CompuServe Messages

>> Also, on the Rendering Plant BBS << >>we have terrain meshes from military << >>sources that may be of the right type. << I appreciate the info. What is the rendering plant BBS, and what is their phone no.? It's a BBS I help run, totally focused on 3D Studio. The number is 816-525-5614. It's 14.4, and we have tons of meshes, textures, and utilities for 3DS Users on-line 24 hours/day. >> I did'nt know schreiber was doing << >>demonstration packs, i'll have to give them a call.<< Most of the Schreiber IPAS routines are distributed freely as "convertable demos". They have a CD ROM out there, free (or near it) for the asking that has all their stuff on it. >> Sounds like you're experienced with this. >>Is fractals the way to go, or will texture >>maps work better? The problem with the >>maps is creating them, sizing them etc. Well, you can paint a custom height map, or you can use Fractint to create a fractal height field. The only problem you may find is that since the image only has 256 levels of luminance, it will only have 256 height levels when converted. But it is possible to use Fractint as a poor man's DISPLACE.PXP. Simply create a greyscal bitmap where brighter=higher and darker=lower. Load the greyscale GIF image into Fractint and run the Fractint 3D menu. Set it up for DXF export at the detail level required. Import the DXF into 3D Studio. Instant terrain! If you want an automatic random fractal terrain, use Fractint's Plasma fractal. Fractint is pretty amazing for freeware. Jim