jman0 Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 Hi i'm just wondering what are some programs people use for terrain modeling. Particularly in the context of creating 3d visualizations for architecture. And more specifically, terrain modeling from topographic maps, ie: contours from a CAD file. Including roads. What programs should i look at? I have a familiarity with 3dMax and a little familiarity with AutoCAD. But in the interests of creating a pretty picture (3d visualization), that maintains a certain accuracy.. what programs do people use in the industry for this type of stuff? Just looking for some general suggestions i suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koper Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 chilck the banner called 'the Visualization Insider', it's just above your firts post! There 3DAS aka Brian&Brian tells you everything you want to know, its the first two in the list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty T Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 The easiest so far to date is exporting the topo from cad into Sketchup then once you form the terrain using there sandbox tool then export to 3d max for material and render. One of many options I am sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99Tarbox Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 Terragen (free @ http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/) can accept Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) terrian data which is derived from radar satellites. Much of the world is cover, and the lower resolutions can be found for free on the internet (San Fransisco has good cover with medium resolution imagery). Terragen will then export the created terrian into a 3ds max viewable file. Of course, there is some very high resolution stuff out there, but it will cost. RADARSAT, a Canadian satellite, is well known for its high resolution DTED coverage. This will get you not only realisitic terrian, but could provide you with the REAL terrian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jman0 Posted May 22, 2007 Author Share Posted May 22, 2007 Thanks i was curious if there existed a handy standalone package or whatever. That tutorial stuff looks good on CAD to Max. I am familiar with Sketchup and today can export from CAD to Sketchup, use the Sandbox and Drape tools but then find i need more detail (for example to depress the road surface into the terrain) and go to Max for this. Sketchup is great but it has certain buggy qualities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty T Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 Yeah you right ...sketchup is strong in the"on the fly" conceptual field but not to technical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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