# Progress — explorer_survey_pipeline

Last visited: 2026-10-01T22:15:30Z

## Status
- [x] Initialized workspace: read ORIGINAL_REQUEST.md & DISPATCH.md
- [x] Created BRIEFING.md and progress.md
- [x] Surveyed `tools/asset_pipeline/` files (36 files total, analyzed `animation_pipeline.py`, `design_pipeline_manager.py`, `pbr_texture_synthesizer.py`, `normal_map_utils.py`, `clean_sprite_transparency.py`, etc.)
- [x] Checked `tools/asset_pipeline/lod_generator.py` -> NOT PRESENT (needs to be created)
- [x] Checked `tools/asset_pipeline/texture_compressor.py` -> NOT PRESENT (needs to be created; Pillow 12.3.0 has WebP support)
- [x] Checked `tools/asset_pipeline/viewport_culling_utils.py` -> NOT PRESENT (needs to be created + pytest suite)
- [x] Checked `animation_pipeline.py` mipmap capabilities -> NOT PRESENT (488 lines, near 500 line limit; need clean modular helper hook)
- [x] Checked Metal shaders in `client/ios/` and `client/webapp/assets/monsters/` -> `monster_palette_instancing.metal` exists; examined instanced draw calls and palette LUT shift architecture
- [x] Checked Server AoI, delta compression, and asset manifest ETag caching -> `spatial_grid.py` has basic 64m grid; animation state and delta compression need technical architecture and implementation; ETag caching needs HTTP layer specification
- [x] Checked `docs/research/` and `docs/design_requests/` -> `RENDERING_OPTIMIZATION_TECH_REPORT.md` NOT PRESENT; 18 approved DRQs, 0 in inbox (requires >= 20 new DRQs across 6 departments)
- [x] Checked existing unit tests in `tests/` -> 975 tests collected, 12 pipeline tests passing
- [x] Produced `analysis.md`
- [x] Produced `handoff.md`
- [x] Sent completion message to parent