Terragen

Mac OS X 10.6

Terragen is a standard developed by Matt Fairclough 3D landscape generator to create photo-realistic graphics. Terragen is available in versions Terragen Classic ( version 0.9.43 ) and Terragen 2 (Version 2.1.18.1 ) and is available for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh. Both versions are provided as a limited free version available. For commercial use a fee-based registration ( Terragen Classic $ 99, Terragen $ 2 299 - $ 999, as of August 2011) is necessary, by which discards the limitations of the freeware version, that is, there are larger terrain and image sizes possible or animations and object packages included.

• 2.1 Advantages
• 2.2 disadvantages

Components of Terragen Classic

Terragen is essentially based on four components: terrain, surface, sky / atmosphere, water

Terrain

To describe the shape of the landscape using Terragen height maps. In this case, each point in a terrain height value is assigned. This height maps are usually called simply terrain. Terragen terrains used for standard sizes after the formation rule. Thus, a 513 m² terrain contains 513 * 513 512 * 512 points between surfaces. Although problems even formats can be loaded that do not meet this standard, actually have the most terrain formats 513 ², 1025 ², 2049 ² etc. Terragen contains its own terrain generator, but there are numerous programmed by users freeware generators that provide some better results. The external terrain generators include, for example, World Machine, Terrabrush, Terraformer2, Levellers and Terra Painter.

Surface

The interface design is done in Terragen via the built- Surface System (English interface). The surface consists of multiple layers ( so-called Layer). The distribution of the individual layers can by slope gradient (slope ) and the height can be controlled. For example, it is possible to create a layer for grass, like real grass appear similar only in the valleys of a mountain range, and then only on flat areas. Both the distribution and the appearance of each layer can be regulated separately. The design possibilities of color and texture of the surface in Terragen numerous options which are usually found in professional raytracing programs were involved only indirectly. So has Terragen does not have the option of textures, bump maps or masks incorporate itself. To provide yet great landscapes with a more detailed structure used Terragen a procedural bump mapping, where the amount and structure are adjustable.

Sky / atmosphere

The sky is rendered on a simple curved surface. There is also a simple system for random creation of clouds available, which can be either two-dimensional chosen as a texture layer or as three-dimensional objects. In addition, the ability to change the atmosphere of the world exists, so that for example fiery red sunsets or dense fog are possible.

Water

The water surface is created procedurally. With realistic reflections and transparency, the water is one of the most elaborate and realistic features in Terragen. In addition, the water waves of different nature can be simulated, as can be set near the coast foam.

Pros and Cons of Terragen Classic

Benefits

One of the biggest differences Terra gene to other Raytracingprogrammen is undoubtedly the strong specialization in the subject area. This presents the main advantages and disadvantages.

The first noticeable advantage is the fast learning curve of the basics. Although the program offers an exclusively English interface, even a beginner can quickly lead to considerable results. Another advantage is the freeware version - competitors do not offer this service and are more expensive than the registration of Terragen even in the cheapest version.

With scripts or external add-on tools can render even small films. Beautiful effects arise from this by tracking shots through the countryside or sunrises and sunsets.

Disadvantages

However, with all this accompanied also significant disadvantages. Particularly experienced users often complain about the slow development and constant postponements or non-compliance of appointments. For example, was announced as the release date for TG2 end of 2004, on 15 December 2006, finally, the Technology Preview release of TG 2 took place. Also the last update after about two years of deadlock could not convince many long-time users. Extreme disadvantage and reason why some users have turned even more expensive programs is the lack of 3D objects within the landscape, such as vegetation and genuine stones. Although the Surface system can simulate landscapes from a distance, quite realistic, near structures, however, often fall flat and crudely made ​​. In addition, the resolution of the terrain in the foreground often leaves much to be desired - visible corners and edges are the consequences. This shortcoming will create Terragen 2 from the world. Procedural terrains to the landscape from any distance considered to give the necessary detail. In addition, 3D objects are like trees and stones can be distributed over the terrain. This Terragen would be able to catch up with Vue 5 infinite part.

Terragen 2

TerraGen 2 (short: * TG2 *) is the next major version jump from Terragen. TG2 is not to be confused with Terragen D / TGD. TGD is only the name of the new Render Engine.

The preview version of Terragen2 was on 15 December 2006 be officially downloaded and led to overload the server. Although Terragen is version 1.0 not yet been reached, TG2 is still regarded as the second version of Terragen, as TG2 is programmed from scratch and has little in common with the old version. This Terragen will be extended to a long list of features:

• Clouds new Cloud Engine
• Multiple cloud layers

• Procedural terrains
• Overhangs
• Tunnels / Caves

• Plants, Trees
• Stones, rocks

• Several water level
• Revised Water Engine

Commercial use

Terragen or parts of it coming back in commercials, video games or movies for use. With Terragen backgrounds of the game Serious Sam or Battlefield for example, were created and a specially adapted version came in a Dodge commercial in the U.S. for the application.

In 2000, the programmer Terra gene, Matt Fairclough worked at Digital Domain. The resulting there Terragen version was developed independently of Terragen under the name Engen and came in numerous movies such as Stealth - Under the Radar or The Day After Tomorrow used. Aired in Germany commercial for the mobile phone Motorola Pebl was also born in Engen. Although Engen and Terragen 2 are based on the same code and are naturally similar in many respects they are now completely independent. Nevertheless, it often happens that Terragen is mentioned, although gene was used.