Yet Another USGS Terrain Thread - GameCreators Forum

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Nateholio

20

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Joined: 30th Dec 2005

Location: I\'ve Been Everywhere

Posted: 29th Nov 2011 12:00 Edited at: 29th Nov 2011 12:33

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Inspired by reading Visigoth's threads about using USGS terrain data in DBP long ago, I've decided to try my hand at doing so without external tools...to both learn how to build objects in DBP and generate terrains for my project.

Progress has gone well, the program builds a flat mesh, reads a USGS .flt file, sets the height of each vertex accordingly, generates normals, and produces an object from the data.

There is a slight problem however, the root of which I believe is that I'm not constructing the mesh the "correct way"...which would be to define a bunch of vertex data then define triangle strips. The problem is that the object sometimes appears transparent. I think the cause is that each triangle is defined by its own set of verts, and even though the data for neighboring verts is identical. I'm sure that minuscule float errors during rendering cause the problem.

The question is, is there a way in DBP to construct triangle strips? Before you say use this tool, that tool, or whatever plugin remember that I'm doing this to learn...not fix my problem with another person's code.

I've included the code and a sample terrain for the hills behind my house. Use the code however you want. The EXE uses Sparky's DLL, so change you'll need to change the pertinent flag in the source if you don't have Sparky's installed. Instructions on how to d/l USGS data are also included in the source file. The code has a few bugs, irrelevant to its purpose, and doesn't care much for terrains larger than about 500 x 500 points.

remstart
USGS Float To Object
By Nateholio (or Sigh...depends on which account I remember login info for that day)
NOTES
This program takes a USGS .flt file and generates a terrain object from it.
To obtain USGS data:
1) Visit seamless.usgs.gov
2) Click on "Seamless Viewer" under the "Tools to Access Data" header on the left side of the page
3) Not req'd, but makes viewing easier: make sure the page opens up in a maximized window. If it doesn't, maximize the new window and refresh the page
4) Use the "Zoom" tool to zoom into an area of interest. You need to click-drag to zoom. Repeat as necessary.
5) Once youve found something interesting, click on the "Define Rectangular Download Area" tool. Click-drag to define the area you want to download.
   It's important to keep the area small, about 1MB (you'll see the size on the screen that pops up)
6) On the window that pops up, click "Modify Data Request"
7) Select the "National Elevation Dataset (NED) 1/3 Arc Second and deselect the option directly above it
8) Change the data format from "ArcGRID" to "GridFloat" in the dropdown menu to the right of the option in step 7
9) Click "Save Changes & Return to Summary" at the bottom of the page.
10) The data size will increase about 3x, but this should be ok even if larger than 1MB
11) Click the download button, make some English Breakfast Tea, have a smoke
12) Open the zip file you downloaded and open the .hdr file and enter the ncols/nrows data into this program
13) Copy the .flt file to wherever you want it to be
14) Compile/Run the program
remend

sync on
sync rate 0

autocam off

a = make vector3(1)
a = make vector3(2)
a = make vector3(3)

`Change to 0 if you don't have Sparky's DLL installed
UseSparkys = 1
`Path of required/output files...change to your liking
Path$ = "c:\k96\model\terrain\"

Rows = 257
`The number of rows in the .flt file. This can be found in the .hdr file included in the package downloaded from the USGS
Columns = 388
`The number of colums in the .flt file. This can be found in the .hdr file included in the package downloaded from the USGS
QuadSize# = 32.808399
`The X/Z size of each quad in feet, 32.808399ft ~ 10m = USGS 1/3 arcsecond resolution
`QuadSize# = 3

Index = 12

dim HeightField(Columns, Rows) as float
make memblock 2, (Rows + 1) * (Columns + 1) * 384 + 12

`write the FVF header
write memblock dword 2, 0, 274
write memblock dword 2, 4, 32
write memblock dword 2, 8, (Rows - 1) * (Columns - 1) * 4

open to read 1, Path$ + "test.flt"

`read the heightfield into memory
`next feature is to add code which splits a flt into multiple 1mi x 1mi chunks (160 x 160 verts)
text 10, 10, "Reading heightfield into memory"
sync
for Z = 1 to Rows
   for X = 1 to Columns
      read float 1, HeightField(X, Z)
   next X
next Z
close file 1

`Step 1 - Steal Underpants...or build a flat mesh
text 10, 10, "Building mesh"
sync
Total = Rows * Columns * 2
for SZ = 0 to Rows - 1
   for SX = 0 to Columns - 1
      `position the first triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index, SX * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 4, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 8, SZ * QuadSize#
      `position the first triangle's second vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 32, SX * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 36, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 40, (SZ + 1) * QuadSize#
      `position the first triangle's third vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 64, (SX + 1) * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 68, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 72, SZ * QuadSize#
      `position the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 96, (SX + 1) * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 100, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 104, SZ * QuadSize#
      `position the second triangle's second vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 128, SX * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 132, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 136, (SZ + 1) * QuadSize#
      `position the second triangle's third vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 160, (SX + 1) * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 164, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 168, (SZ + 1) * QuadSize#
      Index = Index + 192
   next SX
next SZ

Index = 12
`Step 2 - ...or set the height of each vertex
text 10, 10, "Setting heights"
sync
for SZ = 0 to Rows - 1
   for SX = 0 to Columns - 1
      `set the height of the first triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 4, HeightField(SX, SZ) * 3
      `set the height of the first triangle's second vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 36, HeightField(SX, SZ + 1) * 3
      `set the height of the first triangle's third vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 68, HeightField(SX + 1, SZ) * 3
      `set the height of the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 100, HeightField(SX + 1, SZ) * 3
      `set the height of the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 132, HeightField(SX, SZ + 1) * 3
      `set the height of the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 164, HeightField(SX + 1, SZ + 1) * 3
      Index = Index + 192
   next SX
next SZ

Index = 12
`Step 3 - Profit...or set each triangle's normals
text 10, 10, "Setting normals"
sync
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      V1X# = memblock float(2, Index)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 4)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 8)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 32)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 36)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 40)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 64)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 68)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 72)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
         subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
         normalize vector3 2,2
         normalize vector3 3,3
         cross product vector3 1, 2,3
         normalize vector3 1,1
         write memblock float 2, Index + 12, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 16, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 20, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 44, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 48, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 52, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 76, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 80, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 84, z vector3(1)
         `for second triangle
         V1X# = memblock float(2, Index + 96)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 100)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 104)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 128)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 132)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 136)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 160)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 164)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 168)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
         subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
         normalize vector3 2,2
         normalize vector3 3,3
         cross product vector3 1, 2,3
         normalize vector3 1,1
         write memblock float 2, Index + 108, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 112, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 116, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 140, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 144, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 148, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 172, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 176, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 180, z vector3(1)
         Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z

remstart
`set each triangle's UV coordinates - not important right now
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      V1X# = memblock float(2, Index)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 4)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 8)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 32)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 36)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 40)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 64)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 68)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 72)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
      subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
      normalize vector3 2,2
      normalize vector3 3,3
      cross product vector3 1, 2,3
      normalize vector3 1,1
      write memblock float 2, Index + 12, x vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 16, y vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 20, z vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 44, x vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 48, y vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 52, z vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 76, x vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 80, y vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 84, z vector3(1)
      `for second triangle
      V1X# = memblock float(2, Index + 96)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 100)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 104)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 128)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 132)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 136)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 160)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 164)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 168)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
         subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
         normalize vector3 2,2
         normalize vector3 3,3
         cross product vector3 1, 2,3
         normalize vector3 1,1
         write memblock float 2, Index + 108, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 112, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 116, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 140, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 144, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 148, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 172, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 176, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 180, z vector3(1)
         Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z
remend

`Future update...slap code right here to save terrain as .x so it can be edited later
remstart
open to write 1, Path$ + "FLT Test Terrain.x"
write string 1, "xof 0303txt 0032"
write string 1, "// DirectX - TestTerrain"
write string 1, "Frame testFrame{"
write string 1, "FrameTransformMatrix{"
write string 1, "1.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,"
write string 1, "0.000000,1.000000,0.000000,0.000000,"
write string 1, "0.000000,0.000000,1.000000,0.000000,"
write string 1, "0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,1.000000" + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
write string 1, "}"
write string 1, "Mesh testMesh{"
write string 1, str$(Rows * Columns) + chr$(59)
Index = 12
`Write the vertex data
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      if X = Columns - 1 and Z = Rows - 1
         write string 1, str$(memblock float(2, Index)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 4)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 8)) + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
      else
         write string 1, str$(memblock float(2, Index)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 4)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 8)) + chr$(59) + ","
      endif
      Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z
`Write the triangle data
write string 1, str$(Rows * Columns * 2) + chr$(59)
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      `Write data for the first triangle
      write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + ","
      `Write data for the second triangle
      if X = Columns - 1 and Z = Rows - 1
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
      else
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + ","
      endif
   next X
next Z
`Write the normal data
write string 1, "MeshNormals{"
write string 1, "1" + chr$(59)
write string 1, "0.000000" + chr$(59) + "1.000000" + chr$(59) + "0.000000" + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
write string 1, str$(Rows * Columns * 2) + chr$(59)
Index = 12
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      `Write normal for the first triangle
      write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 12)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 16)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 20)) + chr$(59) + ","
      `Write normal for the second triangle
      if X = Columns - 1 and Z = Rows - 1
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 108)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 112)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 116)) + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
      else
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 108)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 112)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 116)) + chr$(59) + ","
      endif
      Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z
write string 1, "}"
write string 1, "}"
write string 1, "}"
close file 1
remend
set camera range 0, 0.0001, 1000000
position light 0, 100000, 10000, 100000
color light 0, rgb(192, 128, 64)
make mesh from memblock 1, 2
make object 1, 1, 1
`load object Path$ + "FLT Test Terrain.x", 1
set object light 1, 1
set object cull 1, 1
position object 1, 0, 0, 0
if UseSparkys
   sc_setupcomplexobject 1, 1, 2
   sc_updateobject 1
endif

position camera 0, object size x(1) / 2, 80, object size z(1) / 2

do
   text 0, 10, str$(screen fps())
   text 0, 20, str$(statistic(1))
   text 0, 30, str$(object size x(1))
   text 0, 40, str$(object size y(1))
   text 0, 50, str$(object size z(1))
   control camera using arrowkeys 0, 10, 1
   if UseSparkys
      Y# = 30000 - sc_intersectobject(1, camera position x(0), 30000, camera position z(0), camera position x(0), -30000, camera position z(0))
   else
      Y# = 30000 - intersect object(1, camera position x(0), 30000, camera position z(0), camera position x(0), -30000, camera position z(0))
      text 0, 0, "Get with the times sucka...use Sparky's Collision DLL!"
   endif
   position camera camera position x(0), Y# + 6, camera position z(0)
   fastsync
loop

+ Code Snippet

remstart
USGS Float To Object
By Nateholio (or Sigh...depends on which account I remember login info for that day)
NOTES
This program takes a USGS .flt file and generates a terrain object from it.
To obtain USGS data:
1) Visit seamless.usgs.gov
2) Click on "Seamless Viewer" under the "Tools to Access Data" header on the left side of the page
3) Not req'd, but makes viewing easier: make sure the page opens up in a maximized window. If it doesn't, maximize the new window and refresh the page
4) Use the "Zoom" tool to zoom into an area of interest. You need to click-drag to zoom. Repeat as necessary.
5) Once youve found something interesting, click on the "Define Rectangular Download Area" tool. Click-drag to define the area you want to download.
   It's important to keep the area small, about 1MB (you'll see the size on the screen that pops up)
6) On the window that pops up, click "Modify Data Request"
7) Select the "National Elevation Dataset (NED) 1/3 Arc Second and deselect the option directly above it
8) Change the data format from "ArcGRID" to "GridFloat" in the dropdown menu to the right of the option in step 7
9) Click "Save Changes & Return to Summary" at the bottom of the page.
10) The data size will increase about 3x, but this should be ok even if larger than 1MB
11) Click the download button, make some English Breakfast Tea, have a smoke
12) Open the zip file you downloaded and open the .hdr file and enter the ncols/nrows data into this program
13) Copy the .flt file to wherever you want it to be
14) Compile/Run the program
remend

sync on
sync rate 0

autocam off

a = make vector3(1)
a = make vector3(2)
a = make vector3(3)

`Change to 0 if you don't have Sparky's DLL installed
UseSparkys = 1
`Path of required/output files...change to your liking
Path$ = "c:\k96\model\terrain\"

Rows = 257
`The number of rows in the .flt file. This can be found in the .hdr file included in the package downloaded from the USGS
Columns = 388
`The number of colums in the .flt file. This can be found in the .hdr file included in the package downloaded from the USGS
QuadSize# = 32.808399
`The X/Z size of each quad in feet, 32.808399ft ~ 10m = USGS 1/3 arcsecond resolution
`QuadSize# = 3

Index = 12

dim HeightField(Columns, Rows) as float
make memblock 2, (Rows + 1) * (Columns + 1) * 384 + 12

`write the FVF header
write memblock dword 2, 0, 274
write memblock dword 2, 4, 32
write memblock dword 2, 8, (Rows - 1) * (Columns - 1) * 4

open to read 1, Path$ + "test.flt"

`read the heightfield into memory
`next feature is to add code which splits a flt into multiple 1mi x 1mi chunks (160 x 160 verts)
text 10, 10, "Reading heightfield into memory"
sync
for Z = 1 to Rows
   for X = 1 to Columns
      read float 1, HeightField(X, Z)
   next X
next Z
close file 1

`Step 1 - Steal Underpants...or build a flat mesh
text 10, 10, "Building mesh"
sync
Total = Rows * Columns * 2
for SZ = 0 to Rows - 1
   for SX = 0 to Columns - 1
      `position the first triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index, SX * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 4, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 8, SZ * QuadSize#
      `position the first triangle's second vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 32, SX * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 36, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 40, (SZ + 1) * QuadSize#
      `position the first triangle's third vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 64, (SX + 1) * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 68, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 72, SZ * QuadSize#
      `position the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 96, (SX + 1) * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 100, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 104, SZ * QuadSize#
      `position the second triangle's second vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 128, SX * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 132, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 136, (SZ + 1) * QuadSize#
      `position the second triangle's third vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 160, (SX + 1) * QuadSize#
      write memblock float 2, Index + 164, 0.0
      write memblock float 2, Index + 168, (SZ + 1) * QuadSize#
      Index = Index + 192
   next SX
next SZ

Index = 12
`Step 2 - ...or set the height of each vertex
text 10, 10, "Setting heights"
sync
for SZ = 0 to Rows - 1
   for SX = 0 to Columns - 1
      `set the height of the first triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 4, HeightField(SX, SZ) * 3
      `set the height of the first triangle's second vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 36, HeightField(SX, SZ + 1) * 3
      `set the height of the first triangle's third vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 68, HeightField(SX + 1, SZ) * 3
      `set the height of the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 100, HeightField(SX + 1, SZ) * 3
      `set the height of the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 132, HeightField(SX, SZ + 1) * 3
      `set the height of the second triangle's first vertex
      write memblock float 2, Index + 164, HeightField(SX + 1, SZ + 1) * 3
      Index = Index + 192
   next SX
next SZ

Index = 12
`Step 3 - Profit...or set each triangle's normals
text 10, 10, "Setting normals"
sync
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      V1X# = memblock float(2, Index)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 4)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 8)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 32)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 36)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 40)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 64)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 68)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 72)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
         subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
         normalize vector3 2,2
         normalize vector3 3,3
         cross product vector3 1, 2,3
         normalize vector3 1,1
         write memblock float 2, Index + 12, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 16, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 20, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 44, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 48, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 52, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 76, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 80, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 84, z vector3(1)
         `for second triangle
         V1X# = memblock float(2, Index + 96)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 100)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 104)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 128)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 132)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 136)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 160)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 164)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 168)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
         subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
         normalize vector3 2,2
         normalize vector3 3,3
         cross product vector3 1, 2,3
         normalize vector3 1,1
         write memblock float 2, Index + 108, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 112, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 116, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 140, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 144, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 148, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 172, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 176, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 180, z vector3(1)
         Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z

remstart
`set each triangle's UV coordinates - not important right now
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      V1X# = memblock float(2, Index)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 4)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 8)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 32)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 36)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 40)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 64)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 68)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 72)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
      subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
      normalize vector3 2,2
      normalize vector3 3,3
      cross product vector3 1, 2,3
      normalize vector3 1,1
      write memblock float 2, Index + 12, x vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 16, y vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 20, z vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 44, x vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 48, y vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 52, z vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 76, x vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 80, y vector3(1)
      write memblock float 2, Index + 84, z vector3(1)
      `for second triangle
      V1X# = memblock float(2, Index + 96)
      V1Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 100)
      V1Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 104)
      V2X# = memblock float(2, Index + 128)
      V2Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 132)
      V2Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 136)
      V3X# = memblock float(2, Index + 160)
      V3Y# = memblock float(2, Index + 164)
      V3Z# = memblock float(2, Index + 168)
      set vector3 1, V1X#, V1Y#, V1Z#
      set vector3 2, V2X#, V2Y#, V2Z#
      set vector3 3, V3X#, V3Y#, V3Z#
      subtract vector3 2, 2, 1
         subtract vector3 3, 3, 1
         normalize vector3 2,2
         normalize vector3 3,3
         cross product vector3 1, 2,3
         normalize vector3 1,1
         write memblock float 2, Index + 108, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 112, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 116, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 140, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 144, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 148, z vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 172, x vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 176, y vector3(1)
         write memblock float 2, Index + 180, z vector3(1)
         Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z
remend

`Future update...slap code right here to save terrain as .x so it can be edited later
remstart
open to write 1, Path$ + "FLT Test Terrain.x"
write string 1, "xof 0303txt 0032"
write string 1, "// DirectX - TestTerrain"
write string 1, "Frame testFrame{"
write string 1, "FrameTransformMatrix{"
write string 1, "1.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,"
write string 1, "0.000000,1.000000,0.000000,0.000000,"
write string 1, "0.000000,0.000000,1.000000,0.000000,"
write string 1, "0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,1.000000" + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
write string 1, "}"
write string 1, "Mesh testMesh{"
write string 1, str$(Rows * Columns) + chr$(59)
Index = 12
`Write the vertex data
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      if X = Columns - 1 and Z = Rows - 1
         write string 1, str$(memblock float(2, Index)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 4)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 8)) + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
      else
         write string 1, str$(memblock float(2, Index)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 4)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 8)) + chr$(59) + ","
      endif
      Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z
`Write the triangle data
write string 1, str$(Rows * Columns * 2) + chr$(59)
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      `Write data for the first triangle
      write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + ","
      `Write data for the second triangle
      if X = Columns - 1 and Z = Rows - 1
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
      else
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(Z * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 1) + chr$(59) + str$((Z + 1) * Columns + X + 2) + chr$(59) + ","
      endif
   next X
next Z
`Write the normal data
write string 1, "MeshNormals{"
write string 1, "1" + chr$(59)
write string 1, "0.000000" + chr$(59) + "1.000000" + chr$(59) + "0.000000" + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
write string 1, str$(Rows * Columns * 2) + chr$(59)
Index = 12
for Z = 0 to Rows - 1
   for X = 0 to Columns - 1
      `Write normal for the first triangle
      write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 12)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 16)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 20)) + chr$(59) + ","
      `Write normal for the second triangle
      if X = Columns - 1 and Z = Rows - 1
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 108)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 112)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 116)) + chr$(59) + chr$(59)
      else
         write string 1, str$(3) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 108)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 112)) + chr$(59) + str$(memblock float(2, Index + 116)) + chr$(59) + ","
      endif
      Index = Index + 192
   next X
next Z
write string 1, "}"
write string 1, "}"
write string 1, "}"
close file 1
remend
set camera range 0, 0.0001, 1000000
position light 0, 100000, 10000, 100000
color light 0, rgb(192, 128, 64)
make mesh from memblock 1, 2
make object 1, 1, 1
`load object Path$ + "FLT Test Terrain.x", 1
set object light 1, 1
set object cull 1, 1
position object 1, 0, 0, 0
if UseSparkys
   sc_setupcomplexobject 1, 1, 2
   sc_updateobject 1
endif

position camera 0, object size x(1) / 2, 80, object size z(1) / 2

do
   text 0, 10, str$(screen fps())
   text 0, 20, str$(statistic(1))
   text 0, 30, str$(object size x(1))
   text 0, 40, str$(object size y(1))
   text 0, 50, str$(object size z(1))
   control camera using arrowkeys 0, 10, 1
   if UseSparkys
      Y# = 30000 - sc_intersectobject(1, camera position x(0), 30000, camera position z(0), camera position x(0), -30000, camera position z(0))
   else
      Y# = 30000 - intersect object(1, camera position x(0), 30000, camera position z(0), camera position x(0), -30000, camera position z(0))
      text 0, 0, "Get with the times sucka...use Sparky's Collision DLL!"
   endif
   position camera camera position x(0), Y# + 6, camera position z(0)
   fastsync
loop

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Cybermind

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Posted: 29th Nov 2011 20:43

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From the help menu in DBP:

Quote: "The mesh is used as the root limb for the 3D object"

Could you perhaps "glue" them together as limbs hence making one big object?

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Cybermind

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Posted: 29th Nov 2011 20:52

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I looked at the limbs command now, it seems you can do it like this:

1. make the root limb triangle.
2. construct the next triangle.
3. make a mesh from it.
4. position it at the exact spot, i.e use the coordinates of the triangles it is going to attach to.
5. add it as new limb.
6. repeat 2, 3, 4 and 5 until there are no more triangles to be added.

I have never done anything like that so I do not know if this works :-P

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Mobiius

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Posted: 3rd Dec 2011 09:59

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You could use IanM's make object commands.

From what I remember, you can

Start Object

then create limb Blah blah blah

then when you have finished creating your object you:

Finish Object

May not be accurate but from what I remember, it sounds right! lol

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Jeff Miller

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Posted: 3rd Dec 2011 17:46

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You can use IanM's MAKE OBJECT NEW command with the vertex data and index data commands in DBP to make any kind of object, including triangle strips. You can make it in any FVF you think best for your needs, and you are in complete control. You are free of degenerate triangles, duplicated triangles, etc. I've used it to make everything under the sun, from a piano to a geodesic sphere. I might also add that it is extremely fast. In fact, I generally just load the vertex and index data of my objects into programs and make objects at startup using these commands instead of loading object files.

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Cybermind

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Posted: 3rd Dec 2011 19:56

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Quote: "Before you say use this tool, that tool, or whatever plugin remember that I'm doing this to learn...not fix my problem with another person's code."

I think he want to do this without plugins :-P

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Jeff Miller

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Posted: 3rd Dec 2011 23:03

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He isn't adverse to plugins per se. Note that he is using Sparky's in his code. I think he means that he is not interested in a plugin that generates terrains instead of constructing them yourself. IanM's plugins are by and large a vast expansion of the DBP command set. While some replace what would otherwise be a bit of coding, others actually allow you to do plenty of coding that you otherwise would not attempt. As for a learning experience, I think making your own objects with the Make Object New command gives rise to many opportunities for learning basic object structure, and plenty of opportunities for procedurally generating complex shapes. I wouldn't regard any of them as a "tool" for generating a terrain, but rather an opportunity to program to generate a very good terrain, especially with the clever use of USGS data. Also, the program speed will enhance the experience; he can get away from writing so many strings to a file.

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Nateholio

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Posted: 6th Dec 2011 09:21

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@Cybermind & Jeff
I am looking to do this w/o plugins, just to learn. However, for anything other than that I'd be using a plugin most likely.

I do have a workaround though...possibly. Since I'm splitting up USGS data into 1mi square chunks, each measuring 160 x 160 verts, the idea is to just generate a plain fitting the dims/vertcount and load it into memory then manipulate the vertex data. Going over the vertexdata commands makes this seem like it'll work. Haven't tried it yet though...been playing EVE Online again lately.

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Visigoth

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Posted: 9th Dec 2011 03:34

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@Nateholio
sorry, been away from the whole programming thing for a while. I did get your message thru gmail the other day. I don't check that very often. I have some tips. First off, don't bother building the mesh. thats extra overhead you don't really need. Just use a mesh from any modeling app, weld it, and load it as an object. Clone or instance as necessary, and use vertex data commands to adjust the heights accordingly. If you insist on building meshes, I can tell you IanM's plugin is a great help. The make object plain command works great. I have a question for you though, how'd you get 160x160 verts per chunk? I always got errors after 101x101. I think its a memory thing per limb, 64k, I think. Been a while since I played with the terrains. As for the invisibility problem, you have to set object bounds on each one, if its the same problem I had. I planned on getting back into this in a while, things are crazy here at home, just got a new job, been working alot, and haven't had any time to play. But glad to see someone taking an interest in all this.

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Nateholio

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Posted: 9th Dec 2011 05:17

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Ah, glad you got the message.

I trashed the whole idea of building a mesh in DBP for building a flat plain (160 x 160 verts) in MS3D instead.

Not sure where you're going with the vert question so I'll give you two answers to cover both bases.
I got 160x160 because I'm doing everything in US measurement rather than metric (I know, I'm a caveman, evil, and so on)...Each heightpoint at 1/3 arcsec is about 33ft from the next...My terrain chunks are 1mi square, hence 160 verts per side.
I've only tested loading the flat base terrain...which measures at 25600 verts. It seems like there are no problems; however, I haven't tried to manipulate the verts yet so there may still be an issue.

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jason p sage

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Posted: 15th Dec 2011 16:37

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Ahh... Good luck here. I worked with Visigoth... and added USGS to the Jegas Game Classes for DarkGDK (Before they changed how all the vertex stuff worked... it was flawless).

I didn't have a memory problem myself.. but I did use frustrum culling to hide the stuff out of the camera. But I did do the limbed thing. I made like a chessboard of limbs that would cover what I was loading... and I applied it that way. One thing I did to make it a little easier to separate DarkGDK stuff from what I was doing is to have a routine I could call SetVert(x,z,Value) and GetVert(x,z) to respectively set and get heights from the terrain. This meant I had to write code smart enough to know what limb, and how to set vert (potentially multiple along seams) and gave me a way in game to do something like DarkGDK/DarkBasic's terrain get height function... so you can place trees and stuff.

I actually just made a utility that does this so satellite data can be used for both DarkGDK, DarkBasic and all the other game engines out there.

Good Luck man - You're very very close to nailing this thing.

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Jeff Miller

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Posted: 17th Dec 2011 01:44 Edited at: 17th Dec 2011 01:57

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How rectangular is the data? Not all arsecs are equal when it comes to projected distances from spherical angular data. If the angular measurements are from the center of the rectangular area selected then you are home free. But if they are arsecs in Latitude and Longitude, you encounter a distortion. If the 10m (approx. 33 feet) distances for 1/3 arcsec are good for North-South Latitude distances, East-West distances from longitudinal increments would be similar for an area centered at the Equator. But while the North-South distances should be relatively independent of location, East-West distances for 1/3 arcsec would be very latitude-dependent. In your location 1/3 arcsec in the projected East-West direction would have a median value of less than 28 feet rather than 33 feet if the arsecs are in longitude, suggesting that a grid intended to simulate a "square" mile should be something like 190 by 160, rather than 160 by 160.

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DarkBASIC Professional Discussion / Yet Another USGS Terrain Thread