Just another aerial view (WIP)

[Kadri]

Andrew think of one image as layers like in Lightwave.

One image for the fields, one image for the roads etc.
He used them as masks.The main difference is that he combined 3 different images in the 3 color channels in one image .
You don't have to do that. I prefer them as ordinary different images too for example.
But as you may have read from the posts here you have lower ram usage when you use Ulco's method.

Saw your post now Ulco. Curious if anything changed...

Actually now that i thought a little about it i am not sure about the lower ram usage Ulco...
Using 3 different 256 bit gray scale images as masks should be the same as using them in one color image file ?
Or?

[Dune]

Yes, works; 256 colors and 2colors 4bits/channel.

I'll see how heavy they are, you might be right, so I can loose that method... do 2 color files instead of gray scale....

[Andrew March]

I'm still lost, I am a lighting FX artist guys, never go near modeller. I understand how layers work and have tweaked models in the past but I rely on existing resources to create shots.

Having screen shots or the clip file for the fields setup might help me but beyond that I scuppered.

[Dune]

You know Photoshop? That works in layers. I use those to paint my masks. Otherwise I don't know how you could do that easily. Yes, GIMP maybe.
Here's just a mask. Import in image map shader, set size and project on Y and see what that does...

[Kadri]

Yes, works; 256 colors and 2colors 4bits/channel.
I'll see how heavy they are, you might be right, so I can loose that method... do 2 color files instead of gray scale....

Thanks Ulco.  Nice that it works now.

[Andrew March]

You know Photoshop? That works in layers. I use those to paint my masks. Otherwise I don't know how you could do that easily. Yes, GIMP maybe.
Here's just a mask. Import in image map shader, set size and project on Y and see what that does...

I get that but where do I put the mask?

In what channel and what type of shader? What position, etc? I know it sounds daft but just dropping it in anywhere isn't going to have any effect whatsoever. This is the sort of tutorial that would make using Terragen so much less of a daunting task.

[mhall]

Andrew, did you look at this post? (Same thread as this).

http://www.planetside.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,17025.msg165650.html#msg165650

Dune has labelled the nodes pretty clearly.

[Andrew March]

Yep but again I'm not understanding the bigger picture of where these nodes plugin to. call me dense but how do you get the variations in colour from a greyscale image. I just don't get it. I'm sure this is nodes 101 for anyone with experience in Terragen but surfacing and displacement in Lightwave are a completely different kettle of fish and perhaps that is where my head is stuck.

My issue is not knowing what node does what in a setup like this. Don't worry, I'm obviously too dense to get my head around it.

[Andrew March]

Got it, my god....Thanks for the help everyone

Right, final piece of the puzzle is now getting the trees where I want them.

[Andrew March]

Just wanted to add that if you create your masks from images made up of google earth screencaps you can get some seriously stunning results.

I am however having issues with populations. Sure I will get there in time.

[Dune]

Just ask.

[Jonathan]

Fantastic work Ulco - as always!

[Andrew March]

Just ask.

Awesome, Thanks