Approach_Medium
Trainz Addict
Hi;
I started a "test" route yesterday by downloading some 1/3Arc DEMs from the US Seamless Server. I seem to recall having used 1"Arc before, so I want to see how much more accurate the terrain will be using the 1/3Arc. It's a lot more downloading, but maybe it is worth the trouble.
This started out as just a small test route, but I decided I would be interested in creating a route of the Vermont / CV railway. I chose the area centering on Rutland, but am thinking to expand in all directions to include all trackage in the state.
I am working with TS2010_SP2, and TransDem V2.0.0.0. I don't know whether this version of Trainz will handle a much larger amount of ground data compared to TS2006, which I believe will take up to about 1GB in the .gnd file.
I don't really want such a large route, so I have set TransDem to export 2 tiles on either side of the route.
I have been using Google Earth to get my data, then create Georeferenced data in TransDem.
I am familiar with GE since I used it to create my other routes.
Unfortunately, GE maps are not nearly as detailed in this area as they are in the New Jersey New York area along the Hudson where the CSX River Line runs (the other route I am building). I was fortunate enough to get enough detail between GE and Bing to get switch and sometimes even signal placement.
I don't know how far in making this route prototype I will go, but given the poor images I have to work with, it is not going to be nearly as good as the River Line. I will get track, roads, rivers, and other major points in their proper places, but unless I want to go back and forth between GE and Bing, I may not be able to do any better.
I have read here about using different (other than GE) maps, but I like the simplicity that it provides when working with TransDem.
When I am done with this route, I can upload it in sections, but that will be before I go to any detail; the route will be just the terrain, track, roads, rivers, etc but no buildings or textures. That bit gets way too tedious and will take me a few years to complete.
At this point, I am not even done with my CSX River Line, route, which was supposed to be prototype, but has deviated because I find placing buildings and textures way too tedious and boring. I have also generated a map for eastern PA from Allentown to Harrisburg, also using TransDem and 1"Arc DEMs. Maybe if the Vermont route works a lot better terrain wise, I will re-do the PA route in 1/3Arc.
If anyone has a better idea for creating a prototype route, I would like to know, but I am going to stick with TransDem, since I am familiar with the program, and enjoy using it.
Thanks for your suggestions/comments.
FW
I started a "test" route yesterday by downloading some 1/3Arc DEMs from the US Seamless Server. I seem to recall having used 1"Arc before, so I want to see how much more accurate the terrain will be using the 1/3Arc. It's a lot more downloading, but maybe it is worth the trouble.
This started out as just a small test route, but I decided I would be interested in creating a route of the Vermont / CV railway. I chose the area centering on Rutland, but am thinking to expand in all directions to include all trackage in the state.
I am working with TS2010_SP2, and TransDem V2.0.0.0. I don't know whether this version of Trainz will handle a much larger amount of ground data compared to TS2006, which I believe will take up to about 1GB in the .gnd file.
I don't really want such a large route, so I have set TransDem to export 2 tiles on either side of the route.
I have been using Google Earth to get my data, then create Georeferenced data in TransDem.
I am familiar with GE since I used it to create my other routes.
Unfortunately, GE maps are not nearly as detailed in this area as they are in the New Jersey New York area along the Hudson where the CSX River Line runs (the other route I am building). I was fortunate enough to get enough detail between GE and Bing to get switch and sometimes even signal placement.
I don't know how far in making this route prototype I will go, but given the poor images I have to work with, it is not going to be nearly as good as the River Line. I will get track, roads, rivers, and other major points in their proper places, but unless I want to go back and forth between GE and Bing, I may not be able to do any better.
I have read here about using different (other than GE) maps, but I like the simplicity that it provides when working with TransDem.
When I am done with this route, I can upload it in sections, but that will be before I go to any detail; the route will be just the terrain, track, roads, rivers, etc but no buildings or textures. That bit gets way too tedious and will take me a few years to complete.
At this point, I am not even done with my CSX River Line, route, which was supposed to be prototype, but has deviated because I find placing buildings and textures way too tedious and boring. I have also generated a map for eastern PA from Allentown to Harrisburg, also using TransDem and 1"Arc DEMs. Maybe if the Vermont route works a lot better terrain wise, I will re-do the PA route in 1/3Arc.
If anyone has a better idea for creating a prototype route, I would like to know, but I am going to stick with TransDem, since I am familiar with the program, and enjoy using it.
Thanks for your suggestions/comments.
FW