3D mapping and rendering, what programs to use...

[Cergorach]

There are many threads on what mapping software to use, but that's not what i'm asking here.

What i want to do is create a map/scene that i can render both as a 2Dmap and as a 3Dscene.

I've had experience with 3D-CAD and SGI programs, but that's been 6-7 years ago and the technology has been moving along at a very rapid pace, so i'm a bit out of touch. What programs would you advice i use? What programs are good for creating 3D buildings from 2D views? I've heard and seen many good things about Bryce and landscapes, but it looks like a pain to make a complex building in it. Is 3DMax a good tool for creating buildings?

Many questions...

 

[annadobritt]

I use CC2 for the 2d maps, then use either Realm Overseer or City Overseer 3d to render them in 3d.

http://rpgmaps.mortality.net/

Check the Samples page of the above site for what a map looks like in 2d and the same map changed to 3d.

RO and CO3D allow you to open maps in CC2 and makes them into 3d maps you can travel through.

 

[Cergorach]

Thanks Anna, but it's not really what i'm looking for, although CC2 and all it plugins is a great tool. But not something you want to make professional looking maps with and even less professional looking 3D renderings. It's good for 'quick' B&W campaign maps, but not much more (i have a feeling that you'll disagree with me on that ;-)...

I'm not really looking for photo realistic renderings, but close. Photorealistic is a bit to much work for what i have in mind. What i have in mind are those digital documentary/reconstruction shots.

 

[annadobritt]

The 3d items in Realm Overseer and City Overseer were all made in 3d Max.

The only problem with 3d Max is the price. I thought about buying it one time to make my own models, but the price -- 3 thousand dollars-- for the program quickly made me change my mind.

There are a couple of other programs out there, like Terragen and another that I can't remember the name of right now which are good for doing the terrain.

 

[Cergorach]

The new 3ds max 5 is going for $3,495 (full version), that's scarry expensive! But there are alternatives (gmax is free, but has some limitations) such as Maya 4 ($1999), Lightwave 7.5 ($1600) and Softimage|3D 4.0 ($1495). Carra Studio 2.0 ($399) is increadibly cheap for the features it offers, but as a drawback has a quircky interface (btw. i just saw that there is a trial download you could try, www.eovia.com)...

I understand your pain, but luckely i can play around with a lot of these tools at work (let's just say that our someone at our marketing department had some strange ideas ;-)

 

[Q1000]

Try bryce. This is a fun and easy program that dies what you ask.

 

[elrichwizard]

I use CC2/City Overseer for the large scale stuff and Brice for detailed locations. I am happy with both of them. The Adobe line also has some 3d animation stuff, but I do not know much about it.

 

[Krail Stromquism]

3D for 3E

theres a lot of programs you could use.

Theres the Gamerish version of 3DMax called GMAX its free! its for building models for games like Quake or UT.

Theres of course Blender, also free. it does good stuff.

I believe they are both downloadable from the respective websites, just do a search.

NWN came with a map utility, perhaps thats not what your looking for, but its real quick and easy.

What exactly are you wanting to use these for? Player handouts or for your own records or what?

try them out and see what you like!

good luck

Krail

 

[Cergorach]

What do i need it for? Simple, for my own twisted kicks ;-)

I'm not kidding either, i'll probably give my fellow players handouts, and might actually build it to scale (30mm or 15mm).

I think i'll check out Max, mostly because it's become a standard (i like to learn skills that i can later use for other things as well). An i'll check out Bryce for terrain features...

 

[Aeolius]

I'd go with Bryce, as well. You can always enhance your renders, using people and animals exported from Poser, or import other props, including buildings, from various websites such as renderosity.com or 3dcafe.com.

You can also import a 2D drawing into Bryce and easily transform it into a 3D terrain, or export a Poser prop for use in Bryce.