Author Topic: Real Time Height Map Creator? (Read 1088 times)

DraconisFantasy · « **on:** March 07, 2018, 05:12:08 pm »

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on a large map pack for a group I am in. I intend for the map pack to serve as a continent and have all sorts of different areas and small nooks and crannies. My only issue is the height map process; mind you, I do know how to create height maps, but I would like to make the process easier. The thing is, I am wondering if there is a program that allows me to create the area and see how it will generally look in-game, while allowing me to convert the map into the FH grey-scale format.

Now I know it must be 513x513 pixels to work, but if it must pop out an image that is 1000x1000 or 100x100 I am sure I can just edit it to be the proper size and make small edits to make all of the potentially stretched or jagged areas into nice little landmarks. If there is no such program like this however, then I will just continue to suffer through.

Sincerely,
Draconis

P.S

I hope this is the right area to make such a post. Sorry in advance staff if I am being an inconvenience.

LexiChan · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2018, 05:48:33 pm »

Is your map terrain PNG? and what program do you use?

DraconisFantasy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2018, 05:53:18 pm »

Yes it's png, and I use SAI to draw up the maps and then I use GIMP to pop them into FH.

Kastilla · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2018, 08:22:29 pm »

Is transparency enabled?

Also, SAI does not do a proper grayscaled image. I would suggest you go into GIMP, create a new file the same size as your height map and then copy and paste into it. That way, it is grayscaled for sure. Just because you used blacks, greys, and whites, doesn't mean it is grayscale. The file itself needs to be grayscale. Most likely, from the info you have provided, that is your primary issue.

As for the program, I do not know of any sorts that would offer a simple way. Since FeralHeart runs on a rather old engine, I wouldn't imagine there is anything that works. On second thought, maybe you could sketch up a concept for you to follow. That is what I do, I draw a bird's-eye view of the map, work in certain special details, and make many notes of where to put things exactly. (:

DraconisFantasy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2018, 08:27:03 pm »

No, no no. That's not what I mean. Sorry if I sound confusing. I have no problems putting any of my height maps in game. I can place them in game and they work fine. No I just want to make the process easier by molding a map.

I guess the best example is I don't want to exit the game and then come back to see my progress, I would rather mold the terrain before hand, then smack it into the game. I know World Machine does it, but I have no idea how to use it, so I was hoping to find a simpler program in order for things to take less time. ^^

Kastilla · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2018, 10:44:59 pm »

Oh!
Well, I decided to search for somethings that might help.
Stumbled across this: http://vterrain.org/Packages/Artificial/
Namely, the first one: http://www.artifexterra.com/
Maybe that can help you find a suitable program?