Can't get any type of DEM to import at all (except...ugh...8-bit)

[shadowphile]

Hi.  I have TG2 version 2.5.5.0.
I'm using Grass GIS to export a raster file to import to TG2.  Every export format available allows me to choose any variety of pixel depth format, even if it is not compatible, so I have a lot of flexibility there.
Nothing works, I have one of several problems:
-I either get an error in Grass ('can't export using xxxx driver' where xxx is either a Terragen file or an SGI file.  So native export won't work unless I use a different GIS program.
-Terragen accepts the file but only shows black.
-The Grass 'gtif' export option seems to be the GeoTiff that everbody uses but when I use UINT16 or INT16 pixels I get an error in TG2 to use SGI for abnormal bit formats, except that these ARE traditional pixel formats for a TIFF, and as I declared above, SGI export is failing in Grass.
Perhaps a different GIS program?

BTW, does anybody have a definitive list of supported file types for 16 bpp or higher? (for heightmaps)  In particular Grass can export lots of arcane DEM files, too many to test them all.
thanks

[Oshyan]

GeoTIFF should I think usually be 32 bit. Try that. Terragen 3 has much, much better native DEM support. No need for conversion, you can load most formats natively.

- Oshyan

[TheBadger]

Hi! Thanks for posting this thread! GRASS GIS is on my OS <--thats me, shocked.

I have just started reading the tuts. And this caught my eye right away

GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is a raster/vector GIS, image processing system, and graphics production system.

(emphasis mine).

So pardon my ignorance on this important subject, but am I being to optimistic in hoping that these maps can be output to TG as vector maps, somehow? I am guessing the use of the word "vector", is a word that has different meanings depending on the context. But since GRASS promotes its self as a graphics tool, I was thinking Vector means just what I know it to mean?

[Oshyan]

Badger, you have TG3, right? GRASS is probably unnecessary for you then, *unless* you want to *convert* some vector GIS data into *raster* data for TG to use (TG does not support vector yet).

- Oshyan

[shadowphile]

Thanks.  Oshyan, I am highly unlikely to upgrade to TG3 anytime soon.  I mainly use TG for generating skyboxes and exporting terrain meshes, so Creative is out of the question and I can't justify $250 more for the pro version.
BTW, when you say 32-bit do you mean something like UINT32 or INT32?

[TheBadger]

Badger, you have TG3, right? GRASS is probably unnecessary for you then, *unless* you want to *convert* some vector GIS data into *raster* data for TG to use (TG does not support vector yet).

- Oshyan

Oh man, Oshyan. Now my head is spinning; GIS, raster, vector (one kind or another), GeoTIFF, DEM, the list goes on. No wonder there is not more images posted using these tools. Your demo made it look so simple. But I think its like having a Lamborghini that you lost the car keys to. SO much power just sitting there.

Sorry for popping my head up with a stupid smile on my face, again. I'll just go back to doing what I know then... WHich is to say, nothing. 


*edit
Saw your other post Oshyan, thanks.

[Oshyan]

I understand shadowphile, but if you work with DEM data a lot it is something to consider for the future perhaps. Looking at the purchase records if I'm not mistaken you'd qualify for the $149 upgrade (with no render nodes). See price list here: http://planetside.co.uk/buy/tg3-price-list
But again I understand if the work you do with it doesn't justify the price. I'm not actually sure what specific 32 bit format would be best. I would suggest downloading a file from the USGS National Map Viewer and evaluating it as those generally work, so perhaps you can emulate the format. There are just so many options...

Badger, I think you're doing the same thing you often do and trying to understand it *all*, when you can really do so much with just a *little* bit of knowledge. Stick to what I showed in the video, simple DEM data and orthophoto overlay (when 3.1 comes out) and you can make a lot of awesome things. Forget GRASS GIS, forget conversion, and have fun with what TG can do natively. I think there's more than enough to explore and enjoy in the free and easily accessed public GIS resources and built-in capabilities.

- Oshyan

[jo]

shadowphile, you can try out the TG3 Free version and see how you like the new DEM import capabilities. TG3 Free can import but not georeference DEMs.

Badger, GRASS is not easy to use. In fact not many free GIS packages are very easy to use, but GRASS is probably the most difficult. The commercial GIS apps I've used (the ARC family of apps from Esri) are a lot easier to deal with. There was one free Windows app I tried which wasn't too bad, I'll post later when I can check which one it was.

Regards,

Jo

[jo]

Hi Michael,

The GIS app I was thinking of was MapWindow:

http://www.mapwindow.org/

It is a Windows app.

Regards,

Jo