TS2010:Question on using Basemaps

[wklang]

Background: I wish to create an image of a track layout and superimpose this on the Surveyor grid to assist in laying track. After the track layout, I wish this image to "disappear".

First, I want to thank WREEDER for pointing-out the tutorial on using basemaps:

http://www.g0akh.f2s.com/Trainz/Basemap_tutorial.html

The tutorial talks about pre-TS2010 where the basemaps are stored in C:\Programs\Auran\TRS2004\World\Custom\Scenery\1km Basemap A through 1km Basemap I.

In using TS2010, there is no ...\World\Custom\Scenery....folder. In searching for files with the prefix "1km Basemap...", I found them in the C:\Program Files\Auran\TS2010\local folder under the hash-3F folder (in my TS2010 installation).

Following the procedure in the tutorial I created a 1024x1024 pixel image of my track layout and save it in jpg format.

In the hash-3F folder where I found the "1km Basemap e.jpg" file, I renamed the the original image "1km Basemap e_original.jpg" and placed a copy of my image as "1km Basemap e.jpg". I also replaced the original screenshot.jpg with my image with the name screenshot.jpg.

I exited TS2010. Restarting TS2010, I went into Surveyor, opting to create a new route. In the object selection window, I selected 1km Basemap E and added it to a bare grid in Surveyor.

What I saw was the original 1km Basemap E (a blue rectangle with large black printing "Basemap E").

Thinking that I had to rebuild the Trainz Asset Database, I reinvoked TS2010, went into the Content Manager, and executed an extended database repair.

Exiting TS2010 once again, I reinvoked TS2010, went into Surveyor and tried to instantiate 1km Basemap E and got the same results as the first time - not my edited basemap.

One thing comes to mind: when I installed the downlopaded "1km Basemap Pack" file, I received a message that the 1km Basemap.... file already exists; did I want to replace it. I answered yes.

Could I have two copies of these 1km Basemap files and only one (the original) shows up in the Scenery object list in Surveyor?

I must be doing something wrong, but haven't a clue what. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Wes

 

[seeseeme]

Basically you are doing the right thing, but there may be a problem. I do not have 2010 yet so I am not sure if the Basemaps are built-in content.

What I do with these is to edit them when they are not in CMP, so I would check they are not Built-In first. If they are Built-In you will have to do something else. If they are just showing as "local" then this answer may help you out. If they are "local" then delete them.

As you have the Basemaps outside of 2010 in some folder I would work from there first. I am doing this right now on a layout and on another I have about 200 Basemaps.

Once you have your image, rename it to "1km square A" and then copy/paste it into the folder, you should be a warning about the other one being there. You can work with your method that is OK. In that folder though make sure you have the "1km square A" and the "1km square A.Texture" file and there should be another called "1km square A.im" and a Config file.

Then use the Import function to import them from the folder/location where you have your altered Basemaps. You should not have to do a Data Base Repair but its up to you.

Post again if your not sure and either I or someone else can help from there.

Craig

 

[wreeder]

Hi Wes,

It think there is one basemap built-in to TS2010. One of the route builders must have used it. That is why you got that message. I don't think it was important though since the basemap wouldn't be needed for anything once the route is finished.

Here is what to do:

Find the basemap you want to modify in CM3.2. I believe there are 9 of them if you installed the pack. Right click on it and choose Edit > Edit in Explorer. That will open a window with the contents of the asset. Follow the instructions to overwrite the image file. Then go back to CM3.2 and right click on the basemap and choose Edit > Commit. If all goes well then your basemap should show correctly in surveyor. TS2010 encrypts the graphic file when you commit to make it load faster in the game. That may be why the way you did it didn't show. You were bypassing that function.

You might get an error about database access. If you do then copy the folder containing all the basemap files in the TS2010/editing folder to your desktop. Then in CM3.2 right click on the basemap item and choose delete. Then under the File menu use the Import Folder command to import the folder from your desktop. You should see it in surveyor.

Edit: I saw Craig's post after I posted mine. His way will work too and is better if you are going to do a lot of basemaps.

William

 

[wklang]

Thanks for the help. My problem was - as suggested - not opening the asset in Content Manager and selecting Edit -> Commit.

It's working fine.

Wes