Sculpting Terrain from Scratch

[Mr_Maison 2,426]

Hello. I am currently making a region that is based on specific geography. I created a planet and my long term goal is to create regions in SC4 that will somewhat accurately show the terrains where the story takes place. I already created detailed maps throughout the years on paper.

I been experimenting between making greyscale images in photoshop and tweaking in terraformer. The erosion pretty much destroys my forms but the no erosion looks even worse for my particular geography. I am speculating that the resolution of my greyscale image has something to do with how SC4 interpets the image. If I am right, is it possible to make the greyscale image with a higher resolution or is the pixel count locked to the region size? The region I am currently doing can fit 24 large cities. My greyscale images are saved as 8 bit bmp. I read in another thread something about saving to 16 bit PNG. Not sure how to proceed but I think that will solve my terrain height issue (had trouble getting snow due to low elevation).

The other and main question is about sculpting terrain to specific forms and shapes. For example, I would like one side of the mountain to have a ramp like slope that begins on a gradual incline and gets steeper higher up to a summit that is a semi level rectangle shape that has a slight incline where the highest point faces southeast. The mountain also has a valley on one side that stretches down from about 1/4 down from the summit. Is detailing like this even possible to do with SC4?

I do plan to make these regions in 3D programs like Blender or bryce but want to take my SC4 to another level and actually see places on the planet in action and use it to plan out my cities.

[mrbisonm 1,620]

I wish I had the time to teach you how to, or write a tut about landscaping with the Maxis inbuild tools only. I don't use greyscale images.

I have done it many many times before, mostly to members who wanted a specific style of maps. I have even made all my 59 own maps with the tools ingame. At the time I was number one for personal mapmaking. The best known maps that I made are "Nexis of Genesis", somewhere here on ST in the CJ section and "The Winding River Project", a well known classic CJ on SC4D and the "GRV" (Grand River Valley) Competition Map used for a group project on SC4D two years ago .

All were created by hand in the game, no greyscale images were used.

So, that means that it is possible to do all that by hand and if you're artistically talented a bit, I am sure you will be able to do whatever you mentioned above by yourself.

If however, you are not in a rush and could wait a few weeks, I may find the time later to make those SC maps for you according to a copy of those handdrawn maps you made. Just PM me those maps with detailed descriptions and I can work on them in two or three weeks. I don't upload any maps but send sometimes my own created maps to those who asked for. I also "tweak" (modify to a specific need) existing maps for those who ask me to. My only publically available map is Nexis of Genesis on the STEX.

Below is just an example of three specific fictional regions that I created like this for myself. These are all done by hand with the maxistools in the game. So you see it is possible to create wonderful maps.

Norland, a group CJ used in the earlier years of SC4 here on ST.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/norland.jpg/

The Rock, something I haven't find time yet to play on.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/213/therockj.jpg/

and Reverant, a recently created map that I am playing on at the moment.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/reverant.jpg/

Fred

[Mr_Maison 2,426]

Thank you mrbisonm. Your offer is much appreciated but I would like to do this myself (it's a project I'm working on). I do have artistic skills including 3D rendering. This project goes beyond SC4. As stated I do plan to make my terrains in other mediums but I want all my mediums to have a consistent reference. After all the head scratching dealing with the greyscale method, I am very open to learn how to use the tools in game.

This region will also be at least 90% custom buildings. The lots and BATs I make will depend on the geography; made to be compatible with terrain and storyline. So getting the terrain done is priority before getting into BATing and population of various things. I also want to make waterfalls and flora areas during this terraform process.

This is the mountain I'm focused on now. I painted this myself. I would like to render as close to this as possible.

[mrbisonm 1,620]

Nice picture, something for a fairytale. Not realistic since no mountain has snow to the bottom, while on the same level tropical plants grow, but for fantasy......quite nice, I wouldn't mind living there or at least have my cottage on the lake..

This is very easy to remake on a SC4 Region as acurate as you'd like it. All you need are the ingame tools, a little knowledge on how to and some patience and voila.

Good luck, if you try it out, show the development here, maybe some of the more experienced players will help you.

mrb