Height Maps

• Height Map Interpretation:

• Engine reads:
  • Black = flat/lowest
  • White = peak/highest
• Height Calculation:
  • Uses -256 to +256 range (16-bit precision)
  • “Multiplied by Z scale on import”
    • Z scale 1 = max height 256cm
    • Z scale 100 = default

• Real World Scale Translation:

• Example: 4200m mountain
  • Convert to cm: 420,000
  • Engine ratio: 1/512
  • “Final Z scale ≈ 820”
  • “Can’t use real measurements (420,000cm too large)”
  • Must compress for engine limitations

• Import Specifications:

• Recommended size: 1009 x 1009
  • Engine auto-updates:
    • Quads
    • Sections
    • Components
• Format Requirements:
  • Accepts:
    • 16-bit RAW
    • 16-bit grayscale PNG
    • R16 format
  • RAW files need matching JSON:
    • Same name
    • Contains: width, height, bit rate

• Key Technical Notes:

• “Proper Z scale crucial for height data”
• “Not like textures (powers of 2)”
• “Always check recommended sizes guide”