How do you do a map overlay in Transdem? Similar process to overlaying the Tiger lines? I've been thinking it would be amazing if you could take Google maps or Bing maps images and overlay them onto the DEM - it'd make reference work so much easier!!
5m vs 10m Grid
- Thread starter rrfoose
- Start date
How do you do a map overlay in Transdem? Similar process to overlaying the Tiger lines? I've been thinking it would be amazing if you could take Google maps or Bing maps images and overlay them onto the DEM - it'd make reference work so much easier!!
steamboateng
New member
TransDEM allows the user to overlay map data onto TrainzDEM generated baseboards. The map data may be from Google, Bing, USGS, or even DeLorme maps. Heck, you can even overlay gas station road maps if so inclined. The process is called 'georeferencing'; it requires a digital map image with latitude and longitude coordinates (or UTM coordinates) which define a geograghic location. TransDEM will process the overlaqy while generating the terrain map for Trainz.
Is there a guide out there already describing how to do this? Thanks for the help!
This site http://www.rolandziegler.de/StreckeUndLandschaft/startseiteTransDEMEngl.htm gives an overview of Transdem. If you purchase Transdem you will get 2 full and detailed manuals which explain everything in detail.
steamboateng
New member
You must own a copy of the TransDEM software (about $35 usd). In my opinion, a worthwhile investment, just for the time saved in generating terrain maps. The program will accurately generate terrain and allow the user to overlay map dada which will accurately indicate route trackage, yards, buildings, water bodies, etc.
Below are a few screenies from a 'virgin' Hoosic Tunnel route in western Massachusetts:
TransDEM opens a whole new world (literally) of Trainz route construction. But be warned, the program does take some effort to get used to.
Below are a few screenies from a 'virgin' Hoosic Tunnel route in western Massachusetts:
TransDEM opens a whole new world (literally) of Trainz route construction. But be warned, the program does take some effort to get used to.
What the others have said!
It is probably the biggest single advantage Trainz has for route building, compared to any other sim...
steamboateng
New member
I'm sure it will be an investment you won't regret. Many of here at the Trainz Forums use the program and can offer assistance. Geophil also has a Forum at his site where you can get help and download tutes.
Geophil is usually available to offer his assistance also.
Back to the question of 5m vs. 10m grid. I have looked into my own NE Mass route, which has over 1800 baseboard and covers an area approximately 50 miles by 60 miles. The entire route is done on a 5m grid. The route has sections of 22 different USGS 7.5 min. quadrant maps overlayed (to locate track and buildings, etc.). The ground file is just under 29Mb. Heck, the Download Station has single Speedtree files bigger than that! As a side note; TransDEM generated the entire route at a one time.
Geophil is usually available to offer his assistance also.
Back to the question of 5m vs. 10m grid. I have looked into my own NE Mass route, which has over 1800 baseboard and covers an area approximately 50 miles by 60 miles. The entire route is done on a 5m grid. The route has sections of 22 different USGS 7.5 min. quadrant maps overlayed (to locate track and buildings, etc.). The ground file is just under 29Mb. Heck, the Download Station has single Speedtree files bigger than that! As a side note; TransDEM generated the entire route at a one time.