DEM ignorance

rjhowie1

New member
To use this programme do you need to buy a map or use Google Earth or what? Sounding like the village idiot I was thinking of the DEM but am a bit confused by the principle of it.
 
DEM is short for Digital Elevation Model. It's a representation of the shape of the ground in 3-D coordinates and can be used by several programs to generate topological maps.
For Trainzers, the cheapest way to get into making DEM maps for Trainz is through freeware like MicroDEM, then converting the graphic files generated in that program to a .gnd file with HOG (Hand of God). There's a tutorial here... http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/...rrainGeneration/Computer-generatedTerrain.htm It includes links to obtain all the programs and files you'll need and instructions on setting it up.
There's a payware system called TranzDEM that integrates both processes into one program and can use a wider variety of graphic files to mark roads and track.

:cool: Claude
 
Didn't know there was a free programme and in hindsight I recall Tranzdem. When finished my present first route attempt with the tramway i am considering doing the rail company in Ulster and had thought a map programme of some sort might be a consideration although I confesss not to being muchy of even al elementary techy! Thanks for the further info. Might look more closely and see which if any of the 2 mentioned are within my grey cells.
 
HOG (the free program) can be a struggle with routes outside the USA because of the difficulty in finding free-to-download data it can use.

TransDem (the payware option) would be your best bet for Ulster. Steep learning curve, but lots of support either through the forum or direct and IMHO worth every penny...

Andy :)
 
I've used a DEM once for the Feather River Canyon Route I was building in TRS2006. It gives you the basics but in my case I did have to do a lot of artwork by hand in Surveyor.

Cheers

AJ
 
...lots and lots and lots of artwork...!

8) Yes, Big Al, it would be nice if I had ⅛ the artistic abilities of our peers!

Here is the website for TransDEM. The Trainz Edition, includes the original program. There is a TE page that explains how it works.

I printed the 78 page manual, in color, 40 pages total, and put it in a 1" 3-ring binder, using a copy of page 1 as a cover page

TransDEM Trainz Edition, costs €21.9(Euros) US$33.65, via PayPal, and well worth it, in my opinion, to create elevation maps, and topo tiles, for use in Surveyor.
 
Hi,

I use it always now for my Paris maps. At first you need to change your approach of routebuilding. But when you got use to it you cant live without this great proggie. Its the first time because of this program i have so mutch fun to build the routes of my dreams.

greetz laika:wave:
 
Yes, I've started using TransDEM for the first time recently and it's absolutely fantastic - the quality of the terrain you get is infinitely better than anything you'll ever be able to make by hand. I strongly recommend it if you can afford it.
 
Agree with Paulsw2. Using TransDEM for first time to map the route from Weymouth to Bournemouth and probably up to London. Once you get the hang of it, you get really good results. My only comment is the lack of decent UK DEM data.

Paulsw2 , or anyone, - have you found a good accurate data source of UK DEM data? or do you use Geophil's recommended SRTM data from the NASA site? I find I have to do a lot of rework with their data to get an accurate ground profile
 
Only the material from the NASA site. I've heard it's not the best, but still light years ahead of anythingI can achieve by hand!
 
A bit off topic, but I was wondering about HOG and DEM. Can I apply HOG and DEM after I lay down my tracks? Or do I do HOG and DEM first before laying tracks? Also, do I have to build my whole basebard set before HOG and DEM?

I plan on creating a 0% grade 4-track mainline route throughout, with several branches (they may have grades). The route will probably have 200+ baseboards or more, as it's gonna be about 100 miles long or so.
 
A bit off topic, but I was wondering about HOG and DEM. Can I apply HOG and DEM after I lay down my tracks? Or do I do HOG and DEM first before laying tracks? Also, do I have to build my whole basebard set before HOG and DEM?

Work-flow is similar for all tool-generated terrain with TransDEM, MapMaker or MicroDEM/HOG: You build the terrain before you lay the tracks. TransDEM and MapMaker also support modules, i.e. you can seamlessly merge "baseboard sets" provided they cover adjoining areas. HOG does not have a static or built-in mapping of real world to Trainz coordinates and therefore does not support seamless merging.

geophil
 
I can't seem to find TransDEM download anywhere (payware or freeware). All I get are German-looking sites or torrent / warez websites when I google for TransDEM downloads.
 
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Geophil (three posts above) is the developer of TransDEM - send him an email or PM, and he'll give you the ordering information.
 
There is a large blue button labeled 'Download' about half way down the left hand side of the page.....
 
Thats the German-looking website I found. I saw all the screenshots, but I can't seem to find a download URL to download the TransDEM. Some pages are in German, which I have no understanding of.

Not to mention there is also an English version of the site. :confused:
 
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