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Terrain modification

khaos_56k

khaos_56k

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366
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us-maryland
THE HISTORY:
I've struggled with this problem for quite some time and would like some input from those who know far more than myself...

The airport in question (MD31), in all versions of FS, is lying on relatively flat terrain BUT in the real world the surrounding area is a bit "hilly". Because of that, one end of the runway was built on narrow man-made hill just wide enough for the runway. Since this is a business airport there are many buildings around it and even surround the area below the "raised" end of the runway. If I place the buildings correctly they will become a major obstacle... when in the real-world the rooves of these buildings are below the level of the runway.

Now... for the past few years I've tried different programs and made numerous attempts to understand what is being explained in the SDKs. All the programs I've tried (Sbuilder, GroundMaker, FS Architect...) require some sort of DEM file that I have yet to locate. I've visited the USGS website(s) many times only to end up with files of the wrong format or just getting lost. I'm also starting to think that the elevation changes are so insignificant on a global scale that no matter who or where I get the correct data that actual FS terrain changes would be minimal at best.



MY QUESTIONS:
  • Can I somehow extract FS data, edit it, and export it?
  • Would it be better to depress the terrain and place a GMax model of the entire airport... terrain and all?
  • What program or technique works best, would you suggest, for a task like this?

I hope one of you can point me in the right direction... This one issue has caused me to "drag my feet" recreating this airport.
 
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Hi,

You are probably much more experienced than I am in these matters, but reasoning simply, I would put a classical flatten there with ADE and edit the individual vector points.
 
There is the most important piece of information that many forget about, 9 or X? Whole 'nother ballgame based upon which version you're working on.
 
LCSims said:
There is the most important piece of information that many forget about, 9 or X? Whole 'nother ballgame based upon which version you're working on.
Click to expand...

I was speaking in general terms but you are absolutely correct... it makes a HUGE difference depending on which FS version. I'm presently developing for FS9 with aspirations to also complete an FSX version.

So... FS9 would be my primary goal at this time.
 
Hi Ken,

Extracting the existing elevation data from the BGL files is not possible. I would try to use SBuilder and place some extra flattens to see if you can create the hills like that. Trying to get elevation data with enough resolution or trying to add the hills manually to elevation data sounds more complex to me.
 
Hello:


FYI: Sloped flattens can be achieved in both FS9 and FSX.


There are some links to info on sloped flattens in this thread:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17964

Also, use the search function here at FS Developer to find many helpful ideas, and note the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom of each thread, they are often quite relevant and interesting as well. ;)


Additionally, I'd recommend use of Airport Design Engine (ADE9X) and SBuilder for FS9 for your FS2004 airport project; you can export most of your FS9 data and import it into the FSX version of those programs for use with your FSX version of the airport later on.


Hope this helps ! :)

GaryGB
 
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arno said:
... I would try to use SBuilder and place some extra flattens to see if you can create the hills like that...
Click to expand...

Thanks Arno. I'm assuming what you mean is to create numerous small flattening areas to try and manipulate the landscape into what I'm looking for. It's not that I'd not thought of that BUT I felt is was too much of a brute-force, low-tech way to accomplish what I've seen so many do with terrain mesh. I'll revisit it and try a bit harder to be more... artistic in my flatten area placement.


GaryGB said:
...There are some links to info on sloped flattens in this thread:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17964
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link GaryBG. This may be the information I've been missing all along and it looks like that post has what I need to at least get me started in the right direction... along with the guidance you provided there. I've only tinkered with SBuilder a few times but never dove into the entirety of it's help-files.
 
For an hill like that I would put a simply gmax model as I will do on my ENTO scenery as is surrounded by many hills like yours :)
 
ras78 said:
For an hill like that I would put a simply gmax model... :)
Click to expand...

The overall area in the pictures is in a depression localized at one end of the runway. I know the picture isn't really clear at showing what I've tried to explain in the original post but what you see is not just a hill... it's the end of the runway.

Thank you for your input though.
 
Ops!! I didn't noticed that sorry...I've the same situation and I used a LWM elevation made with SBuilder.
 
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