The problem is that while searching for your masterpiece, you explore in the navigation window, and have wandered off center from the default view. So, anyway, what happens when you are well into the creative process, and then decide to add a heightmap? This is where it becomes more difficult, and probably where a lot of beginners start having trouble. It's a simple thing to bring the heightmap into position where your vision leads you once you learn how. The practical side of that is that part of the creation process is searching for the grand view and ultimate shapes you want, so why limit that search to an area where you can already see the heightmap. It's wide open, pedal to the metal in the early process. Will the image need a floor, or wall, or sphere? I personally never go into the creative process with that limited or specific of a vision. Because I almost never know what I am going to be creating, or where my vision will lead me. I almost never decide I want a heightmap until later in the creation process. No problem when you start out with just a heightmap or two! Of course, if you are anything like me, you would never start with a heightmap. If you use more dIFS formulas, you may have to increase that number.Īnd there you have it. Note: When working with heightmaps, set the Max iterations in the formula window to the number of maps you are using, in this case 2. I also added the SphereHeightMap formula which also loads the default map # 10, and I zoomed out a bit. It loads the default image #10 as the map. In the image below, I have opened MB3D, replaced the default Integer Power formula with SphereHeightMap ( located in the second column of the dIFS formulas). The heightmap will be visible in the center of the preview image in your main window.
If you are building a fractal from scratch, and place your heightmap first, then you will probably not have a problem working with it. I think the reason some people have trouble with heightmaps is because of where their current camera view or position is within their fractal image. Note: Click on the title of this Journal to open it on a new page and it should visually look much better organized. It's the best way for me and my work flow. The way I work is the best way for me, and I would never be so arrogant as to suggest my way is a better way or the best way for everyone. As usual, I make no claim to being an expert.
I don't use them a lot, but I can explain the basics on how to use them in the limited way that I do. Several people lately have asked me about how to use heightmaps in MB3D.