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346 Chapter 5: Creating Geometry
refined but more complex mesh. This is most
effective in terrain forms that use constructive
cur ves such as circles and ellipses. T his results
in more detail and a larger file size than using
No Simplification.
Vertical group
•
No Simplification—Uses all the spline
operandsvertices of the terrain object to create
a complex mesh. This results in greater detail
and a larger file size than the other two options.
•
Use 1 /2 of Li nes—Uses half the set of spline
operands of the terrain object to create a less
complexmesh.Thisresultsinlessdetailanda
smallerfilesizethanusingNoSimplification.
•
Use 1 /4 of L ines—Uses a quarter of the of spline
operands of the terrain object to create a less
complex mesh. This results in the least detail
andsmallestfilesizeofthethreeoptions.
Color by Elevation rollout
Maximum Elev. —Displays the maximum elevation
in the Z axis of the terrain object. 3ds Max derives
this data from the contour data.
Minimum Elev.—Displays the minimum elevation
in the Z axis of the terrain object. 3ds Max derives
this data from the contour data.
Reference Elev.—This is the reference elevation, or
datum, that 3ds Max uses as a guide for assigning
colors to zones of elevation. After entering a
reference elevation, click the Create Defaults
button. 3ds Max treats elevations abov e the
reference elevation as solid land and those below
the reference elevation as water.