Terrain Tools
by Dave Jackson · in Artist Corner · 02/24/2005 (11:55 am) · 4 replies
I'm new to 3D game development, but after researching several engines, have determined that Torque is the engine I'm most likely going to use. I have previous experience with VistaPro and was wondering if anyone here has any tips or pointers for using either VistaPro or VistaLE for generating Torque terrain.
Since it's been a while, I looked up VistaPro/LE and determined that these apps can import Digital Elevation Map (DEM) files (from the US Geological Survey, etc.) and can export AutoCAD DXF files. From what I know about Torque to this point, DEM and DXF files must first be converted to DTS format. Can anyone recommend a conversion program (preferably freeware)?
Also, can Torque display pre-rendered animation sequences (i.e. super hi-res fly-by's) for cut scenes?
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
--
Dave Jackson
Since it's been a while, I looked up VistaPro/LE and determined that these apps can import Digital Elevation Map (DEM) files (from the US Geological Survey, etc.) and can export AutoCAD DXF files. From what I know about Torque to this point, DEM and DXF files must first be converted to DTS format. Can anyone recommend a conversion program (preferably freeware)?
Also, can Torque display pre-rendered animation sequences (i.e. super hi-res fly-by's) for cut scenes?
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
--
Dave Jackson
#2
If you need to get to DTS, I think Blender can import DXF (not sure, and at work atm). Then you can export to DTS with the the exporter script plug-in. Blender is free, and there are some tutorial links in the Art Forums for installing the DTS exporter.
02/25/2005 (5:54 am)
It's been a while, but the last time I played with DEM files, I exported them to a greyscale image to create my terrain map. I found an old Mac freeware program that handled this.If you need to get to DTS, I think Blender can import DXF (not sure, and at work atm). Then you can export to DTS with the the exporter script plug-in. Blender is free, and there are some tutorial links in the Art Forums for installing the DTS exporter.
#3
02/25/2005 (8:35 am)
You wont want to make your terrain out of .dts... that would kill your game speed... follow the path Kevin mentions of exporting to greyscale... then torque can generate its terrain off of this
#4
Thanks for your replies. Looks like Blender does import DXF files, so I'm in business for both the cut scenes and the terrain. But, more importantly, with these quick, helpful responses, it looks like the community is living up to the praise I've read about. This certainly helps my comfort level as I dive into such a rich, deep game engine as Torque.
My copy of "3D Game Programming All in One" is on its way, and I'm working my way through the extensive online doc. Kudos to GarageGames and the community. I hope to be publishing my first title here by year's end...
Thanks again,
--
Dave
02/25/2005 (8:53 am)
Gentlemen,Thanks for your replies. Looks like Blender does import DXF files, so I'm in business for both the cut scenes and the terrain. But, more importantly, with these quick, helpful responses, it looks like the community is living up to the praise I've read about. This certainly helps my comfort level as I dive into such a rich, deep game engine as Torque.
My copy of "3D Game Programming All in One" is on its way, and I'm working my way through the extensive online doc. Kudos to GarageGames and the community. I hope to be publishing my first title here by year's end...
Thanks again,
--
Dave
Torque Owner Todd D. Degani
I dont know the answer to your queston on DEM file conversion though.