Hello,

I'm developing a set of macros to load and manipulate 16-bit height 
field data. With them, you can import red/green 16-bit grayscale images 
and manipulate them as you would any other pigment. There are functions 
for finding edges (via a proximity pattern), finding angles for special 
effects, and even one for exporting red/green images to a few 24-bit 
image formats (to compensate for 3.7's rudimentary 16-bit support). They 
can be used to add features to existing height field data or to create 
new data. The pigments can be used in isosurfaces. I'm keeping my macros 
easy-to-use this time :)

Unfortunately, there are limitations. For one, POV-Ray's handling of 
image_maps produces strange edge artifacts, so I'm having to bring the 
edges of the images down to zero. This creates a sharp drop-off at the 
perimeter of the height field. It's not a feature I wanted.

Another problem is speed. A person would have to develop their height 
maps in a 2D fashion to avoid high parse times, but the macros *can* be 
used directly in a scene.

Considering these limitations, does anyone think they might find such an 
include file useful? I'm pretty much done with most of the functions, so 
all I need is one response so I can begin making example files!

~Sam

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