Which tool makes .ter files?
by David Dougher · in Torque Game Engine · 08/14/2001 (2:07 pm) · 10 replies
I have started looking at the various tools included and I can't figure out which one generates the terrain files. Specifically which one generates files ending in .ter ?? I thought it would be the Terraformer but it doesn't seem to do anything when I save.
I also would like to know where you now put the 256x256 greyscale png file for your terrain if you wish to import a terrain instead of generating one using the terraformer. I've seen several different tutorials which suggest it must be in slightly different paths - and the sdk has a slightly different path layout than the game.
I also would like to know where you now put the 256x256 greyscale png file for your terrain if you wish to import a terrain instead of generating one using the terraformer. I've seen several different tutorials which suggest it must be in slightly different paths - and the sdk has a slightly different path layout than the game.
About the author
Owner - Pariah Games, Adjunct Professor - Bristol Community College, Mentor - Game Design - Met School Newport, Mentor - Game Design - Met School Providence
#2
And what's the path I use to input that png file so I can import it as a heightfield? I notice that the scripting paths seem to be a bit askew in places is this one of them?
08/15/2001 (3:36 pm)
Thanks Tim. And what's the path I use to input that png file so I can import it as a heightfield? I notice that the scripting paths seem to be a bit askew in places is this one of them?
#3
08/15/2001 (11:23 pm)
Actually, I'm not sure how you import a bitmap. Maybe Rick knows this one?
#4
If you wish to have them someplace else set:
$TerraformerHeightfieldDir to the folder you want to use (after loading the Editor)
ie. Drop down the console and type:
$TerraformerHeightfieldDir = "base/editor/png";
08/15/2001 (11:42 pm)
The .png files should be placed in the: base/editor/heightScripts folder.If you wish to have them someplace else set:
$TerraformerHeightfieldDir to the folder you want to use (after loading the Editor)
ie. Drop down the console and type:
$TerraformerHeightfieldDir = "base/editor/png";
#5
08/16/2001 (4:21 am)
Thanks. I'll try that out.
#6
I load the test mission and go to the terraformer editor and in heightfield editor I hit the load button and nothing comes up. If I hit save then the program looks like it wants to save the test1.cs file. If I do this and go back to load it wants to load test1.cs
If I hit export then it looks like it wants to save my test1.png file (which it does in full color?)
So, how do I import the greyscale png into the editor?
Are we missing an import button.
I also tried the suggestion of using the command line to point to the subdirectory but it didn't change any of my results.
Any help would be appreciated.
08/16/2001 (5:55 am)
Ok. I must still not be doing something right. I have a 256x256 greyscale png file that I put into example\base\editor\heightScripts (I created the folder) I load the test mission and go to the terraformer editor and in heightfield editor I hit the load button and nothing comes up. If I hit save then the program looks like it wants to save the test1.cs file. If I do this and go back to load it wants to load test1.cs
If I hit export then it looks like it wants to save my test1.png file (which it does in full color?)
So, how do I import the greyscale png into the editor?
Are we missing an import button.
I also tried the suggestion of using the command line to point to the subdirectory but it didn't change any of my results.
Any help would be appreciated.
#7
the Load Heightfield command loads a .cs file containing heightfield function definitions.
Making a Heightfield from a bitmap (.png) is a Heightfield Function.
I'm at work so no pretty screenshots. But, to the left of the load button is a box that should contain "fBm Fractal" Above that is a delete button and a drop down box (may not look like it, but it is). Click on the dropdown and select "Bitmap" it will then ask you to load the Bitmap file of your choice.
08/16/2001 (9:13 am)
Ahh... I see the confusion.the Load Heightfield command loads a .cs file containing heightfield function definitions.
Making a Heightfield from a bitmap (.png) is a Heightfield Function.
I'm at work so no pretty screenshots. But, to the left of the load button is a box that should contain "fBm Fractal" Above that is a delete button and a drop down box (may not look like it, but it is). Click on the dropdown and select "Bitmap" it will then ask you to load the Bitmap file of your choice.
#8
08/17/2001 (2:41 pm)
Thanks, That's the ticket. I had looked in the pulldown but never noticed the bitmap selection - must've been too late a night. 
#9
And in 1.4.
Just hit F11. Then F7 and in the right side under operation, simply select the bitmap you want from \creator\editor\heightScripts\ (YourFileName.png)
01/13/2006 (4:14 pm)
Thanks a lot Harold. This one solved all my searches and works (from the not so usable doc on the main GG site about terra) :/ And in 1.4.
Just hit F11. Then F7 and in the right side under operation, simply select the bitmap you want from \creator\editor\heightScripts\ (YourFileName.png)
#10
01/13/2006 (5:10 pm)
This must be a record. Shows how long the engines been around now though. 
Torque Owner Tim Gift
Saving a mission will save out the .ter file associated with that mission.