Implementation:CARLA simulator Carla Content Clone
| Knowledge Sources | |
|---|---|
| Domains | Build_System, Development |
| Last Updated | 2026-02-15 00:00 GMT |
Overview
Concrete tool for downloading CARLA's binary content assets (maps, models, textures) from the dedicated Bitbucket repository in the CARLA build pipeline.
Description
This implementation clones the carla-content repository from Bitbucket into the Unreal Engine project's content directory. The repository contains all binary assets needed by CARLA's built-in maps and simulation environments, including 3D meshes, materials, textures, blueprints, and map files in Unreal Engine format.
The clone targets the ue5-dev branch and must be placed at Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla relative to the CARLA repository root, as this is the path expected by the Unreal Engine project configuration. The repository uses Git LFS for efficient storage and transfer of large binary files.
Usage
Execute this command after cloning the main CARLA source repository and before building or launching the simulator. The content must be present for the Unreal Engine editor to load maps and for the packaged simulator to include visual assets.
Code Reference
Source Location
- Repository: CARLA
- File:
CarlaSetup.sh:L84-96,Docs/build_linux_ue5.md:L201-215
Signature
git clone -b ue5-dev https://bitbucket.org/carla-simulator/carla-content.git \
Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla
I/O Contract
Inputs
| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
-b ue5-dev |
Branch name | Yes | The content branch matching the CARLA source branch. Must be ue5-dev for UE5 builds.
|
| Repository URL | URL | Yes | https://bitbucket.org/carla-simulator/carla-content.git -- the CARLA content repository on Bitbucket.
|
| Target directory | Path | Yes | Must be Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla relative to the CARLA repository root.
|
| Git LFS | System tool | Yes | Git LFS must be installed and initialized (git lfs install) for binary asset retrieval.
|
Outputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla/ |
Directory | Complete content asset tree including Maps, Static meshes, Blueprints, Materials, and Textures. |
Maps/ subdirectory |
UMAP files | Unreal Engine map files for all built-in CARLA towns (Town01-Town15, etc.). |
Static/ subdirectory |
UASSET files | 3D meshes for vehicles, pedestrians, props, buildings, vegetation, and road infrastructure. |
| Exit code | Integer | 0 on success; non-zero on failure (network error, LFS issues, insufficient disk space).
|
Usage Examples
Basic Example
# Navigate to the CARLA repository root
cd CarlaUE5
# Clone the content repository into the expected directory
git clone -b ue5-dev https://bitbucket.org/carla-simulator/carla-content.git \
Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla
# Verify the content was downloaded
ls Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla/
Partial Clone for Faster Setup
# Use Git LFS partial clone to defer downloading large files until needed
GIT_LFS_SKIP_SMUDGE=1 git clone -b ue5-dev \
https://bitbucket.org/carla-simulator/carla-content.git \
Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla
# Later, pull specific LFS files as needed
cd Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla
git lfs pull --include="Maps/Town01/*"
Updating Content to Latest
cd CarlaUE5/Unreal/CarlaUnreal/Content/Carla
# Pull latest content changes
git pull origin ue5-dev
# Ensure all LFS objects are downloaded
git lfs pull