3d cc map in Terragen

[HintJ]

It is missing the buildings and other objects, but I found a neat free program http://www.planetside.co.uk/content/view/16/28/ that lets me combine the heightmap and .bgm map data into a 3d map.





Yes, I know it is a CC3 map . . . but it should work w/other cc version's maps--I know it is missing the objects, but I still like it.

[Southernland]

that is kinda cool

Can you generate a cc style top down map with terrain shadows?

[Andrew Williams]

It's got the tree shadows on there [X(]

[Manu]

ORIGINAL: Southern_land

that is kinda cool

Can you generate a cc style top down map with terrain shadows?

I see you coming sloth : no you will have to continue to use your photoshop brushes to draw the relief!!!

In any case I have downloaded the tool, it can always be helpful! Thanks HintJ

[HintJ]

If you've been living under a rock, Panzer Command Ostfront is coming out soon. I planning to make a CC map for it using the actual .bgm and elevation data directly from CC. Of course I'll need to add some buildings and trees to it, but still it should be a pretty close recreation of a CC map, albeit in a different game.

I guess you can do a top-down view w/shadows by setting the light direction, but you would need to take a bunch of different screenshots and then rebuild them again--that doesn't seem very easy.

[CSO_Talorgan]

ORIGINAL: Southern_land

Can you generate a cc style top down map with terrain shadows?

That's what I was thinking too, but adding buildings to Terragen is easier said than done.

[eric_young]

those are some pretty maps

[Q.M]

Awww we always knew it was you Eric. [;)]

Talk about coincidence.

Just reinstalled Squad Assualt the other day to see if my old mind could control all the machinations.

Nawp...back to comfortable old CC.

Keep your eye on CC maps Eric, there is a new hybrid CC/GE x breed kicking around now (soon). Just gotta get that minimum level of focus down to say 100m on GE and all will be fuuuuurfect.

[HintJ]

ORIGINAL: Q.M
there is a new hybrid CC/GE x breed kicking around now (soon).

Can you be more specific?

[Q.M]

ORIGINAL: HintJ

ORIGINAL: Q.M
there is a new hybrid CC/GE x breed kicking around now (soon).

Can you be more specific?

No sorry I cant. It's part of someone else's project which I have seen. The Thumb did a similar concept on wholly GE based image maps quite a while ago. Had merit, but look a little out of place with CC sprites on a GE map IMO. This is not a new concept, other modders and mappers are using bits and pieces around the place.

Suffice to say that GE images embedded with skill on a handrawn CC map really change the look and feel of the map.

The GJS guys have used GE images on some of their maps IIRC.

Nothing tech ground breaking like above, just a great new fresh approach to the maps.

[HintJ]

What does GE and GJS stand for?

[Q.M]

Google Earth = GE

Gold Juno Sword (allied assualt beaches) = name of the mod

[RD Oddball]

Some pretty cool stuff HintJ. If you're looking for some other fun stuff to mess around with there was an community made app done 5-7 years ago, or longer, that would take the CC data and turn it into a viewable, rotatable model that allowed you to see the elevations of any CC map. I think it's called CC terrain viewer. On this page near the bottom. http://hosted.wargamer.com/CCJimmyD/index.htm The link for the file is dead unfortunately. IIRC it even allowed you to associate the BGM with it. I just looked at my stockpile of old CC utilities and couldn't find it. Maybe someone else has an active link to it. I recall it being fairly easy to use. But nowadays most 3D programs will allow you to import the elevation data from CC and turn it into a 3D surface similar to what's being discussed hear.

As an example, in 2007 I did a test for a CNC cutter I'd made in my prototype shop. I needed a subject for that test and decided to use elevation data from Hill140 from Invasion Normandy and Manschau from CCIV VetBoB and turned both into a 3D model that could be cut from foam. In subsequent posts I'll post some pics of the progression of the project. I might be able to remember which programs I used if there's interest in knowing. I know MeshCAM was one of the progs I used to convert the model into machine code lines. I think CutViewer or something like that was the one that allows you to see the actual path cut by that machine code. Would have to look it up.

For point of reference, Hill140:

[RD Oddball]

The bit map after the elevation data was converted and exaggerated enough to make the changes in elevation visible in the final foam model.

[RD Oddball]

The view of that data imported into MeshCAM

[RD Oddball]

The tool path in MeshCAM

[RD Oddball]

I think the machine code viewer was called SheetCAM. One of my files is named as "SheetCAM output". Let's hear it for useful naming so you can remember what you did. All sarcasm intended.

[RD Oddball]

The foam being cut on the CNC cutter I'd made. 3 axis. It was reasonably accurate even though it was made from wood scraps I had laying around. Suited my purposes.

[RD Oddball]

The final piece from top down view.

[RD Oddball]

A side view of Hill 140...




Fun stuff!