GeoFrac's Terragen Plugin
Here is a short tutorial / explanation on how to use the plugin:
The plugin can be accessed 3 ways:
1) Through the "File->Export->Terragen TER File" menu option:
2) By "Left-clicking" the Terragen Export plugin toolbar icon:
3) By "Right-clicking" the Terragen Export plugin toolbar icon (same one as above).
Accessing the plugin using method #1 or method #3 will bring up GeoFrac's Exports Manager property sheet with Terragen's plugin page selected (see image below):
From here you can modify any and all settings.
Clicking "Export Now!" will take all the current settings, apply them, and then export to a .TER file.
Clicking "Done" simply applies and saves the current settings and dismisses the dialog. It does NOT export anything. This is where method #2 comes in....
Once you have made your settings, left-clicking the toolbar icon will immediately apply AND export a .TER file with those settings. Note: The .TER filename will be that of the one found in the "Export Filename" field. Thus, if you only use the "left-click" method, you will always export to the same .TER file and the plugin will NOT prompt to overwrite any existing file.
If you "left-click" the toolbar icon before you have set a file name, the plugin will bring up a "Save As" dialog and prompt you for a location and file name (see below):
Once you have done this, you will never have to do it again as long as you use the "left-click" method. In order to change the exported file name, you must use either method #1 or #3 explained above, and push the "Browse..." button next the "Export Filename" field or type the file name in manually.
Automating Terragen !!!
The plugin will now automate the process of launching Terragen or switching to a running Terragen, and it can also automatically import the file exported by the plugin. What this gives you is the ability to create and modify your terrains in GeoFrac, and then with ONE push of a button switch over to Terragen and have that same terrain now sitting inside Terragen's UI without you having to do anything else. IT'S THAT SIMPLE!!!! Once I had this working, I was amazed at the increase in productivity. You MUST try this! To do this you'll need to make sure the options are "checked" within the plugin's configuration page (see below):
The options should be self-explanatory....
[ NOTE: I have only verified this functionality on Win98, Windows2000 and Windows XP. I have NOT verified it on Windows ME. Also, I have only verified this using the latest versions of Terragen (versions 0.8.24 & 0.8.11). Please let me know if you experience any problems. ]
! ! ! W A R N I N G ! ! !
The above is a DESTRUCTIVE process. Since Terragen does not prompt or warn you about losing your current terrain when loading another one, using this option will immediately and automatically replace your current terrain, thereby losing any work you haven't saved.
Cropping & Fitting Irregular Shaped Terrains
In some instances you will have terrains that are not perfectly SQUARE (ex. DEMs or Image-To-Heightfield), or do not conform to Terragen's requirements and therefore must be cropped or resized. Cropping the terrain is simple, however, resizing the terrain is really more trouble than it's worth and in most cases will lose detail. Therefore, I opted to just "Fit" the terrain into the smallest NxN grid size allowable by Terragen.
If your current terrain falls into this category, then when you attempt to export it, the plugin will prompt you with the following:
As you can see, the terrain is NOT square, but will fit into a 513x513 grid, thus if this option is selected, the current terrain will be centered in a 513x513 grid, and the surrounding values will be set to the "Base height" value set in the configuration page.
Selecting the "Crop terrain...." option yields the following:
Here you'll notice that the largest allowable square grid that can come from the terrain is 257x257. You will also notice a green square that indicates which portion of the terrain to crop. Left-clicking and dragging the mouse allows you to position the square over the desired region you want exported.
In either case, clicking OK will perform the appropriate operation and export the terrain. Clicking Cancel will abort the entire export process.
That's it for now, but stay tuned for more features and updates.
Any questions please feel free to contact me directly.
Enjoy!
Jeff.