Custom heightmap

from GalCiv3 Forums

I'm trying to create a terraformed version of Mars but I'm stuck with heightmap.

I created all required files xml, dds. I use game's files except for continent where I use my own dds file. It has alpha channel, dimensions all are exactly the same as the game's dds but it doesn't seem to work. I even moved it to game's folder instead mods folder no change.
I've tested that everything else works sea and atmosphere, if I use earth or toria continent dds file they work fine, mine doesn't

So I'm missing something probably something during DDS export? 

Here the link with DDS file for anyone who has the knowledge to help.

https://ufile.io/6a448

14,392 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

After the heightmap creation and placement in the proper directory did you regenerate the atlas?

see my Reply #5 in another thread.

Reply #2 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

If you look at step 4 of this post you can see the settings the dds/mip file needs to be. 

https://forums.galciv3.com/472238/page/1/

Im not able to check these settings by just opening the file you supplied (although it looks visually correct from what I can see). But I know that if its not those exact settings it didnt work for me.

 

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Reply #3 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

NVM

Reply #4 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Quoting 00zim00, reply 2

If you look at step 4 of this post you can see the settings the dds/mip file needs to be. 

https://forums.galciv3.com/472238/page/1/

Im not able to check these settings by just opening the file you supplied (although it looks visually correct from what I can see). But I know that if its not those exact settings it didnt work for me.

 

 

Thanks! I was saving using DXT3 8bpp explicit alpha and the game was not reading the file correctly, today started crashing on launch!
Once I saved using your settings map worked fine. Now I have only to fine tune colors and sea background. 
 

this is the map I used and will try to make it look the same in the game

Mars

Reply #5 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Nice looking map!

Reply #6 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

At the moment I've stopped trying because I'm fed up and tired of this!
I fixed the issue which continent was not appearing then I created the sea layer and made continent to disappear!  
I was making changes to continent again but nothing, then I changed the values in continent.xml and it appeared again but only temporary since I had to make several changes and continent disappeared again :(

So what I've learned that even if your continent dds layer is "correct" sea layer or the values in continent.xml affect the result. So it's very complicate fine tune process which I have abandoned for now.

Mars now is a sea planet 0 class.

The base sea layer was made so it would look shallow near coasts, and the continent was perfectly balanced so it's not too dark and look more as the original above.
Gradient png colors is based on Earth but altered to look a little reddish...

Well all this work and it's not working... it's on hold for now until I have the patience to work with it again. 

Reply #7 from GalCiv3 Forums Top

Hey, I know it's been months, but I've found a way to change heightmaps for a custom planet. I always forget to take notes when I'm modding and I quickly forget how I get to do things, but here are some explanations I remember:

1. It is impossible to mod heightmaps through the mod folder. All new heightmaps must be placed in your regular game folder, where the original are.

2. The game will not recognize any new heightmaps by itself, you need to give it a little push:
    - Under your game's properties, in steam, you need to modify launch options and add the line : /atlasgen
    - Once you have played the game at least once after using /atlasgen, it won't be necessary anymore. Not unless you bring new changes to your heightmap.

I think that should help. If you have any other questions, send me a private message. I'm not too often on the forum.

Good luck!