16bit hightmap?

[duffy]

Hii, im making a track using the reflex track compiler ive created the height map, but to get the variation in height im after i need to change the track scale to around 30 or 40 but doing that
leaves the hills/jumps really low quality, is it possible to save a height map in a 16bit format rather then 8 thanks

[mcm2boys]

Yes it should be. The compiler will accept POV-ray maps, where 2 channels (R and G channels) so 16 bits are used for height. In fact that exactly what the game, editor and compiler use internally.

[JamieT]

Hi Duffy,

Which program are you using to build your height map?

If you are looking to import 16-bit grey scale into the editor, then I'm afraid it won't work, as the editor will treat it as an 8-bit file.

I use Daylon Leveller to create the POV-ray heightmaps that mcm2boys has mentioned.  I'm not aware of any other programs that will create these types of images in an easier or cheaper way.

[duffy]

thanks ill have to give it another go, and im using Photoshop cs5.5 but i just googled Daylon leveller and i think i will have to give it a go it looks good, should be sweet if it will work 

[JamieT]

Yeah Daylon Leveller definitely works! Best $50 I ever spent.  I think they offer a trial version, so you can test it out and see what you think.  I'm not sure that Photoshop will even give you the elevation detail that you're looking for.  I might be wrong, but I think that in photoshop you can only edit in 8 bit mode.  With a 16 bit greyscale, there's 65536 different colours as opposed to 256 in 8 bit, so even if you could blend and smooth gradients in 16bit, you will run into trouble when you want small and detailed changes in elevation, as your eyes just can't detect that.

Daylon Leveller will put you into 3D as well, and it'll be a big help when creating your tracks.  If you do end up buying the program I can give you some help getting started and finding your way around if you need it.  Just let me know! Would be glad to help.

[duffy]

thanks for all the help just got the free trail keen to give it a go

[duffy]

if anyone's interested i was playing around and it turns out if you save it as a 32bit bitmap in Photoshop it works perfectly in the game o.O WIN!!!!!

[al167]

you shouldn't be using the compiler anymore, use digital earthworks. the compiler is old and outdated.
also if your getting into reflex track making, I have some tutorials on youtube. just search reflex custom track tutorial.


heres the link:
http://twisteddirt.com/smf/index.php/topic,3212.0.html

[JamieT]

Saving as a 32 bit hasn't worked for me...   The editor still treats it as 8 bit per channel.

32-bit bitmaps are generally 24-bit bitmaps, but with an Alpha channel, hence the extra 8 bits.  What does the alpha channel look like on this 32-bit image that you've saved?  Are you able to post a screenshot?  I'd be very interested to see it.

[DirtTwister]

I created a utility to help you view and tweak 8 bit displacement maps.  It will then export it as a POVRay file.

http://twisteddirt.com/smf/index.php/topic,3003.0.html

Bruce

[duffy]

WOW!! most helpfull forum ive ever seen haha, the 32bit was a mistake it was only adding the alpha like you said Jamie T  thanks, with the digital earthworks its coming up with a register error even though its been installed and run as admin, anyway thanks but ill keep working on everything. should be able to figure it out from here
al167 good tutorials by the way