What is the best terrain mod for this situation?

[beskhu3epnm 8]

I was wondering if anyone can help me with this nagging problem....

When converting greyscale images to region maps: Is there anything available that would increase the maximum elevation spread from the measly 700 or so metres?

I am attempting to create a scale map with an elevation difference of approximately 2800m (mountain range). Of course when I load the appropriate map, the ranges show up small enough that I can build a road right over top (in reality this would not be possible). I lowered the lowest region to R=0 G=0 B=0 and the highest to R=255 G=255B=255. Still looks retarded.

Anyways, I am just getting in to the custom aspect of this game and have browsed the exchange to no avail.

Is anyone aware of anything out there to assist me?

beskhu3epnm

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Indeed, some people have wanted the same thing.

After much research, it turns out there is a way to do this. I have created a set of mods (based on the import.dat mod created by Andy80586) for just that purpose.

It can be found here .


They are named for the max height (in meters) above sea level.

Here are some more stats on them:

Height ASL ... ISF ... Sea Level

100m ... 1.3598 ... 183
250m ... 1.9485 ... 128
500m ... 2.9283 ... 86
1000m ... 4.8854 ... 52
1500m ... 6.8412 ... 37
2000m ... 8.7693 ... 29
2500m ... 10.7510 ... 24
3000m ... 12.7054 ... 20
3500m ... 14.6597 ... 18
4000m ... 16.6138 ... 16
4500m ... 18.5678 ... 14
5000m ... 20.5217 ... 13

Where Height ASL is the max height above Sea Level (in meters), corresponding to white... ISF is the Import Scale Factor, which you can think of as the change in height (in meters) per greyscale notch... and Sea Level is approximately the grey at which water appears.



I hope this helps.

[beskhu3epnm 8]

Yeah this sounds like what I'm looking for. I have no idea how to use it though. I've tried a variety of things and can't seem to get it to work.

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Ahh, sorry. They're plugins.

Simply place the one you need in your plugins folder and render your map.

[beskhu3epnm 8]

Initially I had using the plugins folder (3500m - max elevation). I then loaded a NINE by NINE (!!!) photo. It didn't work.

I tried a regular size photo, worked excellent.

I need adjust the color scaling of the photos, as i ensured the lower elevations would be under water (to allow for a greater height gain). Also, I may need to start looking for higher resolution photos as well, (I am using Geobase TRIM maps for British Columbia) maybe a 1/3 if it is out there. I get little spikes all over the map.

etc. etc. I could go on for hours.


Thank you very much

[MallowTheCloud 41]

I see... well, the size of the map shouldn't make a difference.

Here's a good site for DEM data, but unfortunately it's in the form of .hgt files instead of .dem files. If you have a program that can use .hgt files, they should work great for you.

[beskhu3epnm 8]

I use 3dem (opens just about any DEM).

I checked the files, however in BC they have a lot of missing data presumably with steep dropoffs or glaciers.... BC TRIM have no missing data, but are lower resolution.

I loaded the 9x9 map using the exact calculations on your previous table. The elevation differences are spot on! The only problem I am having now is that of the resolution (I am presuming that is the problem) of the DEM's.

At city boundaries, the terrain goes flat (plateau like). Also in some locations, a ton of little dunce caps portrude from the terrain. I am certain this has to do with the resolution. In MICRODEM, the view does not go 1:1 (like it does with 1/3 from the USGS site).

I'll play with it some more to see.

I'll likely reply on this thread with my findings.

Once again, thanks.

[beskhu3epnm 8]

AARGH

Almost ready to throw this project by the wayside!

heh.

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Hmmm... with some programs you can overlay one DEM file on top of another. If you can do that, you can have the one with the lower resolution on the bottom, and overlay it with the one with higher resolution. That way, you can fill in the missing data (even if it's not exactly perfect, it's pretty close).

[beskhu3epnm 8]

I can do that.

Never thought of that.

I'll need a good 45 minutes to figure this all out....

[MallowTheCloud 41]

LOL, no problem. Take your time.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

[beskhu3epnm 8]

doh.

Maybe tomorrow. My 45 minutes has passed. To get an exact overlay, it must be converted to UTM, (for some reason my program can't convert it back) which throws it all out of whack. When it is together, it is out of scale. To avoid converting to UTM, I can export to jpeg image file. However, the overlay must be adjusted manually to fit. Not happening for me today. I will have to select 2 exact size sites to get the proper overlay to patch the missing data. Then convert wholly to USGS DEM. Then proceed how recommended.

Unfortunately I'm not giving up this battle.

I did try one more time to use the plugin provided, same results (with a 512pxl map). I noticed that the highest point in the region was at the maximum elevation allowed in SC4 (the high point on the map being 3307m represented as RGB242 with the 3500m plugin). I will try to lower the map proportionally to see if this rectifies the whole problem. Doubtful, but on my list of things to try.

I am becoming consumed. I will not be defeated. What started off as a shrug of the shoulders has turned into a deathmatch.

Unofortunately tomorrow I work. I will post an update for all you people (1 person) that are following this thread!!!

[USMC 0]

Go forth beskhu3epnm! Slay the Dragon!!! You can do it.

[beskhu3epnm 8]

I have completed my region.

Overlaying the 2 data sets proved most time consuming, however they both compensated for each other nicely.

I was also able to further use microdem for 1:1 scale.

It looks almost perfect. The terrain bunches up on steep elevations around city borders. Minor and totally fixable.

What a mess. But its done.

Thanks all.

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Wow... well, minus all the hassles, I'm glad you finished the project! If you have any more questions about map making or rendering, feel free to ask. And if you think others might want to use your map, don't be afraid to upload it to the STEX.

[beskhu3epnm 8]

I would like to explain the area. The map would be difficult to use on a full scale. Basically it's the Kootenay Valley in British Columbia (Invermere, Radium). The focus is on the Purcell Range, and it's been rotated 45. A lake will form on the map, as well as 3500m of relief from Mt. Farnham and Mt. Nelson.

blah blah.

Map is 9x9 large city, with 2x9 representing a nice valley (other cities can be built, albeit much smaller).

I would think I would be the only one interested, but if anyone is looking for this let me know. This was a complex project. I can upload it if I think it's worthwhile!