Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Terrain Editor => Topic started by: MachNix on January 21, 2005, 10:22:57 PM
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(http://www.wildandfreed.com/ah/sttv2.jpg)
The Tile Setter Tool was developed to import Terragen (*.ter) elevations files into Aces High Editor v2 and to set the tile types based on the elevations. Using *.ter files can produce more natural looking terrains quicker over the entire map then can be done using tools in the Editor or with a grayscale bitmap.
(http://www.wildandfreed.com/ah/ts3.jpg)
The *.ter files also have subtle changes in elevations even over relatively flat areas that can be used to create variation in the terrain types.
(http://www.wildandfreed.com/ah/ts1.jpg)
The tool is offered here "as is" and you use it at your own risk. As with any download, be concerned about viruses. The file is an executable, 281 kb in size, and better be virus-free. Be sure and put it through your virus checker before running. Save the file in your terrain folder. Look through the User Manual and backup you terrain before using. The tool will modify your terrain files and there is no "undo" button.
Tile Setter: http://www.wildandfreed.com/ah/tileset.exe
User Manual: http://www.wildandfreed.com/ah/tileset.txt
GL
MachNix
p.s. I expect this tool to be obsolete in two weeks.
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very very very nice:aok
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I had to install this file (http://www.ascentive.com/support/new/support_dll.phtml?dllname=COMCTL32.OCX) to get the program to open, but i still get errors when I try to set type or make map, any idea what may be wrong?
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Corection, the make map function will work if I don't press the set type button 1st.
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Problem solved, I just had to start with a fresh typ file (water only). Thanks for a great tool MachNix.
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Great tool! Works beautifully!
If you don't mind, I'm going to put the file and instructions into a .zip file and post it on AH-Terrains.
I'll include the .ocx file in the zip in case others have the problem zmeg did.
LOL, now the mod request. Can the program be modified to allow the placing of the tile sub-types in AH2 (tile0x0x.bmp)?
In case people haven't figured it out, those "sub-types" may allow for 24 different terrain tiles if each can be individually assigned. :)
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Actually those 4 subtypes are combined to form 1 tile in any 1 of 256 combinations, they are asigned by the .syp file.
What I would love to see added is a way to assign your own colors for the 'make map' function or mabey even use the textures from the texsrc folder. :p I woulldn't ask for much would I.
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Originally posted by zmeg
Actually those 4 subtypes are combined to form 1 tile in any 1 of 256 combinations, they are asigned by the .syp file.....
Hmm...interesting. I knew they formed 1 tile, I was just thinking outloud per-say. Let me think silently on that one for now.
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No need to think silently on this any more...
(http://www.ah-terrains.com/pics/subs.jpg)
Note the two sub tiles (201 and 201 - blue) being in the same main cell in the TE. This means the sub tile is assignable somehow. If someone can do it, that gives 24 useable tiles.
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I forgot to mention that the tool was built using Microsoft Visual Basic v5.0 with Windows ME. Sometimes you will get an error message about a file being already open. Save your setting so you don't loose any changes, close and then re-open the tool and things will be back to normal.
As far as placing tile sub-types, I use the "Randomize" button in the TE. The tool is not meant to replace the TE. I'm hopeful the new TE will have improved features that will make this tool obsolete. So, I'm afraid you are stuck with the tool as is. That goes for map colors as well. You will have to use your image editing tools such as Photoshop to change the colors. But don't be shy about making suggestions. Maybe HT will incorporate them in their new TE.
Below is a section of a map that represents what my requirements where when I made the tool. I used Photoshop to put it together.
(http://www.wildandfreed.com/ah/frac3_frag.bmp)
I don't mind if the tool is made available at AH-Terrains – just don't sell it.
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Amazing potential here, Machnix. Is that roads I see marked on the map?
We will be talking about this deeper soon. ;)
Thanks for all of your work on this.
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MachNix, private messaging is disabled here.
Could you join AH-Terrains and let me contact you privately there?
Thanks!
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That's a nice tool you have there MachNix, I look forward to trying it.
It's amazing how many tools have been created to create and manipulate these terrain files. S! to all of you for your efforts.
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Dux,
Yes, those are the roads marked on the map and would be part of the final map. The As, Bs, Cs, etc. you see are only there to help me place the factories and fields and would not be part of the final version.
Nhawk, I joined AH-Terrains.
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Originally posted by zmeg
.... What I would love to see added is a way to assign your own colors for the 'make map' function or mabey even use the textures from the texsrc folder. :p I woulldn't ask for much would I.
Carefull what you ask for. ;)
(http://www.ah-terrains.com/public/screen.jpg)
It's temporarily available at..
http://www.ah-terrains.com/public/Mapbmp.EXE
It's fairly large, about 2.8 meg, but that's because it's a full installshield installation file with all of the files that could be missing from someone's system.
The program automatically creates the .texsrc folder if it doesn't already exist. And writes the .bmp file to that folder already properly named for the terrain selected. It will also produce the grid for the terrrain. But for now, it won't number the grids.
Using textures isn't available yet, and I am working on a tile setter that will allow you to set the tile sub-types. The core is there, but it will take a while to complete.
A big thanks to MachNix for the core code for creating the BMP!
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This totally deserves a punt.
Between the bmp importer, and this tilesetter, a trained monkey (and not even a smart one, we're talking one that graduated in the lower 25% of monkey school) can quickly build and fly terrains. I'm in awe of how simple this is all becoming.
Thanks for putting this out Machnix.
-Sik
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Punt
map2bmp doesn't work on my winxp(can't install it).
Is there a newer version?
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Do you mean BMP2MAP?
No, that is the only version available. I don't think Ogre has been around in ages.
What happens when you try to install it?
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The error wich says "system file is not suitable for running ms-dos and windows applications."
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Can't help you there. It installs on my XP system without a problem.
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Punt....
the make map link dead NHawk, any way to get that?'
Originally posted by NHawk
Can't help you there. It installs on my XP system without a problem.
also you got that too (the old BMP2MAP)
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Originally posted by Mustaine
Punt....
the make map link dead NHawk, any way to get that?'
also you got that too (the old BMP2MAP)
Both are still available at http://www.ah-terrains.com in the download area.
AH Terrains will shut down May 2nd, so grab what you can now.
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Originally posted by NHawk
Both are still available at http://www.ah-terrains.com in the download area.
AH Terrains will shut down May 2nd, so grab what you can now.
thanks. just DL'ed all you had. <>
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Originally posted by NHawk
Carefull what you ask for. ;)
(http://www.ah-terrains.com/public/screen.jpg)
It's temporarily available at..
http://www.ah-terrains.com/public/Mapbmp.EXE
It's fairly large, about 2.8 meg, but that's because it's a full installshield installation file with all of the files that could be missing from someone's system.
The program automatically creates the .texsrc folder if it doesn't already exist. And writes the .bmp file to that folder already properly named for the terrain selected. It will also produce the grid for the terrrain. But for now, it won't number the grids.
Using textures isn't available yet, and I am working on a tile setter that will allow you to set the tile sub-types. The core is there, but it will take a while to complete.
A big thanks to MachNix for the core code for creating the BMP!
help lol...
if i try and double click the color (which i assume is how you change them) i get:
run-time error '429'
activeX component can't create object
any suggestions?
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You using winXP? I use it and get the same message.
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I cant even find the window that allows me to make the .bmp's. I only get the area where to convert .bmp's into terrain.
EDIT: Never mind, just found the correct file.
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Originally posted by duh
You using winXP? I use it and get the same message.
I think it's because in installation "oleout32.dll" (.ocx, .vbx. One of the two extensions) couldnt be registered. Because im running Windows 2000, and im getting the same bug.
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Originally posted by duh
You using winXP? I use it and get the same message.
yeah. man i'd love to make a map with this, but the default colore are icky.
i'd modify the color file manually, but i have no clue what format those numbers are in.
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Originally posted by Mustaine
yeah. man i'd love to make a map with this, but the default colore are icky.
i'd modify the color file manually, but i have no clue what format those numbers are in.
Try double clicking on the color in the program. It should bring up a color palette.
Edit: And just in case... This was meant to produce the map.bmp file for a terrain. Not the greyscale image for elevations.
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Originally posted by NHawk
Try double clicking on the color in the program. It should bring up a color palette.
Edit: And just in case... This was meant to produce the map.bmp file for a terrain. Not the greyscale image for elevations.
yeah, i saw what it makes and wanted to see what my terrain would look like on the clipboard ;)
double clicking is what gives the runtime error, and the program shuts down. :(
any suggestions?
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Actually I don't have the foggiest idea without more info.
But, you can manually change the colors. The numbers in the color config file are the decimal equivalents of hex color values. For intance, the first number (15063249) is hex color value #E5D8D1. The numbers start with water and go up. The last being grid color.
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Originally posted by NHawk
Actually I don't have the foggiest idea without more info.
But, you can manually change the colors. The numbers in the color config file are the decimal equivalents of hex color values. For intance, the first number (15063249) is hex color value #E5D8D1. The numbers start with water and go up. The last being grid color.
thanks. i will do it that way for now.
what other info would help you though? all i can tell you is if i double click the water color swatch to change it (or any of them) i get this exact dialog box pop up:
run-time error '429'
activeX component can't create object
with an "ok" to click. when i click it it shuts down the program.
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It sounds like a mismatch in the windows automation files. Try downloading and installing this file from Microsoft...
http://download.microsoft.com/download/vb50pro/utility/1/win98/en-us/msvbvm50.exe
See if that works.
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Originally posted by NHawk
It sounds like a mismatch in the windows automation files. Try downloading and installing this file from Microsoft...
http://download.microsoft.com/download/vb50pro/utility/1/win98/en-us/msvbvm50.exe
See if that works.
will try and let you know tomorrow. if not thats fine, now that i know how to manually edit the colors :aok
question about the file:
Do I Need Msvbvm50.exe?
Msvbvm50.exe is not intended to replace the Setup Wizard for distributing Visual Basic applications. For example, if your application includes components, such as ActiveX controls or DLLs, you should use the Application Setup Wizard or a third party setup package for distribution. However, if your Visual Basic application only depends upon the files included in Msvbvm50.exe, you can distribute your application by providing end users with the executable (.exe) file and Msvbvm50.exe.
this won't harm the way anything else works on my system will it?
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I shouldn't. The oleout32.dll that is probably causing this is installed by the installation program. But, somehow that may be a different version than the rest of the ole files which could cause the error.
The only thing that should happen is all of the automation files will be the same version after you install it. Which should remove the error. If not, then you'll only have a few more .dll files on your system.
If you want to be extra cautious, if they are on your system..back up these files before installation...
Asycfilt.dll
Oleaut32.dll
Olepro32.dll
Stdole2.dll
If you're running windows 2000, don't bother installing it. Nothing can be done that I know of.
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didn't work (installing the MS hotfix)
but i was able to manually edut the colors ;) so it is all good.