====== Making a design map for a fractal / perlin / imported heightfield ======

It may be useful in some instances to create a design map for a heightfield that was generated via the perlin or fractal algorithms, or otherwise imported from a file. With a design map, you may do such things as specifying the locations of lakes, or paint different climate distributions using the [[l3dt:userguide:tools:dm_brush|design map brush]].

To generate a design map for a heightfield, select the '//Operations->Design map->Generate from HF...//' option from the menu. This option will open the //design map size// wizard, where you'll first have to choose the resolution of your design map:

{{ l3dt:userguide:wizards:dmsize_gen_from_hf.png |l3dt:userguide:wizards:dmsize_gen_from_hf.png }}

The different choices are explained in the documentation for the [[l3dt:userguide:newmap:design_inflate#the_design_map_size_wizard_pane|design map size]] wizard pane, but the short version is: __//use the 64x option.//__

Once your are done with the design map resolution, click on the '//Next >>//' button. At this point you may be asked to confirm permission for your heightfield to be resized if the current heightfield size is not a multiple of your chosen design map resolution (e.g. 64x):

{{ :l3dt:userguide:newmap:design_inflate:hf_resize_notice.png |:l3dt:userguide:newmap:design_inflate:hf_resize_notice.png}}

Once you're through the //design map size// wizard, you will proceed to the [[l3dt:userguide:newmap:design_inflate#the_design_map_parameters_wizard_pane|design map parameters]] wizard (below), where you can set some of the 'high level' parameters used to generate your design map.

{{ l3dt:userguide:wizards:designparams_gen_from_hf.png |l3dt:userguide:wizards:designparams_gen_from_hf.png }}

<note>
Because the heightfield already exists, you cannot modify the //average altitude//, //altitude range//, or //feature scale//.
</note>

For an quick guide to what the //other// parameters do, please consult these pages:
  * [[l3dt:algorithms:dm:params:noisestrength|Noise strength]]
  * [[l3dt:algorithms:dm:params:noiseshape|Noise shape]]
  * [[l3dt:algorithms:dm:params:cliffs|Cliffs and terraces]]
  * [[l3dt:algorithms:dm:params:erosion|Erosion]]
  * [[l3dt:algorithms:dm:params:lakes|Lakes]]

After setting your design map parameters, click //OK// in this wizard to start L3DT generating your design map.