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I have been reading up on making a matrix in the DBP guide. In the guide it says making a matrix can be slow especially with a fairly decent sized one and trying to height map it. The guide also says that most people use a matrix editor. I have also read in some posts from a search I did here on the forums that matrixes themselves can be slow in DBP or slow down DBP so what are some other alternatives?

I have seen some things on terrain editors don't know what's good and what's not. What is a good matrix editor now days?

I know I can make a whole level in FPSC and import it to DBP, I have to research this more because I don't know how to do it. Does that mean buildings, sky characters, everything? Is this a good option?

Can I just make a plain in Lightwave with so many segments. I think DBP only allows a matrix of 70x70. The guide may not be updated to the newest version of DBP so this may have changed but could I make a plain and segment it say 20x20, heightmap it in the program even texture it and convert it to X format and bring it into DBP as my land?

That got me to thinking if I can do this why couldn't I make the land in lightwave and populate it with all of my buildings and everything, all textured and ready to go? Is this possible?

What is everyone doing nowadays? Like the guide and some old posts said no one hard codes matrix anymore and I don't really want to either. I thought about it just to learn it but will probably never do it again if I can find out a better/easier way.

I may do a very, very small one sometime just to understand the commands better but I don't really want to hard code the one for the game I am planning.

Thanks
Dragonslayer

You're better off if you import a model made in a modelling program and use sparky's for collision detection. Matrices are way too slow.

TheComet

Cheap
T.ED Professional Terrain and Environment Editor

Pricey-ish
3D World Studio

I can only say I use 3DWS so my opinion will be biased, there are demos of both... be your own judge or ask me more about 3DWS...

But I will add, the tools are only have the job, the rest is down to you, you add the creativity...

It should probably also be said, there are free options out there, I am more often than not against the use of them, just a personal knack... But I cannot think of any that do Terrains... maybe DeleD?

Terragen will create heightmaps for use in either advanced terrain, or blitzterrains. Both of which are far superior to the use of matrices.

I however use T.Ed, which is my favourite.

You'll find that a Matrix is the easiest method to use, but using the other options mentioned will get you better performance and a nicer looking result.

Most people have moved away from using a Matrix.