k, I've read a lot of stuff about interpolating between values on regularly spaced grids, pretty simple stuff,but if I have a countour map of an area, how do I then take that and transform it into a relatively realistic heightmap?? the only constant at that point is the difference in altitude between the lines. and my feeling is that you'd have to take a look at at least the four points, if not more to keep it realistic(ie. at least cubic interpolation). anyone have any ideas?? [edited by - Simage on February 16, 2003 1:10:00 AM]

Hi,

I think you''re right in that you''d need more than two points. Could it it done using 3 or 4 contour lines where the two you wish to join are the two internal points. For example with 4 lines A B C D, B and C are the two you originally wanted to interpolate and interpolating across those.

A 2nd order poly might be able to do it though I doubt it would look any good.

Splines or nurbs would probably give you the best results. There''s heaps of tutes and examples on using nurbs to generate terrain from height maps. Whats more if you don''t like splines or nurbs you can use the same techniques with most other techniques, including polynomials.

Stew

Hi,

I think you''re right in that you''d need more than two points. Could it it done using 3 or 4 contour lines where the two you wish to join are the two internal points. For example with 4 lines A B C D, B and C are the two you originally wanted to interpolate and interpolating across those.

A 2nd order poly might be able to do it though I doubt it would look any good.

Splines or nurbs would probably give you the best results. There''s heaps of tutes and examples on using nurbs to generate terrain from height maps. Whats more if you don''t like splines or nurbs you can use the same techniques with most other methods, including polynomials.

Stew