Height Maps
 

Hello, I'm kind of new to the map making scene. Right now I'm working on a map that involves a battle that ended just a few days ago and need some help when it comes to mapping. I just can't get the heights right! I tried using Google Earth but without contours I'm afraid I'm at a loss. Is there any program or addon that allows me to see height mapping or contours on Google Earth? Thanks!

Re: Height Maps
 

Yeah, but I suggest satellite view, then you can use the zoom and change the altitude to get perspective.

There's a program called Microdem that will help develop the map from Google Earth and other sources. This thread by MarkSheppard may help you.

Re: Height Maps
 

Thanks for the help! The only issue I have now is that the SP color mapping does not go above 340 apparently. Anyway to fix this issue?

Re: Height Maps
 

Due to the way the game (and it's engine) works there is a maximum height.
Think of it as height above (or below) the average terrain height NOT above sea level.

Re: Height Maps
 

Sorry not to be specific about that. I mean the SP color coding for MicroDEM doesn't go above 340. In the map the height 490, the lowest, will be 0, but I cannot get the color mapping correct since the DBF files don't go above 340 maximum height.

Re: Height Maps
 

I do not know...however, I suggest you post on the MarkSheppard thread and he may respond with a definitive answer. I recall discussion about map height and color but I honestly do not know the answer to your question.

Re: Height Maps
 

I managed to fix the problem by getting a DBF viewer. Thanks to your help I'm on the way to creating my first -real- scenario. I might as well let the cat out of the bag at this point! The Battle of Kobani is coming to Steel Panthers within a month!

Re: Height Maps
 

You think the Kobani battle is a done deal in the Kurdish forces vest pocket? Hmmm... might be interesting in the coming weeks. I'll look forward to your scenario with much anticipation.

Anyway, glad you got that problem fixed! Congrats!

Re: Height Maps
 

This might be of interest: https://github.com/tvenhola/SPMBT-maps

A Perl utility for map generation from SRTM3 data. Requires Linux at this point.

Re: Height Maps
 

Here's another utility I'm packing in the hill generator:

http://www.venhola.com/maps/geo.html

You get the hex grid placed on top of the openstreetmap tiles so you can draw the hexes straight to the map!