Canals/Waterways - Image

[S.A.C 20]

W Downtown visible below the mountain top.  Fairly low buildings with the Opera House in front of the plaza. Up right the second monorail station located in downtown.  Subways and buses are the main public services available in N Downtown - for obvious reasons - but S and W Downtown have a much better terrain for these monorail trains https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif border=0>;



N Downtown close-up.  C and R-buildings shown from uphill, (the regional council);



...and yet another close-up;

[S.A.C 20]

...and what do you know - yet another one https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif border=0>  This is the N Downtown plaza again. Due to the steeps described, the road going downhill is generated by the game, (with a foundation), and it wasn't possible to add a smooth transission;



The new canal - although small https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif border=0>;



Well, enough with close-ups already! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif border=0>  Here

[S.A.C 20]

And finally - for this time - the last image!  This one shows the University on top of the mountain with the avenue going downhill to N Downtown and connecting other avenues to S and W Downtown.  This is also where the waterpark begins!;



So, I hope you liked it!  More images to come! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/21.gif border=0>


UPDATE;  For some reason I can't see the images!  Can you?  I'll look into it in a moment. Need to go down to the local store and buy some snacks https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif border=0>

[Daeley 46]

nope, can't see them

[n74704 21]

same here. are you sure you uploaded the pics to simtrop?

[S.A.C 20]

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/6.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/23.gif> This is odd???  I can get the images to show up if using the Rich Text option, but not the Plain Text and inserting the proper URL - which I've done with all the other images!?

Anyone with an explanation?

[S.A.C 20]

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/10.gif> OK, did it the new way and now they're showing properly! Again, enjoy the images https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/10.gif>

[gmavignier 3]

You guys are great building cities I am really impressed.
I was wondering if any of you could explain me how to put a working waterfall using the Pond waterfall plugin. Everytime i do it i mess up and my waterfall never goes all the way downhill!
If you can paste a copy of the answer on my email.
gmavignier@terra.com.br

Thanks you all and keep up the awesome work!

[S.A.C 20]

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On 1/20/2004 6:43:15 AM Rcee wrote:AGRA,

My compliments also for your realism. I like to go back to the first picture and comments in this thread. The waterways with the tree-lined embankment, how do you create them?

I did read your explanation further on, but don't know what lot you used for this particular embankment.

----------------

Didn't notice your question until now Rcee!  Sorry! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/15.gif>

I'm using a custom-made lot, but since this is an issue about foundation threshold and elevation changes it works with just about any lot that is programmed properly!

The lower value in the Foundation Threshold field, (Lot Editor - downloadable from Maxis), in combination with a higher value in the Elevation Change field will determine whether a foundation will be developed - which is what's essential for these embankments.

I've set the Elevation Change to 90.0 which will allow the lot to be built on very steep terrain tiles, and I've set the threshold to 0.00 in order to ensure that a foundation is built as soon as there are level differences involved.

These are the first steps.  Now, they need to be built as well and there are a few things that needs to be done first!

#1 - When lowered the tile in front of the tile where you want the embankment to appear, ensure that a lot of any kind is placed on the front tile.

#2 - Ensure that you have placed a road - which is what I use when creating an embankment - on the other tile - opposite of the lowered tile.  This is so the lot can face a direction.

#3 - Place the lot that will become the embankment with the arrow facing the roadtile

...and you're done!


https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/6.gif> I realize now by reading my instructions to you that they doesn't make much sense unless you're an experienced player!  Forgive me!  I'll try to show in images instead!  Just give me a moment! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/5.gif> 

[Daeley 46]

pics are okay now

simply amazing again... the way you make your roads go up those mountains is impressive... the ponds and rivers blend in so nicely... the best i have ever seen

[S.A.C 20]

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On 1/21/2004 3:26:40 PM Daeley wrote:

pics are okay now

simply amazing again... the way you make your roads go up those mountains is impressive... the ponds and rivers blend in so nicely... the best i have ever seen

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Thanks - although the avenue going downhill in N Downtown doesn't have these smooth transissions.  However, again a matter of space limitations - basically due to all the intersections caused by each block!

Anyway, to answer your question Rcee, here is how to make an embankment;

Step 1;



First of all, lower the terrain.  I want to make a canal so I lowered a two tile wide area.  Use the smallest sized terrain tool, (Mayor God Mode, terrain tool, press SHIFT and 1 for the smallest size. Click one tile at a time to a preferred level. Continue with the next one and so on til you reached a desired result).

Once lowered I place a lot of some sort - depending on your specific purpose.  Since this is supposed to be a canal I simply place a water lot.

PLEASE NOTE!

Even if you don

[sandrasim1 2]

Stunning!Could someone please add a green smilie (as in envy)?

Where do you get your ideas from? Have you seen something like it somewhere or does it all come from your imagination? If it all comes from your imagination then I will give you a standing ovation for it.

I can only speak for myself but I'm not bored with them (not yet anyway ).

[joerg 280]

hey the city looks great but you mentioned you had an airport i was wonderign if you could show that. And again this has got to be the best work ive seen in sc4 you should really have this moved to the journals area.

[woelfwynde 20]

Thank you very much for the mini tutorial! Wish all these tidbits were all in one place though...

You did a marvelous job with the city!

Keep up the good work.

[Minotaur420 2]

wow, i had no idea you could build embankments like that. You have no idea how awesome it is to learn that......errr, maybe you do. seeing how you must have discovered it at some point and all, but that's besides the point. Thank you so much for teaching us how to do that.

[Rcee 0]

AGRA,

Many thanks for your explanation and time you took to illustrate the process. I certainly am going to implement it in new cities.
You mention in the explanation that you use custom lots in your city and somewhere in the thread that you are thinking of releasing custom lots to the LEX. Is this anytime soon?

The reason for this question is that my interest was triggered by the embankment in the first picture in this thread. I like to have that one (it's the one with the tree right on the wateredge). One of my future cities is going to be with canals (like Amsterdam) and your embankment resembles the embankment in the inner city of Utrecht. Being Dutch I like to recreate typical Dutch provinces and regions.

Once again thanks for your time and effort.

[S.A.C 20]

Thank you all!  https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

SandraSim;

I think it's a mixture of reality awareness and imagination.  Looking closer at real cities teach us that they are often very complex - or have become very complex after years of developments!  In my own work I basically try to overcome problems I'm running into when projecting for new areas.  It could be a rail or a highway that needs to be moved somewhere else - thus forcing me to extend the initial project to cover also already developed areas since I need to place a highway that wasn't there before - but necessary though because I wouldn't be able to continue my project as planned!  I would say that it is impossible to develop a restricted area without somehow affect other parts of the city!

Joerg;

I will upload more images soon and I'll make sure to include the airport in that one!  CityJournal, well, I don't think this is that much of a CJ but more of a solution solving show! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif> - or how to put it!

Woelfwynde;

I agree!  It's a pain in the ?&% to search for all these tidbits - especially with all these time-outs I often get when searching for something specific!  Anyone else getting those?
However, I'll try to post more of these eventually so you'll at least find mine in the very same thread! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

Minotaur;

Glad I could help!  I thought you knew that already, considering your skills!  Still, it's always kewl to learn new things! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

Rcee;

You're welcome!  In fact, I'm really sorry you had to wait for this rather quick explanation! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/15.gif> 
About the lots, most of the custom-made ones I use are basically made for a specific purpose, directly related to a city need of some sort!  Mostly they are re-done lots previously made by others to better fit my needs, which means I haven't dived deeper into the entire LE-process, (which includes changing values and so on - when necessary), and this is still an area I need to learn more about!

Once I've improved my skills I'll definately make my lots available!

As far as the embankment concerns, I use three of them really! One made by another lot creator, and two made by myself!  If you're pointing to the very first image posted in this thread, that would be a lot made by another guy. Can't remember his name right now, but his lot is called Waterfront something. He recently updated these lots with some new ones!  However, none of these will form an embankment shown in my tutorial. They will follow the sloop, but they look good! Just make sure that the last tile - before entering the water level - is really close BUT NOT touching the water in order to get the lot look great - or be placed at all!  Good luck with your efforts! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>
 

A question;  Could anyone direct me to a thread where a tutorial about making your own textures for the LE is explained!  I tried to search but I couldn't find a proper destination!  Further more; is it possible to add custom-made foundation wall textures?

[Rcee 0]

Agra,

I'll patiently wait for the release of your lots and let me inspire by your pictures.

[qtb 1]

WOW!!!!
Agra your city looks great!
You're the master!

[S.A.C 20]

A Word Of Advice - Again;

ACT WITH CAUTION!



I know this has been pointed out numerous times, but it can't be pointed out TOO MUCH!  Even the slightest move with the terrain tool can cause severe damages to nearby properties.

The image above show what I just experienced - caused by a simple mistake - or should I say by not being careful enough!

I intended to increase the land by allowing the canal to visually continue under a bridge on both sides of the levelled terrain - which I will show later - and while in a hurry I simply clicked with the terrain tool in the wrong place, causing one of the railroad tunnels to demolish, (I sure wish there was an option available allowing me to confirm some demolishing activities - before they occur!).  Anyway, in my attempt to rebuild it there's a lot of work involved to recover proper heights for the tunnel to be constructed, thus forcing me to demolish nearby buildings...and well...another crazy click and yet another disaster to occur!   

Well, the tunnels are in place again, so I need to move on with the initial plans for this area.  I try to look at the bright side of it; there were buildings developed that I forgot to make historical, so in a way I got me a second chance to get this area to develop the way I want. 

Anyway, wanted to show how it looks after a stupid mistake in case anyone is interested!  I'll bring some more images once the area, including the overpass canal, is completed!

[+Guest]

Use the road tool for 100% safe minor terraforming.

[S.A.C 20]

Oh, I do! But in some cases the terraforming requires more powerful tools https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>  But it's a good suggestion though!  May I add that for anyone planning to make a perfect road on a sloop; Use the monorail - or the highway for a minor sloop - and then smoothen the endings, (transissions between flat and sloop terrain)! 

[langem13 2]

Agra, all the compliments on here may get repetitive, but they're well-deserved. I hate to kiss a**, but this is some fantastic work you've done here.

I know you're waiting to release your lots, however, I was wondering if you (or anyone else) could point me to some slope-conforming, 1x1 tiles like those you use to finish off a road or highway tunnel. Some that look like brick or cement would be nice. I've browsed pages and pages of the LEX ad infinitum, and found nothing.

Oh, I guess I have a criticism: 'Sloop' is actually spelled slope. Sorry, it was bothering me

[jadester48 0]

it's true, your city looks amazing...

[S.A.C 20]

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On 1/22/2004 12:16:20 PM langem13 wrote:Agra, all the compliments on here may get repetitive, but they're well-deserved.  I hate to kiss a**, but this is some fantastic work you've done here.

I know you're waiting to release your lots, however, I was wondering if you (or anyone else) could point me to some slope-conforming, 1x1 tiles like those you use to 'finish off' a road or highway tunnel.  Some that look like brick or cement would be nice.  I've browsed pages and pages of the LEX ad infinitum, and found nothing.

Oh, I guess I have a criticism: 'Sloop' is actually spelled 'slope'.  Sorry, it was bothering me

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/5.gif border=0>

----------------

Thanks for correcting me!  English isn't my first language so I was a bit uncertain about how to spell it, but now I know! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>  In fact, I'm not sure if transission is spelled right - or if it's even the right word to use the way I did!

Anyway, if anyone could help me make some changes to some of my lots I could release them at once!  Basically what I want is to name them differently and make them transit enabled - unless they aren't already https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>

[Daeley 46]

this is excellent!!I would've never thought of creating riverside bankings that way!

so simple yet efficient and creative...

excellent work! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif>

[S.A.C 20]

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On 1/21/2004 2:35:39 PM gmavignier wrote:You guys are great building cities I am really impressed.

I was wondering if any of you could explain me how to put a working waterfall using the Pond waterfall plugin. Everytime i do it i mess up and my waterfall never goes all the way downhill!

If you can paste a copy of the answer on my email.

gmavignier@terra.com.br

Thanks you all and keep up the awesome work!

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif border=0>

----------------

I guess I owe you an apology as well!  Didn't notice your question! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/15.gif>

Could you be more specific about what happens when you place the waterfall - and how the terrain is terraformed before placing the lot?

Referring to what you describe so far, all I can think of is that you haven't ensured that the tiles below are completely flat - and of course levelled with each other!

In some cases some lots tend to be very cranky about where they're placed, nagging about a too steep terrain.  Well, fool the nagging lot by lowering the upper tiles, then place it and raise the upper tiles again https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>.  Finish it off by laughing with an evil grin facing the lot! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/11.gif>

Again, suprised to see that people haven't noticed these embankment possibilities earlier!  This was one of the first I noticed since the game uses foundations when conforming to ridiculous terrains.

[simcityperron 2]

Thanks for the eye candy.  More please!!https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/images/smilies/3.gif>

[langem13 2]

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On 1/22/2004 12:53:01 PM Agra wrote:

----------------

On 1/22/2004 12:16:20 PM langem13 wrote:Agra, all the compliments on here may get repetitive, but they're well-deserved. I hate to kiss a**, but this is some fantastic work you've done here.

I know you're waiting to release your lots, however, I was wondering if you (or anyone else) could point me to some slope-conforming, 1x1 tiles like those you use to 'finish off' a road or highway tunnel. Some that look like brick or cement would be nice. I've browsed pages and pages of the LEX ad infinitum, and found nothing.

Oh, I guess I have a criticism: 'Sloop' is actually spelled 'slope'. Sorry, it was bothering me

----------------

Thanks for correcting me! English isn't my first language so I was a bit uncertain about how to spell it, but now I know! In fact, I'm not sure if 'transission' is spelled right - or if it's even the right word to use the way I did!

Anyway, if anyone could help me make some changes to some of my lots I could release them at once! Basically what I want is to name them differently and make them transit enabled - unless they aren't already ----------------

No problem Agra. And while I'm on a roll, transition is the correct spelling of that word. I'm a teacher (Spanish and History), so I guess I think that grammar stuff is kind of important

What is your native language?

And somebody, anybody please, help me find some slope-conforming lots that look like brick or cement. Agra, you have some in your screen shots showing the decoration of highway tunnels.

Gracias.

[broken 0]

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On 1/22/2004 3:58:10 PM langem13 wrote:

And somebody, anybody please, help me find some slope-conforming lots that look like brick or cement. Agra, you have some in your screen shots showing the decoration of highway tunnels.

Gracias.----------------

TexturePack 1.1

Nice brick textures in there. White, off-white, and red.

The other night I used some of the textures in Peg's RTK and made some 1x1 tiles. Let me know if you want them.

BTW, Agra. Very nice work. Very meticulous and precise. You get a cookie!i