DEM? can someone explain please

[AntonyVW]

Ive recently seen a couple of threads about DEM generated landscapes and was looking for some info.
Does a file produced by a program like transDEM and imported into Trainz produce the landscape as in hills and valleys etc?
What sort of maps are required for it? ie OS explorer maps that show the contours etc?
or is it restricted to online data from the likes of google maps?
Is transDEm the only program of this sort or are there others that come recomended and if so are there any demos of any to try out?

Thanks folk

 

[wreeder]

Here is a link to the Transdem website which should answer all your questions about that program. Well worth the price, IMHO.

http://www.rolandziegler.de/StreckeUndLandschaft/startseiteTransDEMEngl.htm

Search the forum for MicroDEM to see the free alternative. Be warned, MicroDEM is a much older program and doesn't offer all the features that Transdem offers.

William

 

[Approach_Medium]

You also need the route map, which you can generate in TransDem from several sources.
While I have always preferred Google Earth, this method requires that you manually geo-reference the maps. It's easy, but very time consuming.

There are Web Mapping Services (WMS) which can provide geo-referenced maps for you, as well as Map Tile Servers, which I have never used, but I believe can provide geo-referenced maps as well.

What I love about Google Earth maps is that they are high-res (in most areas), and allow you to zoom in or out to any height so you can get as much or as little detail as you need.

I highly recommend TransDem Trainz Edition. The tutorials that come with the program are excellent, and will get you route-building quickly.

I have to say that I enjoy the process of route building, not only because I enjoy working in Surveyor, but because I glean a lot of useful information when I create my maps.

Enjoy!

FW

 

[Thai1On]

I will admit I was skeptical about TraizDEM but now that I have it I can't imagine being without it! The detail this program offers is amazing but be warned the learning curve is a bit steep but the creator of it is patient and very helpful and answers all questions.