What are the benefits of TransDEM over MicroDEM/HOG?

[Blutorse4792]

I've gotten the latter figured out pretty well, but I keep hearing that TransDEM is the superior program, and I am considering purchasing it.

What exactly are the benefits in using TransDEM? What is it capable of that MicroDEM/HOG are not?

 

[JackDownUnder]

Never used the alternative, TransDem for me, so easy once you have followed the tutorial's. If it is a question of expending a couple of dollars then I recommend that you go for it. You will not look back.

 

[Dermmy]

I've used both. Where TIGER data is available (USA routes) I use HOG, mostly because I am used to it, know where to get the data and quite enjoy the process. For routes outside the USA TransDEM wins hands down.

A lot depends on your route-building philosophy. I work to near-enough-is-good-enough. I get the track arrangements as near as I can and make sure the route WORKS like the prototype. If the roads and rivers are not in exactly the right place it just doesn't matter. If the shed at the grade crossing should be brand new tilt-slab concrete box and I use a tartan painted clapboard shortbread factory, I just don't care. As long as it looks right and more importantly works right.

If you want your route spot-on, then TransDEM is the only choice....

Andy

 

[dej]

Is TransDEM easier to use for someone like me who is just trying to start out using these processes? And if so how do you know where to lay the tracks and other items with transdem?

 

[malikrthr]

For me, transdem is easy to use. If you are just starting out, it may take a little while to get used to. You should read the manual first and follow the tutorials. It will be worth it later on once you know what your doing. Beware, there is a limit to how many merged dems the program can handle. Transdem will only accept but so much. As Jackdownunder says, you will not look back once you have learned it. If you want to build prototypical routes like the LIRR or Metro North, go for Transdem.

 

[Dermmy]

Beware, there is a limit to how many merged dems the program can handle. Transdem will only accept but so much.

Same thing applies to MicroDEM. You are crunching huge amounts if data. I doubt if the fail-to-merge-DEM data is a program issue, it is more likely to be your computer running out of memory. You can still merge the resultant routes in Trainz though. In this aspect TransDEM wins because you can engineer a seamless join (I'm almost certain you can!) where with MicroDEM/HOG the in-game merge will always be messy....

 

[Blutorse4792]

The biggest issue I'm having with the MicroDEM/HOG combo is that, with the finished map, I'm having trouble "orienting" myself so to speak. That is, I can find certain physical landmarks, but there are others that appear to be missing entirely, and the route I'm modeling has a lot of man-made grades (often times, the tracks are on these, so they're important) and depressions that I can't seem to find (Illinois is FLAT and there aren't many big rivers or hills around here). While I suppose this would be a problem with the DEM itself, the screenshots of TransDEM seem to suggest that there is easier access to map/Google Earth overlays that would give a better indication of "where I am" so to speak.

 

[Dermmy]

3 metre DEM data sometimes shows the trackbed, 10 metre data seldom if ever resolves trackbed. The beauty of TransDEM is that it overlays a detaied image (map or Google Earth) in EXACTLY the right place. HOG relies on very inexact Tiger data which is overlayed in such a way that it can be out by hundreds of meters - you may not even be looking in the right place!

 

[Blutorse4792]

Alright, that's what I wanted to hear. You've sold me.

 

[malikrthr]

Would it be possible to put Google Earth maps in Transdem via map tile servers? The only thing I use is open street map as a reference.

 

[Vern]

You can download imagery from Google Maps which is identical to Google Earth, via the map tile server function in Transdem. However as Roland has commented in another thread, the limited texture set used in Transdem does not always give best results in the editor when using aerial photo imagery and you are better off using a good crisp map.

 

[geophil]

What exactly are the benefits in using TransDEM? What is it capable of that MicroDEM/HOG are not?

I never drew a comparison chart because I think it would be unfair to HOG. HOG has been the pioneer for bringing geo data to Trainz. Its idea of associating map colours with Trainz ground textures was also adopted in TransDEM. And the MicroDEM/HOG/TIGER process does achieve reasonable results, provided you know what you are doing. Dermmy has already explained it.

Basically, TransDEM automates the process, eliminating manual steps to deal with intermediate results. TransDEM adds accuracy by extending geo data to the final Trainz route itself. For instance, you can create your route in sections, with individual modules, and merge them at a later stage in your project - seamlessly.

See my web page for the principal features of TransDEM and the TransDEM forum for enhancements in the latest versions.