Map Programs

[stouthm]

I know about Google Map Buddy but what I'm looking for is a simple program (key word being simple) that will allow me to download a photo from Google Earth and place it on a DEM created route. According to Google Earth the tracks should be running next to a large lake but on the DEM map the tracks are no where near the lake. I would like to be able to place a photo on my route and place the tracks, scenery, building, etc where they belong. Is there a program available like that? Thank you.

 

[bchester]

Hello Stouthm

A while ago, there was a thread about using base maps for just this type of thing. If you search for base maps you will find some extremely good references. In short what you have to do is zoom google earth to a point where, if you do a screen capture, you will be able to modify the capture to fit onto a 1km or 720m base map which you display as a scenery item and adjust the height to just below ground level and then turn on the grid to display it. Once you are finished with that base map, remember to delete it from the map as it will take up an extreme amount of memory.

Hope this helps - it is the method I use to create my layouts.

Bricey

 

[cascaderailroad]

How mountainous is your route ?

Basemaps are very easy, but do not conform to the rolling terrain...and must be adjusted up or down to get the desired effect.

MS Snipping Tool is how I snip my Google Earth areas of the PC screen.

Google Earth has a "ruler" to assist you.

Transdem is a more complex program. And will give you this: http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc339/cascaderailroad/DEMPRRTransdemHorseshoe1-3ArcSecond.jpg

DEM's HOG/Tiger data lines can be shifted way off, by +/- 20' in all of the x-y-z plane. Rivers mistakingly show up un hillsides, and roads in river channels.

 

[Johnk]

I wrote a tutorial on Map Buddy in the Trainz Community News, which is a free download. No registration required.

Vulcan followed up in the next edition with a tutorial on using Google Earth images on Trainz baseboards.

Please download all copies of the News from Feb to April. I think it was the Feb/March issues, but there's plenty to read in every edition.

The next edition is due out on the 16th may. it's a whopping 60 pages. The biggest ever!

Link to TCN

Also look in the Trainz resources Directory for tutorials on DEM and base mapping. Use the search box or menu. The stuff is easy to find.

Link to TRD

John