Terragen Newbie

Hey everyone...Terragen is the most wonderful program in the world not developed by Stardock. If the druids had this, they wouldn't have needed to build this "Stonehenge". Anyway, attached here is my first decently rendered image. It's called Ancient Mars. Yeah, stupid name. Now, I want to know what you think. Comments, criticism, all of it, tell me! Would you use it? Because this is my first piece, please don't expect it to be "Apocalypse_67 level". Just want to know how I can improve.





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Reply #1 Top
No wait...You're going to see a red X. How do you upload an image?



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Reply #2 Top
Sorry for the mix up guys...I'm getting used to it. THIS image should work. What do you think?





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Reply #3 Top
Definately needs improvement...

1: The land... Its not generated. Solely using the elevation tool wont get you the results you want. Theres also not enough of it.

2: The lighting... Its too dark, and mars isnt quite that red...its more of a rust.

3: Clouds... Too fuzzy, and look as though theyve been 'painted on.'

4: JPEG... Quality is quite low. MSpaint cannot improve the quality of JPEG's beyond its preset value. Use a different prog (Or if you arent using paint...Change the qulaity.)

Try some of the links at Terragens home page: http://planetside.co.uk especially Luc Bianco's page to see what can be accomplished when all goes well. Also take a look at Xerraire's page at http://www.Xerraire.com
I also have a few here at WC. Search the wallpaper library for: EventHorizon.

Reply #4 Top
Not quite sure if its "the most wonderful proggy not developed by stardock" but its fun. Beats the pants of bryce for realism, but isnt as user friendly or powerful. Also, its still in development.
Reply #5 Top
OFF bryce >
Reply #6 Top
Heres a fairly decent tutorial to get you started. http://caroluk2.crosswinds.net/terratut/

Try a google search for Terragen Tutorials if you need more of 'em.
Reply #7 Top
Thanks EventHorizon. Talk about frank appraisal. But that's what I wanted. I will indeed look at those tutorials. About the JPEG quality...I know how it works, I use PSP. I used a high compression ratio (I know it looks ugly) becuase I have a "molasses-modem". Thank you again for your help.



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Reply #8 Top
Speaking of which...I have looked for a site that sells Bryce 5, and have yet to find one...Do you know a retailer?



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Reply #9 Top
Its made by Corel. Look at: http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel/Products/productInfo&id=1042551234521
Reply #10 Top
Xen
Also there is a yahoo group that you can learn a lot from, I know I have from them!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/terragen/
Reply #11 Top
oh!
and here are mine to look at if you wish!

http://www.xerraire.com/terragens/
Reply #12 Top
That link was just what I needed, EventHorizon. Thank you, Xerraire. I'll look into those Yahoo groups and get some perspective from your artwork. Thanks again, guys.



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Reply #14 Top
Xerraire: Wow, you've done a really nice job with some of those. I especially like the 'S Series.' One question...How do you get that 'eroded' look?
Reply #15 Top
Event, I use a lot of DEM files, which are terrains of actual places, perhaps that is what you noticed?
Reply #16 Top
Ahh ok. Wasnt sure If you imported 'em into Bryce (Or anyother prog that has an 'erode' tool) or used DEM's.
Reply #17 Top
Oh, and thanks by the way.


There are plans in the works to make a better sculpting tool for terragen,
that sounds exciting.
Reply #18 Top
Will that be in the new version (0.9) ir somewhere along the way after that?
Reply #20 Top
The timeline regarding the terrain generator/sculpting tool, as well as vegetation
and other details can be found here ยป http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/future.shtml