Making Our New Maps From Scratch

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

After browsing hundreds of greyscale topography, I finally decided on, making my own custom map, using Adobe PS CS and Bryce 6.0. I will not be using Adobe Photoshop filters, as they tend to make the same generic conditions, that are simply not natural enough nor unique enough for my personal tastes.

Not finished, but here are my results so far:

 

  Edited January 16, 2020 by TheCrybKeeper  
Title needs to include everyone

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

So far, it looks like a terrible terrain, when integrated into SC4. Uugh! I will keep trying, until I find a way to make realistic terrains. Once I have a solid formula, I will make many new maps, that may never be seen or used.

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

I finally have a map that works very well. City inside a volcano crater anyone?

The region must be 1537x1537 or this small bmp. file here: 

999UUUconfig.bmp

Be sure to change the name of the BMP image, by removing the "999UUU" portion of its name.

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

It's sad to see a great game slowly lose its popularity. I will most likely play it, until this old PC gives up its ghost, lol.

Many of you are probably familiar with Bryce Animation software? Yes, Using Bryce, I can render terrains from images and apply millions of various textures. I can also make VERY unique greyscale maps.

Below, is Bryce's terrain editor.

 

Once I have the terrain created, I can then apply textures and render a 3D image, or single still frame.

 

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

Using Bryce, I made a couple more greyscale landscapes, at 1537x1537 and put proper settings on them in Photoshop. My mid grey (level portions) are slightly above sea level in SC4.

 

 

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

Here is one more,...for now. Rendered image into greyscale terrain at 1537x1537. The greys are correct, so the couple will be under water and the background is just above sea level in SC4.

I can raise and lower my terrains and clean up any 'sketchy' edges.

 

[RobertLM78 1,597]

Been doing some greyscale mapping today too.... I haven't rendered it yet, so I'm not sure it's worth sharing

 

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

9 hours ago, RobertLM78 said:

Been doing some greyscale mapping today too.... I haven't rendered it yet, so I'm not sure it's worth sharing

 

You're welcome to share it in my thread here, if you wish? I am still experimenting myself, so this thread could be for everyone, who wants to post something, as they are working it out/progressing.

Thanks Robert, for appreciating my humble work - It means a lot.

[RobertLM78 1,597]

Thank you for sharing

 

Well, I guess since it's turned out well enough to start some basic transportation............ here is Sruthlán na Ghleanna (nothing special, mildly inspired by the Jordan river valley in Utah):

 

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

@RobertLM78: That's actually very nice Robert! Just the right levels in all the right places! Would be fun to try it out. I can imagine stepped cities, running down to the river valley.

[RobertLM78 1,597]

1 hour ago, TheCrybKeeper said:

Just the right levels in all the right places! Would be fun to try it out.

Indeed...!    It's been fun doing the preliminaries:

 

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

@RobertLM78 WOW! That looks great Robert! I am so very glad you shared it!

[TheCrybKeeper 289]

I will be making more maps, as time allows. So many little projects going on right now, including reading the PDF tutorial for Gmax. I downloaded a bunch of free models to work with for SimCity 4.