I have a digital elevation model that I want to "import" into POVRay. I
gather that heightfield uses a variety of graphics input files, although
PNG and GIF have been recommended, using their colour values. The data
I have can be in a variety of formats, including 16bit binary and ASCII
(one value PER PIXEL). but I was wondering what would be the best way of
converting it.
Cheers
Mike
If I understand you correctly you have the data but not in a graphics
file format. If you are able to program a bit then you can try to get
some information about the file structure of the supported formats and
tried to cast your data into it.
A helpful link for the specification of the files can be found at:
http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/%7Emxr/gfx/2d-hi.html
Maybe there is a utility out there that does that already. It's just
that I don't know one. Maybe Ken can provide you with one of his
fantastic links.
Marc
--
Marc Schimmler
Mike Smith wrote:
> > I have a digital elevation model that I want to "import" into POVRay. I> gather that heightfield uses a variety of graphics input files, although> PNG and GIF have been recommended, using their colour values. The data> I have can be in a variety of formats, including 16bit binary and ASCII> (one value PER PIXEL). but I was wondering what would be the best way of> converting it.> > Cheers> > Mike
Well as Marc said if it's links to height field material related to
Pov-Ray I just might have something for you. If you can get your data
into .dem format Ray Gardener's Leveller program can convert directly
to pov and allow editing on a pixel by piel basis. There are several
other HF utilities around each with it's own strengths and weaknesses.
I like Leveller but I'll add all of my HF related links for you browse
though to find one that suits your purposes.
While it might be possible to actualy do the conversion yourself I
personly think an exteranl HF program is a better method of controlling
the conversion process.
Links:
Terrain Maker
http://www.itsnet.com/~varmint/html/tm.htm
Terragen - no direct support for Pov and not well suited to your task
but worth a look at non the less.
http://www.york.ac.uk/~mpf103/
John Beals a long time supporter of Pov HF generation has a host of
tools and programs related to all things high and low - Two sites:
http://www.best.com/~beale/
http://shell3.ba.best.com/~beale/gforge/
Leveller
http://www.daylongraphics.com/
Povscape
http://cuyana.rangenet.com/dwa/povindex.html
Terrain Forge
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/7425/terrain_forge.htm
Wilber
http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/~jslayton/software.html
A majority of the sites listed also have links to other sites.
--
Ken Tyler
mailto://tylereng@pacbell.net
