[Question] Newbie Questions about the BF2 Editor

[Nightingale]

You know, I really should have asked this question earlier:

When I create a map, and I am asked to set the low-res size of the terrain, is it impossible to change the value later? Because I made my 2km terrain like this: 1024/256 (Low-res scale: 8 ).

What is the correct low-res size for 1km maps? 2km? 4km?

Do I have to restart the entire map if I chose the wrong one?

[Amok@ndy]

no it can be changed though its quite difficult and you need to be very careful what you change.

the neccesary data is in Heightdata.con

though be careful because the Heightmaps resolutions are always +1 so if you create a 1024 primary / 256 secondary your heightmap files will be 1025 and 257.

[B2P1]

Ugh, I've been looking into changing the map size with the same heightmap, but it's complicated. And generally it won't work since stretching it or compressing it will not make it look as you want it to be. Mountains will be twice as wide, rivers will be twice as wide... You'd generally have to start over again. You could keep the origin heightmap in its original size tho but then you'd have to draw new terrain around it.

A 1024 scaled 8, i have no idea what size that is. It's 1024 scaled 2 for 2km and 1024 scaled 4 for 4km. The way I check if i've got the right size is using the measurement tool in the level editor. Just click on one side of the map, go to the other side, click again and press enter.

[Nightingale]

Actually, I was only talking about changing the "low-res size". By default on a 2km map (1024x2), it is 256. Do the PR devs have a recommended low-res size for each of the map sizes (1km, 2km, 4km)? Or is it up to the mapper to decide?

[B2P1]

Oh... My mistake. Actually, I think it's not used. I gave it the same values.

[wrecker]

Hey, I've been dabbling in the editor but now I'm interested in actually starting a real map based on a real place. I'm wondering if anyone could tell me the easiest way to get real world data (SRTM/DEM) into a heightmap format for bf2editor. I've been able to get it into the editor before but it shows up in big spiked terrain basically, probably some kind of problem with pixels being the wrong size. Mainly I'm looking for tips from those who have pulled it off before and what they did to do so. Thanks!

[B2P1]

For a 2km or 4 km map + surrounding terrain. Assuming your grayscale map is done right.

Open it in photoshop:

-Crop it so you've got the primary heightmap as you want it. Flip horizontally, flip vertically.
-Change image size to 3075x3075 pixels and save as RAW format, as IBM PC.
-Reopen the RAW format and set channels to 1 and 16 bit and IBM PC again.
-Resave it in a TIF format.
-Open the editor, create a level. 2km or 4km
-Open BF2HMT, open the TIF format, and to the right open your level folder in pr_edit and click on your map.
-Click export.
-Done
-Go in the editor and play around with the height in level settings.

[wrecker]

Anyway to do it without photoshop? Advised alternative programs I guess is what I'm asking?

[Nightingale]

GIMP, basically speaking, can do anything that Photoshop does. They are very similar skillsets. I believe Photoshop CS2 is also now offered for free to the public, so those are two very good options.

[wrecker]

Oh ok, I guess I'll have to check that out, thanks for the help!

[Nightingale]

Hi guys, I want to fix this heightmap in Photoshop. What's the correct way to load and edit a heightmap without adding wierd noise artifact things?

[CTRifle]

open it using these settings



remember in the editor is flipped, so you have to do that if you make it right side up

[Nightingale]

I wasn't expecting the solution to be so simple.


For some reason, though, on two edges of the terrain, the problem persists. Any idea what I'm doing wrong here?

[Amok@ndy]

The edge of your terrain always aligns to your secondary terrain just enable it and use the smoothing tool