Approach_Medium
Trainz Addict
Hello;
I just purchased TransDem Trainz edition, and after studying the docs, I have some results, and some interesting observations, as well as questions.
First, I downloaded my DEMs from seamless.usgs.gov after selecting the area I wanted. This area is the northern New Jersey USA, for those who are interested.
Next, I began capturing images in Google Earth, and GeoReferencing these in TransDem.
I find that you have to be careful in GE to return the view to default (N dir, and no tilt), or Transdem will reject the coordinate file. That makes sense of course, so I do a small chunk at a time so as not to get too far with GE captures that aren't of any use<g>.
I then added a rough route, using the GE sat images to guide me. This works very nicely, and i find that I can actually get crossovers between two parallel tracks in this manner.
I finally created a Trainz (2006) map from the DEM, Raster, and Route data.
What I got was my terrain, and the tracks, but only rudimentary ground texture.
After reading further in the Transdem Trainz edition manual, i find that using UTM Tiles is the only way to get complicated ground texture from GE to appear on my Trainz map.
I followed the tutorial, except using my route instead of the demo one, and I got my UTM tiles located just a bit below the ground level in the Trainz map created in the previous step.
Now I have some interesting observations:
First, I have GE images from a railroad yard, and there were several trains standing in the yard, and on the main track when the photo was taken, so these now appear in my Trainz map.
Since I cannot change ground texture if the UTM Tiles are above the ground (after adjusting them that way), I suppose that these are mostly useful when aligning tracks and placing the real ground texture that you want.
I would assume that after I get done with a section of my Trainz route, I will remove the UTM tiles.
Another method of placing track without having to use UTM Tiles, is to use the Polylines in Transdem, tracing the RR route while zoomed in close to see the tracks.
I have been doing this with the GE images I am using, and it works very well.
Still, the UTM Tiles seem to be very useful for locating important objects on the map.
Anyone been doing this for a while and have some comments/tips?
I am so happy to be working with TransDem, and have success in doing what the program was designed to do. I am impressed with the program, as it seems to be very stable (hasn't crashed yet), and includes every feature I would want.
Thanks for your tips/comments
FW
I just purchased TransDem Trainz edition, and after studying the docs, I have some results, and some interesting observations, as well as questions.
First, I downloaded my DEMs from seamless.usgs.gov after selecting the area I wanted. This area is the northern New Jersey USA, for those who are interested.
Next, I began capturing images in Google Earth, and GeoReferencing these in TransDem.
I find that you have to be careful in GE to return the view to default (N dir, and no tilt), or Transdem will reject the coordinate file. That makes sense of course, so I do a small chunk at a time so as not to get too far with GE captures that aren't of any use<g>.
I then added a rough route, using the GE sat images to guide me. This works very nicely, and i find that I can actually get crossovers between two parallel tracks in this manner.
I finally created a Trainz (2006) map from the DEM, Raster, and Route data.
What I got was my terrain, and the tracks, but only rudimentary ground texture.
After reading further in the Transdem Trainz edition manual, i find that using UTM Tiles is the only way to get complicated ground texture from GE to appear on my Trainz map.
I followed the tutorial, except using my route instead of the demo one, and I got my UTM tiles located just a bit below the ground level in the Trainz map created in the previous step.
Now I have some interesting observations:
First, I have GE images from a railroad yard, and there were several trains standing in the yard, and on the main track when the photo was taken, so these now appear in my Trainz map.
Since I cannot change ground texture if the UTM Tiles are above the ground (after adjusting them that way), I suppose that these are mostly useful when aligning tracks and placing the real ground texture that you want.
I would assume that after I get done with a section of my Trainz route, I will remove the UTM tiles.
Another method of placing track without having to use UTM Tiles, is to use the Polylines in Transdem, tracing the RR route while zoomed in close to see the tracks.
I have been doing this with the GE images I am using, and it works very well.
Still, the UTM Tiles seem to be very useful for locating important objects on the map.
Anyone been doing this for a while and have some comments/tips?
I am so happy to be working with TransDem, and have success in doing what the program was designed to do. I am impressed with the program, as it seems to be very stable (hasn't crashed yet), and includes every feature I would want.
Thanks for your tips/comments
FW