1. Click on the "Choose File" button to upload a grayscale height map image and get started.
The HMV will show a preview of the image you have uploaded in the sidebar. Use this to verify that you uploaded the correct image. If at any time you wish to view a different height map, just click Choose File and upload a new file.
2. Click "Convert to 3D" to create a 3D representation of your height map.
Once this is completed, you can modify the character of the 3D generation, change the height and color of the sea,
and adjust a gradient map which will color your 3D model according to its height.
Use left mouse click to rotate, right click to pan, and the mousewheel to zoom in and out.
Click "View Texture for Download" to see the gradient applied to your original heightmap in a new tab.
From there,
just right click and press "Save As" to save your texture. Note: the texture displayed in the new tab will be the same size as your original uploaded image. If that image is exceptionally large, there can be errors in certain
browsers when saving. Images up to 5000 x 5000 have been confirmed to work.
Export to .STL File: Exports the geometry of the 3D model to a .STL file, commonly used for 3D Printing.
The different sliders change different aspects of the 3D model:
Coefficient (Coeff): Multiplies all height values by the coefficient value.
Exponent (Exp): Controls the ratio between high and low values. Values greater than 1 will tend to make high values higher in comparison to low values. Values less than 1 will make low values higher in comparison to high values.
Scale: Higher scales create a more "compressed" or "flat" 3D model. Lower scales will see a greater range between high and low values.
Blur:Blur the values in the 3D model, causing the terrain to be smoother. Can be useful for removing sharp peaks. Uncheck "Use Blurred Texture" to use the original unblurred texture despite a smoother 3D surface.
Sea Level: Change the height of the sea in the 3D model.
Sea Type: Choose between an animated sea with reflections or a semi-transparent sea that allows you to look below the surface.
Sea Color: Choose a different color for your sea. Click choose to select.
Toggle Sea: Turn the sea on and off.
The gradient picker allows you to map color values to different values of the map:
Add: Click to add a new color stop to the gradient. The new color stop will appear in a random location along the gradient with a random color. Click it to change color, and drag it to change location.
Select Preset: There are several preset gradients which can be used to quickly choose a color scheme. The gradient will be applied when selected. You can add new color stops and change the location and color of existing color stops in the preset gradient. This will not affect the preset - you can return to the original preset by selecting it again.
It's possibile to create some very interesting textures using the gradient picker. Experiment with gradients to create topographic art!