Hey all,
I am still relatively new to WM2 and have been trying to output a certain map that I can preview (both 3D and 2D) using the preview output parameter within WM2, but when I write the output to disk I get a totally different map.
I have added 4 attachments:-
Snow Mountain v3 - Device view is, well, the device view of my project (don’t worry about all of the outputs; I’m exploring what each does…).
Snow Mountain v3 - 2D output of Snow device is the map I am trying to generate - remember, this is just a screencap at 1000x or so pixels…
Snow Mountain v3 - 3D output of Snow device is just the preview of the terrain viewed within WM2.
Snow Mountain v3 - Snow Device Heightfield Output is the output I am obtaining when I write the output to disk.
Why is the preview shown within WM2 so totally different to the actual saved to disk output?
What am I doing wrong/is there another device/macro that I need to add to the Device graph (terminology?) to obtain what I am after?
I await the wisdom to come flooding in…
The 3D output is correct. You need to plug this map into displacement in your rendering program. You may need to adjust the displacement strength. If you tell me what program you use for displaying or rendering your terrain, I may be able to guide you through the process.
I use both Vue and Terragen.
However, I know how to use the maps in those programs; I want to know WHY the preview shown in WM2 is not what is being written to disk.
The 3D output is fine for creating the mountain/whatever in Vue/Terragen but I would like to try the actual map shown in the preview to see what I can create with that.
Further; looking at the 3D preview (especially when rendered at high res.) - as shown in the “Preview of the terrain viewed within WM2” attachment from my last post; I really like the snow distribution with that map and want to try it out in Terragen/Vue.
Attached is a preview quality render from Vue using the Snow Device Heightfield Output that is written to disk.
It’s OK, but not as good as the 3D preview shown within WM2…
You have to gamma correct your snow texture when in vue. Terragen does it automatically. In vue, double click on your camera in world browser, in the top left corner of the dialogue, it shows the current gamma settings.
For a windows PC, these are the values that work best on most (mine included) lcd screens. Check the specs of your display device to know your own.
I think you’re missing the point of this thread.
I want to know how to obtain the Snow distribution map, as explained in my OP.
I know all about the Gamma Correction feature in Vue - I don’t use it - I prefer to obtain an unadulterated output that I can post process to my heart’s content.
Besides, the only reason for posting that image was to show you that I already knew how to use the maps (which is what you were going to explain to me).
So, can you tell me: How to generate the output of the Snow device as shown in my screencap, “Snow Mountain v3 - 2D output of Snow device”, attached to my OP?
I have to admit to being a little confused as well as to what you’re looking for. I have a couple theories, but:
In your 3D preview image, is that the view of the snow device after building the world (snow device is green)? If so, then the output of the 3D View is 100% identical to what will get written to disk… which is why I think people are flailing trying to help.
If you’re viewing the “preview” build (yellow device status), then there can sometimes be pronounced differences between the preview and final results, especially with simulation-type devices such as Snow. To see what the final results will look like, make sure to build the world at your full resolution, then view the terrain.
Depending on your scenario, there might be more tips to provide to get at what you want, but we need to isolate the cause first!
Are you trying to find out a way to distribute your materials in vue such that it looks similar to the wm 3d preview? If so the create a mask combining “snow depthmask”, “deposition” from erosion device and a slope selector selecting the lower flat mountain areas. Combine using a combiner, set to average. Then adjust using a Bias/Gain filter. Use that as a distribution map in vue. Currently you are using a single “wear map” output I assume?
