L3DT can import the altitude layer of the design map from binary terrain formats or image files. For example, the design map for Japan (and selected parts of Korea and/or China and/or Russia) is shown below. This design map was imported from a VTP binary terrain file (.bt).
To import a design map, select the 'File→Import→Design map…' option from the menu. The first part of the import process is the same as for importing a heightfield, so you are recommended to read that part of the user-guide before proceeding. After the file has been imported, you will be passed through to the Import design map wizard, shown below.
The options are as follows:
File→DM down-sampling | This option allows you to enter the down-sampling rate from the file to the design map. Typically, this is set to the same value as the 'DM→HF up-sampling' value (see below), as this means the final output heightfield will be the same size as the input file. However, if you want to make a heightfield larger than the input file, use a down-sample rate that is smaller than the up-sample rate. |
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Specify DM size | These edit boxes allow you to specify an arbitrary width and height for the design map. This is similar to - but mutually exclusive with - the File→DM sample rate option. |
DM→HF up-sampling | This option sets the inflation factor to be used in the design/inflate algorithm when generating the heightfield. Small values will give you a small heightfield for a given design map size, and large values will give you a large heightfield for a given design map size. The default value is 64. |
Split heightfield into tiles (mosaic map) | With this option enabled, any heightfield you generate from this design map will be saved as a dynamically cached mosaic map. |
After clicking on the Next » wizard button, you will be asked to input some of the design map parameters such as climate and lake coverage (etc) via the design map parameters wizard pane.