New to Map Rendering

[nyctnv 0]

I've been downloading BAT's from Simtropolis for quite a while and have developed quite a collection. Now I've gotten bored with the default regions and would like to download a few from the STEX. I've followed the directions from the Omnibus to the tee, but haven't had any luck rendering the map in game. I do the 4 finger salute of Ctrl, Alt, Shift, R...I find the file in My Documents yada yada yada, but once I select the .jpg, nothing happens. I've read that I should get the hourglass and then wait some time for the render to complete. I don't even get the hourglass. It's like I never selected the file. The window closes and I'm back to looking at a blank region. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Oh, the file I've downloaded is called 'Two Tributarys'. I selected that one to start with because it was a simple-looking map and wouldn't take too long to render. 

[mkaustin 1]

Based on your symptoms, it is likely that the grayscale image (map .jpg) you are using is not TRUE grayscale. Try a different map to determine if that is your problem. I have a program that converts non-grayscale maps to grayscale specifically for simcity4. I will try and find where it was I downloaded it and will come back and post the link. Until then, I would try a different map just to see.

EDIT: Landscape Designer - https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=12679

This program will load a non-conforming map image and convert it to the type required by SC4.  Look in the "Help" section for details if you have trouble figuring it out.

[nyctnv 0]

I tried a different file and got the same thing. Would you mind taking a look at this file to see if you can get it to work? https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=19082

[ericlaw02 0]

Did you try typing the filename instead of double clicking the file?

[tungston 19]

Those are the three things that cause the problem, the image is not an 8 bit, 256 color grayscale, the name didn't appear in the selected box, and a wireless keyboard. Some wireless KB's won't take a 4 key press, and have a combination key for that.

[nyctnv 0]

Originally posted by: ericlaw02 Did you try typing the filename instead of double clicking the file?quote>

 

Yep, I tried that (I had seen that solution on the Omnibus) too. I'm not using a wireless keyboard, I'm using a laptop. I just don't know. Can someone look to see if the two files I've named are True 8 bit 256 greyscales? I just don't understand. In the mean time I've downloaded the Landscape Designer program that mkaustin suggested. Perhaps that will quench my thirst for new regions. Thanks for all your help. I wish I could get the STEX files to work.

[mkaustin 1]

ok. I checked the particular map you were looking at. It appears to not be true greyscale AND it froze my computer when I tried to convert in Landscape Designer. Give this map a try:

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13328

I suggest this because I know it works (have used it with ctrl+alt+shift+R) AND it is about as small as they come, so it should render very quickly.

I know that isnt a map you picked out, but it will help to isolate your problem.

[nyctnv 0]

I'll give that a shot tomorrow, thanks. I've downloaded the Landscape Designer and created a quick region. I got the same thing. I did notice one thing though. The layout of the cities in the region DID load correctly, but then nothing happened. How quickly does the hourglass come up? I've waited for something to happen for roughly 10 minutes but it doesn't appear that anything is going on. 

[mkaustin 1]

The hourglass should come up nearly instantaneously. Come back and let us know after you give it another go tomorrow.

[nyctnv 0]

Ok, I don't know what was different or what changed, but I was able to render both the file you posted (Old Lyme) and the one I created with the Landscaping program. I then tried to render the second file I posted here yesterday (https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=19082 ) and that didn't work. At any rate, I was at least able to render two new regions which is what I wanted to do to alleviate some bordom from the default regions. So thank you everyone for your assistance.