Bumpy Map Problem. [SOLVED!]

[Clock]

Hello!

I have a small problem with my map. I've created a heightmap that works just fine. But there's one problem- it's super bumpy. The gradient going up into the hills looks more like stairs rather than a smooth.. well, hill-like transition.

I know how to solve this- but at the same time I don't. Here's where I need help:

If i go into GIMP and save it as Grayscale, 513x513, .png and without an alpha channel, like required, it'll save as an 8 Bit Depth file, which is the reason it's super bumpy. Here's the thing- I don't know how to save it with the required settings with a 16, 24, or 32 Bit Depth to make it smooth.

So, are there any settings where I can save it with the required settings, but have a higher bit depth so it's smooth?

I have GIMP, Paint Tool SAI, and Krita, so any methods using those programs will work for me. Thanks!

[Bawfle]

You could try 1025x1025 pxls, as it provides a bigger canvas and you can go into better detail. As for saving as a bigger bit depth file, such as 16 and onwards, you'd need to install Photoshop if you haven't got it already, and do the work or saving on there.

[Clock]

Alright, I installed photoshop. How do I save it as the required settings?

[Bawfle]

You just need to go to Image then Mode, and then you can tick which bit you'd like to test with (8, 16 or 32). Make sure Grayscale is ticked also if it isn't already, and then you'll be able to save your height map as a .png image.

[Clock]

Weird.. I did that but it's still saving as an RBG.

[Bawfle]

Oh I apologize, I should have recommended opening the heightmap image up as a Grayscale image. To do this, you just do what is shown in the following images. Though, one thing I should note is that it's probably best using this method. This way you can control Grayscale, Resolution and Bit Mode, as well as the resolution of the canvas. I do believe the higher the resolution, the better the result. I could be wrong, but that is something for you to experiment with.





All that needs checking is that all the layers are merged down and that all settings are as they are above in the second image. Other than the Resolution and Bit mode which you can experiment around with.

[Clock]

This is so strange. It's still saving as an RBG.

[Bloo.]

Alpha channel still exists in photoshop, when you follow Buffy's steps in her most recent post make sure where it says "Background Contents" you choose white. If transparent is chosen then it will crash your map maker.

[Clock]

I did select white, I followed the instructions exactly. I've done it about 10 times now, it's still crashing.

There is no transparency
It is saved as a .png
The size is 513x513
I'm saving it with a 16 Bit Depth

It's just not saving as a grayscale. It keeps going back to RBG no matter what I do. I also checked Image > Mode to make sure it was grayscale. I don't know what's happening.

[Bloo.]

Odd, I just made a test terrain to try and figure out the problem but it gave me no problems, it loaded just fine in the map maker. How are you opening the file?

Is it a terrain you made in GIMP and are trying to open in PS, or are you creating it in PS and saving it from there?
What do the advanced settings look like for you when you go to open a new file?