Terrain as vector networks

Geology and Terrain
#1

I’ve been testing out WM Pro 2.0s Layout mode, using vector splines to model real world terrain. For some more discussion on this see here:
http://terrain.cg-arts.org/forum/index.php?topic=89.0

The basic process is to use the patterns of ridges and valleys in mountain ranges as signatures if you like. It’s a way of emulating the look of a terrain without copying and pasting real dems. It does have some advantages.

This is a series of zooms taken in Wm Pro 2.0 beta’s Explorer mode (in which you get to fly about your terrain!). the terrain is the Misty Mountains from J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (modelled for the ME-DEM Project):
http://www.me-dem.org/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/

The first zoom is rough but this should give you a sense of the scale of this range. It’s around the same length as the Alps as it happens. Imagine the areas around the range fully modellled, hills, river courses, forests, etc
http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/WMZoom_01.png

We start to see the macro structure. I’ve still some work to do on those- such as making certain areas higher in elevation than others- not just differentiating elevation along networks. The area around Moria (Caradhras, et al) will be more discernable as a bulge.
Also, getting the river valleys and rivers to flow naturally into the surrounding and will really help knit the terrain scene together-. Control over river flow is one of the aims.
The eastern flank (top) should rise dramatically from the plain. The western slopes will tumble down more gradually by way of the Ettenmoors, Trollshaws, etc.

The flat area to the north going off screen is the area prepped for the Grey Mts, …here be dragons.

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/WMZoom_02.png

As you can see the valleys tend to be a uniform altitude which is wrong really- that’s next on the list: finish off valleys.

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/WMZoom_03.png

This is a nice area.

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/WMZoom_04.png

Coming in to land!

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/WMZoom_05.png

monks

#2

That is some cool stuff Monks. Thanks for sharing.

(oh, the me-dem.org link doesn’t seem to be working though.)

#3

Thanks a lot marmil :slight_smile: The ME-DEM site is undergoing maintenance at the mo.

Some interesting geologic effects are possible with Layout mode -I’m sure more studied/ accurate than these shown. This is the Gundalok Shelf, a vast (3000 ft high) karst canyon, with an exagerrated Mt Gundabad in the background. This is where terraining all began for me- mapping Mt Gundabad :smiley:

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/GundalokShelf.png

Here’s the ColdFells (Pinnath Aegring), jagged windswept downs. You can see how the rivers will run off from the mountains.

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/TheColdFells.png

WM 2.0 Layout mode is really cool for elevating these areas using the polygon tool.

http://www.skindustry.net/medem/files/Phase2/Terrain_1.0/screenies/WMLayoutMode.png

monks

#4

These are breathtaking monks. Would love to see some kind of updated workflow article for your process.

#5

Will do at some point. :slight_smile: Once the layout import/export is finalised in WM 2.0, then it’s a possible solution. At the moment I’m relying on having access to Howard’s plugins- which means beta 5- so, it’s not a viable worklflow yet.

monks

#6