Blue Marble VTs Question

Pluck · Post #1by **Pluck** » 16.01.2004, 02:38

I have just downloaded the 92MB Blue Marble VTs from the Nasa web site. Can someone confirm whether there is in fact a set of normal maps which should also be used in conjuction with these as well as a preferred cloud texture ? (I am yet to install this texture package, so am not sure what it includes).

Thanks.

JackHiggins · Post #2by **JackHiggins** » 16.01.2004, 19:50

8k bluemarble clouds available here: http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/viewrecord?11643 - but you have to process them yourself, and the 4k/8k versions only run if cloudspeed is 0

Can't find an earth bumpmap convertable to normal...

Don. Edwards · Post #3by **Don. Edwards** » 17.01.2004, 04:25

Jack,
Pluck can use a 4k cloudmap and have it animated. It is the newer 8k cloudmap that I have introduced that requires the animation to be shut off. As well as adding the shadow feature. Now if you meant to say 8k x 4k than that is saying the same thing but backwards. :wink:

Don. Edwards

Pluck · Post #4by **Pluck** » 17.01.2004, 07:14

Thanks both.

Actually I'm using Don's [unanimated] 8k cloud map with much success. Now, I'm also playing with some spec maps and bump maps in conjunction with the Blue Marble VTs with mixed success. Can either of you recommed a set of associated spec / bump maps which are considered 'standard use' with the Blue Marble VT's ? Or is it not that simple ?

Don. Edwards · Post #5by **Don. Edwards** » 17.01.2004, 08:10

Hey Pluck,
Buzz's new 16k VT specmap is by far the best so far.

I have assembled a non-VT version in both 8k and 16k but I haven't been able to test them due to my video cards death. As soon as the replacement arrives they with be tested and uploaded to my Earth Central site. As far as bumpmap or normalmap there is still alot of going back and forth as to which is better and who's is better. When my video card is working I just use an 8k normalmap I made and is available on the Earth Central site. Its not the best by far but it does the jog in a pinch. Besides I don't spend a whole lot of time zoomed in real close to the Earth. I only do that when I am working on a texture in Photoshop. I am to busy testing textures and seeing other things. :wink:

Alink to Buzz's new 16k VT specmap can be found in the textures section of the forun under the thread named 32k Spec Map Case. As for the bumpmap or normalmap This you are on your own with. It all depends on what you are happy with. I have to be totaly happy with any of them at this point.
Good luck.
Don. Edwards

Guest · Post #6by **Guest** » 17.01.2004, 08:15

Thanks Don - much appreciated.

Here's to a long life for you next graphics card !