How to terrain a map using a photoshop or paint

[c2s1 3]

Hello,

I'm asking if I can make a terrain for a map perfectly using a paintbrush or photoshop.

If you know how, please reply to this thread or you can reply instructions here.

[Vandy 110]

Hello again, C2s1!

I'm sure you know that there are many ways in which you can create a grayscale image (height map, bump map -- use your favorite term) as well as there are many tools you can use to create it - such as SC4Terraformer, any graphics editing application, Landscape Designer, Wilbur, etc.

Since your question was concerning Photoshop, let me give you some information. Also, the Creating New Regions in SimCity 4 tutorial hosted on SC4EVER.com contains good information as well.

1) Determine how big you want your region. Config.bmp: How to Make it Yours is a great article for understanding the config.bmp.

If you're are a "techie" person or -- alright, I'll admit it -- a geek, you might enjoy reading through Part I: Setting the Strip Map Image File and Confg Bit Map Dimension of the Creating Area Strip Maps and Multiple SC4 Regions tutorial.

2) From Photoshop, create a new file with color mode set to RGB Color and using the grayscale dimensions (not your config.bmp dimensions) you decided upon in Step 1.

3) It is up to you as to whether or not you want to use multiple layers to "keep track" of the various elements of your map such as a water layer to "see" where water would be on the map. On your bump map layer, fill it with white (#FFFFFF). Make sure your background color is black (#000000).

4) One of the best methods you can use to create a bump map is by using the Clouds filter.

5) Click on Filter - Render - Clouds. You'll get a random pattern of whites, grays and blacks.

6) Click on Filter - Render - Difference Clouds. You'll get a different pattern.

7) Repeat Step 6 as many times as desired or until you get a pattern you like.

8 ) Save the bump map as a 16-bit PNG or BMP. 8-bit will work in SC4TF but 16-bit gives much better resolution and quality.

9) If you haven't already done so, create the properly sized config.bmp file.

10) Copy or move the grayscale bump map image and the config.bmp into a temporary folder such as C:\Region.

11) Launch the SC4Terraformer application.

12) Navigate to the folder you created in Step 10 and "open" it. A flat region will be presented using your city tiles in your config.bmp.

13) From the Global Tools, click on import image and navigate to the folder you created in Step 10.

14) Select your grayscale bump map file and click OK (if memory serves).

15) Your bump map is shown as terrain using your cities in your config.bmp.

16) Either continue terraforming or save as a region.

I hope this information will be useful to you.

Good luck!

Regards,

Vandy

  Edited April 20, 2011 by Vandy  

[c2s1 3]

Creating New Regions in SimCity 4

In the above link, I understand it well but my photo editing tool is corel paint shop photo pro x3.

So which is the right layer can I click?

There are too many layer options:

1. 
   
   
2. New Raster Layer
   
3. New Vector Layer
   
4. New Art Media Layer
   
5. New Layer Group
   
6. or New Mask Layer
   

EDIT:

Since I visited one of your threads, you use paintshop pro but is it corel paintshop photo pro x3?

  Edited April 26, 2011 by c2s1  

[Vandy 110]

Hello, c2s1.

To answer your questions in reverse order, I use to use JASC Paint Shop Pro, v9.1. Every since Corel bought JASC, I've stopped using Paint Shop Pro and now pretty much always use either Photohsop Elements or (much better) Photoshop.

As to the layer type, I would believe that a Raster Layer should do it for you.

I don't know if Paint Shop Pro has an equivilent to Photoshop's render clouds and cloud differences.

Good luck.

Regards,

Vandy

[c2s1 3]

Hello Vandy,

It's really complicated. When I use corel paintshop pro, there is no filter menu that I could render a cloud filter. Well first, I will try to observe which photo editing software is better, is it paint shop pro or photoshop? I will try to research in different websites as well because its summer here in philippines so, I have more time to use my laptop since there is no school days.

By the way, sorry if I reply late, because we celebrated holy week in the philippines until easter.

  Edited April 26, 2011 by c2s1  

[c2s1 3]

Hello Vandy,

I am done researching about paintshop pro and photoshop elements.

Paintshop is more easier than photoshop and photoshop is more professional but more tools in advance.

If you use photoshop elements, did you use photoshop elements 9?

I'm using photoshop elements 9 but I'm stuck in creating map so do you know how to terrain a map using photoshop elements 9?

[Vandy 110]

Hi, C2s1.

I am using Photoshop Elements 7 and Photoshop CS3.

You should be able to follow the instructions in my first post and get a bump map from Elements 9.

Regards,

Vandy

[c2s1 3]

Hello Vandy,

Thank you very much for helping me!

Now, I've terrain a map perfectly!!

Again thank you very much!!