Where can I get height maps?

Chris2005 · August 2011

I'm working on the next aspect of the episode Timeless... I've got the snow look almost down... but I can't seem to find any adequate height maps, to use as a displacement map...

Using a different map...

They look good from a distance, but close up, they tend to go down...

They all use a plane with 1000x1000 segments...

japetus · August 2011

does it look any better if you use more segments? Also, what program are you using? Most programs do sub pixel displacement where they subdivide the mesh at render time to get more detail in the displacement so it's not just purely moving points up or down. If that doesn't work you can also search here http://www.usgs.gov/ for DEM mesh files to use.

Chris2005 · August 2011

japetus wrote: »

does it look any better if you use more segments? Also, what program are you using? Most programs do sub pixel displacement where they subdivide the mesh at render time to get more detail in the displacement so it's not just purely moving points up or down. If that doesn't work you can also search here http://www.usgs.gov/ for DEM mesh files to use.

It's already up to 2,000,000 polys...

I'm using 3ds max...

IRML · August 2011

you should really augment a height map with some procedural displacement

as much as SFM is a place for learning, I think you've been relying on the Q&A forum too heavily recently, try and work a bit harder at finding a solution before asking here, this place shouldn't just be a replacement for your instruction manual

Chris2005 · August 2011

IRML wrote: »

you should really augment a height map with some procedural displacement

as much as SFM is a place for learning, I think you've been relying on the Q&A forum too heavily recently, try and work a bit harder at finding a solution before asking here, this place shouldn't just be a replacement for your instruction manual

I've been looking all afternoon for a good height map... without the slightest bit of progress... however, I'll keep looking.

Coolhand · August 2011

do what IRML suggests, you have a heightmap that gives you some shape, now you need to throw something else on there to bring the level of detail up, whether procedural or whatever... Not sure a heightmap alone, no matter how large or whatever, is going to give the results you expect.

Guerrilla · August 2011

If you can't find one that suits you, just make one yourself. Goes for all things 3d. Also, like people mentioned, you'll probably want separate map for big forms (or just model them by hand or throw some noise at it or something; it's probably faster than looking for a specific kind of height map) and one (or more) for finer detail. If you're using FinalRender, look up the bits about displacement in the documentation. You should get nice high res displacement at rendertime while keeping the viewport geometry manageable.

japetus · August 2011

Chris, what renderer are you using? I'm assuming in max you are using a standard material or just the displacement modifier? Try rendering it in mental ray using an A&D shader and put your map in the displacement slot. That way it's not so tied down to the geometry of the plane itself and can subdivide where it needs to.

Chris2005 · September 2011

japetus wrote: »

Chris, what renderer are you using? I'm assuming in max you are using a standard material or just the displacement modifier? Try rendering it in mental ray using an A&D shader and put your map in the displacement slot. That way it's not so tied down to the geometry of the plane itself and can subdivide where it needs to.

I'm using finalRender, and a displacement modifier on the plane, using an image.

The snowy icy look is created using fR-Velvet, they have no official snow material.

Chris2005 · September 2011

How is this looking?

I'd still need to work on the map, to get a more open area for the Voyager crash and slide...

Deks · September 2011

Much better, though perhaps the 'grain' should be a tad smaller.
It looks good though.
The ambient lighting on the last image needs to be stronger though.

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Where can I get height maps?

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Where can I get height maps?

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