour
{
void Start()
{
string durum = "NavMesh yuzeyi hazir";
Debug.Log(durum);
}
}Expected output
NavMesh yuzeyi hazir
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 Which property must be enabled on scene objects for them to be included in the NavMesh Bake calculation?
- Is Trigger
- Shader Graph Alpha
- AudioSource Mute
- Navigation Static Correct answer
Explanation: During NavMesh baking, only stationary objects flagged as 'Navigation Static' are evaluated as walkable surfaces or obstacles.
2 Import navigation namespace
using UnityEngine.____;using UnityEngine.AI;Explanation: To access NavMesh and navigation classes in Unity, the 'UnityEngine.AI' namespace is imported.
3 NavMesh core concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
NavMesh |
Navigation mesh for walkable areas |
Bake |
Generating NavMesh from geometry |
Walkable |
Free surface where characters can walk |
Area Cost |
Cost multiplier of a NavMesh area |