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Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 03 Apr 2019, 16:21
by 3DMapper
Hello! I am new to using TrueSpace 7.6. A graphics artist I know created a "teaser" 3D map image for me but it was turned the wrong way and while I have the software now and the original source image I do not have a clue on how to use the software.

When I went to load the .png file I did see it over on the right (after screwing around with some of the dialogs) but it doesn't show up in the main viewer. Is there a simple tutorial that shows the user how to load up a source image file (its a map of southern Japan) and then create a 3D image? I saw in one very basic tutorial that there is a way to select points on the image that are the higher elevations so that the 3D effect can make it look like a physical relief map. That is what I am after but the GUI for the program is a bit much for me. Add to it my friend is swamped with work and has no time to help out.

Any links to tutorials or help is much appreciated.

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 07:41
by bitkar
trueSpace is a 3D modeler, not a converter from 2D to 3D or such thing.
So your approach needs to be more complex. Its hard when you dont know what you are doing or dont understand aspects of 3D modeling.
I understand you have simple ordinary map that looks like google photomap.

What you need to do is:
1) make a flat plane object
2) use your map as a texture for it and set up material (shines etc. to your liking)
3) use object polygon editing tools to make new points and edges to trace borders or your map, delete the rest of the no needed points if the PNG doesnt have transparency
4) use more polytools to make new points and edges inside the map shape to make a structure of polygons for the mountains. If you plan to smooth by SDS (subdivision surfaces) it later, the structure needs to have some reasonable geometry so that SDS result will be good.This is the point where you will rise some points to certain hight, so the plane will become 3D shaped.
5) use lights to light it (there are some defaults too usually with shadows off)
6) set a camera or a view and render the final result

Maybe post the PNG here, so somebody can make it for you, its fast for somebody that knows how to. I can do it too, if you can wait for it (i can do it next week).

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 14:24
by 3DMapper
I will take you up on your offer to convert the image. Attaching it here for you to grab.

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 14:53
by bitkar
one more thought... isnt it in 3D on google earth or google maps (in 3D mode), just to make a screen shot from it?

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 15:20
by clintonman
If it's a grayscale image you can also try the map displacement in workspace.

Edit:
Downloaded and see that's it's not. Never mind...

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 15:48
by 3DMapper
bitkar wrote: 04 Apr 2019, 14:53 one more thought... isnt it in 3D on google earth or google maps (in 3D mode), just to make a screen shot from it?
I am not sure if my old system can handle the 3D view in Google Earth but I really should look that over.

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 18:48
by Draise
You could just use the displacement modifier in the Workspace on a high poly grid - if you have a greyscale height map. This will make the image 3D for you.

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 04 Apr 2019, 18:49
by Draise
clintonman wrote: 04 Apr 2019, 15:20 If it's a grayscale image you can also try the map displacement in workspace.

Edit:
Downloaded and see that's it's not. Never mind...
Lol, right. The other is apply the texture to a grid plane, then sculpt push it in the WS by hand.

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 05 Apr 2019, 07:28
by bitkar
btw: i look at that part of Japan on the google maps in 3D and its whole Kjushu island. Its so large that the mountains and valley contrast is not really big in that scale. So the effect of 3D will not be visible. If you want the 3D effect come into play, it would need to be very exaggerated and unrealistic... is this what you want? For realistic image its not making sense to make it 3D.

btw to others... maybe this image can be remade to grayscale from that brown (hights) to green (lows) in photoshop or similar editor. maybe i will try it.

maybe this would do it.. can somebody try? Iam at work and dont have tS there.
Olympic_Situation-Base-Map-grey.png

Re: Creating 3D File from Existing PNG

Posted: 05 Apr 2019, 08:08
by bitkar
oh and i found some cool things for real hightmaps:
mapping tools:
https://tangrams.github.io/heightmapper ... 40/130.469
http://terrain.party

heightmaps processors:
https://github.com/alandoherty/heightmap2obj
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:15276/

nice heightmap preview tool:
http://cpetry.github.io/NormalMap-Online/
(seems like the grayscale convert works a bit)

its a whole universe of things...