Looking For Programs To Use To Convert A Route Into T:ANE

[BT2]

Hey all,
Looking for good programs to import height maps or make height maps from satellite images, for example from Google Earth, and convert it into surveyor.
For say something that could take a 1 mile by 1 mile area from a real world location and put it into surveyor.

 

[pware]

I am not sure about the practicality of a Google Earth to Surveyor direct conversion path for ground heights. I did some searching on that possibility a few years back and what little I found was very rudimentary and seemed unsatisfactory for the purpose you described. The far better option is the payware program TransDEM and its Trainz variant, TrainzDEM. Their forum is at http://forum.transdem.de/

 

[BT2]

I am not sure about the practicality of a Google Earth to Surveyor direct conversion path for ground heights. I did some searching on that possibility a few years back and what little I found was very rudimentary and seemed unsatisfactory for the purpose you described. The far better option is the payware program TransDEM and its Trainz variant, TrainzDEM. Their forum is at http://forum.transdem.de/

Alright, thank you for the info, I was just trying to convey a general idea. I'll look into it.

 

[cyberdongreen]

I don't know how relevant it might be but it could be worth having a look at this - http://forums.auran.com/trainz/show...-Google-Earth-amp-TransDEM-for-route-creation

Dave

 

[pware]

Yes, that tutorial is very good info on one of the many features of TransDEM - taking images (e.g. from Google Earth) or topographic maps and converting them to Trainz assets that can be laid over a Surveyor baseboard. However, while that technique is great for locating rivers, roads, railway tracks, etc it does not provide any terrain height information for Surveyor. For that you still need the satellite data capability of TransDEM.

 

[Vern]

Transdem fully recommended and well worth the initial investment. In fact, once hooked, you will be outputting so many base routes it would take more than a lifetime to build them all up into release candidates.

 

[cyberdongreen]

I just took the leap into TransDEM. I'm finding it a bit difficult to learn at times (it's an age thing, I think:hehe but, as people say, what a fantastic set of tools. I'd recommend it to anyone (and everyone.) You 'll never build on a flat baseboard again.

Dave

 

[Vern]

The ability to import from Sabre Maps is incredibly useful if considering a UK route long since abandoned. For our North American friends, many old US sheet maps can be downloaded from the USGS in geopdf format which, with a small plug-in, can be automatically georeferenced in Transdem saving the manual "three corners" step.

For specialised help Dave, always worth joining Roland's own forum which is also the best way to pick up on any changes or improvements he has made to the programme. The latest is the ability to import from "Open Topo Map" which gives much better contrast than standard Open Street Map.

 

[HiBaller]

Right you are, Vern. Once I bought and began using TransDEM (by the way, I'm 74), I've managed to create around 20 great DEM routes that, as you say, will probably never get built. :hehe:

@BT2: Take a look at my tutorial in this post.

Bill

 

[cyberdongreen]

...For specialised help Dave, always worth joining Roland's own forum which is also the best way to pick up on any changes or improvements he has made to the programme...

Thanks, Vern. I discovered it a few days ago and it has been an invaluable source of assistance. My ability to use TransDEM has taken a very big step forward as a direct result.

Dave