Making Realistic Mountains

[norman99 0]

G'day, i was just interested how everyone makes realistic mountains in their grayscale images (custom/fantasy maps non real life, USGS type maps). i've been playing around in paint shop pro, but can't seem to make a realistic range. any hints or tips would be greatly appriceated, as i'd love to add some realistic mountains to a harbour i created (below).

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Harbour%202.jpg align=baseline>

 

Thanks in advance

 

Michael

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Hmm... that's a toughie...

I haven't actually done that before. But, first of all, it depends what kind of mountains you want. For example, the mountains in Pennsylvania are VERY different from the mountains in Oregon.


My suggestion would be to copy and paste (rotating as necessary) sections of real mountains from USGS data... though that's still a bit tough. It's at least easier than hand-drawing mountains.


Good luck!

[norman99 0]

That's what i thought i'd have to do. I guess i was hoping there was a tool in a graphics programs like photoshop that could be used that other people might know of, but i guess not.

Thanks anyway

 

Michael

[flamesrock 6]

There is a way.

You don't use photoshop, though:

http://tenermerx.com/sc3maped/

ipmort the image as a .bmp, then add your mountains. I also recommend shrinking the dimensions first, as the program has difficult with larger maps.

[norman99 0]

Thanks, i'll check it out. I was also going to look into fractal plugins for paint shop or photoshop, maybe they could be used somehow to creat realistic mountains.

thanks again

 

michael