A few users had requested the option to export the heightfield as 24-bit greyscale bitmaps, for compatibility with other applications that don't read 8-bit greyscale bitmaps. The next release of L3DT (v2.5b) will include this option, but if you'd like to try it out now, the updated bitmap plugin is available here:
http://www.bundysoft.com/L3DT/downloads/plugins/bin/L3DTio_FI-bin.zip
To install the plugin, extract it from the zip archive, and copy it over the existing plugin in the following directory:
- Code: Select all
C:\Program files\Bundysoft\L3DT [version]\Extensions\
Note: This plugin requires L3DT v2.5b Release Candidate 3 or later. That corresponds to a version number of 2.5.2.8. If you do not have this version, you can download it now from the downloads page (you will still have to install the plugin too.)
To export in 24-bit greyscale mode, click on the 'options' button in the export wizard, and enable the 'Use 24-bit greyscale' flag (double-click to set it to true). If the flag is false - and it is by default - the file will be exported as an 8-bit greyscale.
For those unfamiliar with the specifics of the bitmap format, please note that 24-bit greyscale bitmaps do not increase the precision or accuracy of the height data in the file. 24-bit greyscale bitmaps have the same precision as 8-bit bitmaps, as they simply store the same numbers thrice. Thus, a 24-bit greyscale bitmap is 3x larger than an 8-bit bitmap, but not actually better in any way.
Nonetheless, it is now an option.
Cheerio,
Aaron.
