Using TerraRoad
Quick Start
Input files
TerraRoad requires two input files.
The first is a heightfield in .exr format. This can be obtained in Terragen
by connecting a terrain to the Shader input of the 'Heightfield Generate Node',
generating a heightfield, and then right clicking the node and saving as EXR.
I recommend starting out with a 1 pixel/meter resolution, since all TerraRoad measurements are
in pixels.
The second input is an SVG file with a single path (for now) defining the road shape. I created
mine in Affinity Photo. First I converted my heightfield EXR to a JPEG so I could see it better,
then I used the Pen tool in "Smart Mode" to create a path along the terrain. I then hid all the layers
except for the path (not sure if this is necessary), and saved as an SVG file.
Using TerraRoad
Once the input files are ready, launch TerraRoad using its python script as described in Installation. You should see a window appear with some buttons and sliders. Use the buttons to select your EXR and SVG, and then select a folder where the output files will be placed. Click 'Create Road', and wait for your road to build. This can take several minutes depending on your settings and heightfield resolution. The output folder should open automatically when complete.
Output Files
Eventually there will be docs with some pictures explaining these better.
terrain_with_road.tif - Heightfield with road added, ready for import into Terragen.
masks_road - Mask of road surface
masks_shoulder - Mask of road surface and shoulder
masks_shoulder_fade - Soft mask of road surface, and shoulder with gradient reaching only to the road
masks_road_and_shoulder_fade - Soft mask of road and shoulder with gradient reaching all the way to the center
masks_center_line - Mask for center paint line
masks_center_line_with_dashes - Mask for dashed version of center paint line
masks_side_lines - Mask for two lines on side of road
masks_cut - Mask for shoulder area above the road surface
masks_fill - Mask for shoulder area below the road surface
Example Files
There are some example files included, a sample road SVG, and a basic Terragen scene showing some ideas for using the resulting masks. To generate a heightfile from the sample scene, open the node 'Heightfield generate 01', and click Generate Now. Then right click on the node, and click 'Save file as' and save as an EXR image. For more help on exporting terrains from Terragen, see the Preparing Terrain Guide, or this video.
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