Some new techniques for mapmakers

[SlapHappy]

As we know the new map editor includes an overlay function to allow for placement

of terrain items using standard JPG captures.

What you cannot as easily replicate are the terrain data to recreate real terrain

features from sources like Google Earth.

The video below illustrates how to create customizable elevation data using

only Google Earth and Sketchup. The Pro (paid) version of Sketchup is not

required to complete this method.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4J9sWEZR6E

Keep in mind you will want to export the resulting contour lines in a 2D

compatible format to use with the overlay function.

[sburke]

very cool. Too bad we are heading into the flatlands of Holland . Kidding, there is plenty of other use for this.

[SlowMotion]

Maybe post that link to Maps and Mods forum as well?

[agusto]

Excellent find, thanks for posting. IIRC Google Maps has elevation contour lines for some areas of the world, but if it doesnt for that part you want to model, that tool is definately going to be useful.

[Fenris]

Great.

-F

[sburke]

I do have one question. In setting the contour lines the demonstration seemed to set an arbitrary number of contours. They mentioned 10 feet, but that didn't seem to be an actual contour line as after that they just started increasing the count, but it didn't seem to be an actual 10 foot contour. Am I mistaken in that?

[Fenris]

The arbitrary amount was the number of slices of the terrain he needed to go from top to bottom... At least that's how I took it. So he's just adding more 10' incremented planes as required.

-F