Making Terrians

[Bigjoe11a]

What about a software package that doesn't cost any thing. are there any terrian making packages that are free

[Reaper]

You can create terrains with any graphics program that will save files in a .raw and .tga format.

There is a tut in the BHD mod tools and you can use the pff utility to get the .trn files out of c4 to see a list of the files used to create those terrains.

There is no terrain building software, you either use the mod tools or in the case of C4, create the files your self and pack them.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, Thanks

[wildman2]

goto sourceforge.net and dnload a copy of gimp its free.You may have to dnload the gtk enviroment to install gimp.
Gimp is a paint type program that can make the .raw and .tga file formats that you need.
dnload fwo's pff extractor from this site also.You will need this to pack it into the game and to extract a trn file.
dnload those then come back and we will get you started.

[Bigjoe11a]

All Done now what

[wildman2]

now you need to make grayscale raw file 1024x1024 x 72 pixels per in.
this will be your hieghtmap,remember white is the highest part black is the lowest.
It would look somthing like this.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, it's asking for a template. what should I pick for that. and the only size I can get is 1025 x 1025 x 72 pixels per inch

I try this way and all I got was a white screen. and that doesn't match your screen shoot.

[wildman2]

should be able to pick 1024x1024.
Should have explained a bit better,you have to draw the highs and lows(blacks to whites) on the image.
The image above was hand drawn in Paintshop Prosorry if I confused you.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, I don't under stand why my early post didn't post. I don't have Paint Shop Pro. is there an other way. or something else that I can use

Thanks

[RAB]

goto sourceforge.net and dnload a copy of gimp its free.You may have to dnload the gtk enviroment to install gimp.
Gimp is a paint type program that can make the .raw and .tga file formats that you need.


:agree.gif:

[Bigjoe11a]

I have Gimp and it's installed. I have the gtk and it's installed. I just don't have Print shop Pro. It there any thing else that I can use.

The only thing I have is Paint

[RAB]

You don't need Paint Shop Pro. You can use Gimp instead to do the same thing that Wildman used Paint Shop Pro to do.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, so what do I do now, That Grayscale option is not available in gimp. and the only size that they have is 1024 x 768 x 72. or am I missing some thing

[RAB]

Then your probably trying to use one of the pre set templates. You need to enter the values manually.

[RAB]

Hey Wildman. Was wondering if you could go on to the next step. Or if you had the time if you could put everything down into one down loadable tutorial. I know I'm interested in this and I'm sure others are too.

[RAB]

OK Was looking in the download section and noticed there are several tutorials on terrain making already. Although they seem to cover DF2 and DFLW. Was wondering if you use the same process for C4 and later games since there made on the newer game engine.

[Bluetiereign]

I would like to know how to get the gimp to save a raw file. I can't find an easy to use pluging to save as a raw.

[RAB]

Found a couple listed here. I downloaded one but still not sure what I need to do with it.


http://registry.gimp.org/list?category=7

I think after this little experiment I'll stick with Paint Shop Pro XI.

[RAB]

OK I figured it out. You need the raw-windows-binary.zip plug in from here. http://registry.gimp.org/plugin?id=332

Then to install it you need to find the Gimp 2.2 plug ins folder. There are 2 plug in folders. One was located at D:\Program Files\GIMP-2.0\lib\gimp\2.0 and the other at C:\Documents and Settings\RAB\.gimp-2.2\plug-ins. You need to put the raw plu ig in the gimp-2.2\plug-ins folder. After that you can open and save raw files.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, I did that any all I get is a plan white page, It doesn't match wildman page. or is that what it should do.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, That part is done, what next
I downloaded the file and I copy it in the my doc's and setting\joe\gimp- 2.3\plug-in

The file name is raw.exe. How how do I install it.

[RAB]

If it's in the plug in folder then it's installed.

And the pic that wildman posted was one that he created himself. That's all part of creating your own terrain.

Here's one I created earlier. Just waiting for the next step of the processes.

[Bluetiereign]

OK I figured it out. You need the raw-windows-binary.zip plug in from here. http://registry.gimp.org/plugin?id=332

Then to install it you need to find the Gimp 2.2 plug ins folder. There are 2 plug in folders. One was located at D:\Program Files\GIMP-2.0\lib\gimp\2.0 and the other at C:\Documents and Settings\RAB\.gimp-2.2\plug-ins. You need to put the raw plu ig in the gimp-2.2\plug-ins folder. After that you can open and save raw files.


Yep, awesome, thanks RAB. I have paintshop pro... but it is good to have this available for those who don't.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, I attached to files, The first is my setup for Gimp. as you can see is the same set up Rab. and the 2nd screen shoot is what I get after. It still doesn't match any thing like what you have

[Bluetiereign]

You have to put something on there Joe. Its a picture and you gotta paint it.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, How do I do that

[RAB]

LOL You don't know how to use a basic paint program. Well I'm not going to explaine it. But maybe you can get something out of this link here.
http://www.pixel2life.com/tutorials/gimp/

Just remember. The dark areas are you low points in the terrain. Lighter areas are your high points. Greys will be your mid points.

[Reaper]

You should use the pff editor to get some stock raw files out and look them over.

The contour of the terrain is related to the light and dark areas on the picture. Basically you use light and dark colors to draw out the terrain.

How ever that is only where it starts. That file is divided into 4 tiles each 512 X 512.

Those tiles will make up the terrain, they must match up on each side to the other tiles.

You will also have color and texure files to make.

From where your at now, your a long way from a usable terrain. There is to much info to get it all from the guys here anwering your posts.

You need to read some tuts.

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, can you find some for me. I real new at this and I will need step by step tutorial

Thanks

[Reaper]

Start by reading the information in the BHD mod tools. That has some what of a walk thu to create the files you will need.

For now learn to create:
polytrn_colormap = .tga
polytrn_detailmap = .tga
polytrn_depthmap = .raw

Dont worry about the .cpt file you will use a nova stock one you rename.

Once you have those 3 files created and a bit better of an understanding about how they are created, Then some one can tell you how to lay out the sectors ie how the raw file will tile into your terrain.

[wildman2]

There are several terrain making tuts right here on Checkpointdelta go to the terrain dnload section goto the bottom it will say tutorials.Dnload all of them and read them,just to get a feel for what you need to do to make a terrain.Everyone is differant, one of the tuts may help you more than another.
My first terrain was made after reading Smokins tut so thats the one I'd suggest to read first.
You do need to pracitce with the paint program of your choice for a little bit before any decent terrain can be made.

[Bigjoe11a]

wildman, thanks and no thanks. Smoke still refers to paint shop pro.

Thanks any way

[RAB]

Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, Corel Draw or Gimp. There all basicly the same. There paint programs. Open a new document, pick a brush, pick a color and paint a picture. The biggest difference between any of these programs is the layout. Other than that they will all do the same thing. Or if you don't want to do it without Paint Shop Pro. Go here and download the trial version.
http://www.download.com/Paint-Shop-Pro/3000-2192_4-10001995.html
It's a fully working version. The only limitation is that after 30 days you either buy it or uninstall it.

[Doorway]

"Thanks , but no thanks." You have got to be kidding me dude. That's the only return comment you can make to someone that's trying to help you out?
It makes ya just want to reach out and help him bunches , huh wildman...
I'm sorry man , that's just rude..

[Edward]

Joe
RAB and WildMan are the ppl to help you you really should listen to thier suggestions

hey wildman was that a c4dflw mod or c4bhd modd terranova shelved few yrs back i remember playn with some wild water colors then

[Bigjoe11a]

I did, and the manuals still say I need paint shop pro. and I don't have it. Until I can get it or some one can help me with some thing else. theres nothing I can do.

Thanks Ed

[wildman2]

ED that was c4dflw.
Joe untill YOU learn a paint program no one can help you make a terrain.

[HUTCH SC95]

Big Joe ,

After reading the posts i can see your confusion, regarding exactly what software you need, the manuals suggest PSPro, but dude that is just a suggestion, and because you dont have it is not going to hinder you from using a compatible program that does the same job. Edward layed it out best, and after being here for 6-7yrs I can tell you this , these guys know what there talking about and wont lead you astray, so take the advise you are asking for and have fun making you maps, look forward to playin them in the future.

my suggestion . download some of their maps ,play them and you just may see the quality and experience these guys have.

[wildman2]

Goto download.com look for bryce 5 and bryce 5 presets It's free.

[Bigjoe11a]

I have no Idea on what to do. A friend of mine has an older ver of Paint Shop Por that he gave to me. and well after ready threw the tutorials. Guys I'm realy lost here.

I guess I'll just stick with map making. The doc's are out dated. and thet talk about DEM and some other things and I have no idea on what to do. Some of the links here had were brokin and just didn't work.

Thanks any way

[wildman2]

Did you report the broken links?

[Bigjoe11a]

Ok, I'm talking about the links on the pages. They keep coming back as not fount. They just need to update there doc's every year