SRTM Mesh

[rival]

Sorry if this has already been covered. I've done a search on it but couldn't find any help.

I've downloaded and installed the global SRTM mesh, but I can't seem to see any difference from before.   I've tried copying the files into the \addon scenery\scenery folder, I've tried creating a subfolder with a scenery folder and adding it it the scenery manager (as described in the readme) and I've tried installing it using FlightSim Manager.  I've done specific tests using Chicago as an example as in the installation document.  I'm not getting any error messages, I just can't see any difference.  Am I stupid? Mad?  I'm using FS2004 with the 9.1 patch.

[Scottler]

Lets do a little experiment, shall we?  Post a screenshot of an area BEFORE you install the mesh, and then try to take the same shot AFTER the mesh is installed.  (Use the GPS coordinates with a Shift+Z to get the same area if need be.)

Also throw up your system specs and display settings, if you could...

[Yurei]

also it might be a good idea to do the comparison in a mountainous region. it will be more obvious and you will easily be able to see if there's a difference in the terrain

[rival]

OK - I've not done anything with South America yet, so I know that its clean.  I'll go and get a screenshot of the Andes, and then try installing the SRTM mesh.

[commoner]

Hi rival.........here's my tried and tested method...........

ok...well I assume you have at least one of the areas downloaded to somewhere handy..I use the desktop.....here's my method

1. open the main FS9 folder and then the SCENERY folder........make a new folder in there (right click and choose NEW..FOLDER) and rename it whatever you want..I call mine SRTM-Gibraltar or whatever area it is.....and keep the SRTM-part for each different area for clarity.
2. Open that folder and make a NEW folder in there and call it scenery. Copy and paste or drag and drop the .bgl file you just downloaded into it. NOT the ZIP...just the .bgl file.

3.Start FS9 and in the Settings choose... Scenery Library...choose Add Area and browse to that SRTM-  folder you just made and select it.....click OK.

...You will then be told to restart the sim.....do that and check out your handiwork......

You can then either delete the Zip from the desktop or save it somewhere you can find it if you need to.

I do the same for every seperate area I download..it only takes a few seconds when you get the hang of it.......

Hope that works for you...commoner.

[beaky]

Yes, double-check your install as per commoner's instructions, then try A/B screenies, or better yet, start a flight near the boundary between an add-on scenery area and a stock scenery area. You can easily find the line at first using the FS map window, with terrain graphics enabled. Fly over the line, and I'll bet you'll see a difference. Scenery objects like buildings will look the same, and you'll still see those funny errors like rivers running uphill, etc., but the terrain contours in general will look a lot more believable and detailed.

[rival]

OK - I was installing them correctly.  I think that my expectations were too high - certainly for the UK meshes.  I've done the test as described above around Pucon in Chile (which is a great place to visit if you get a chance)

Here is the before shot http://www.sitedemos.net/before.jpg

and here is the after
http://www.sitedemos.net/after.jpg

I read all the description about how much longer everything will take to load and how the frame-rate might drop, but I've not noticed this at all.

Thanks for everyone's help!  This is a great place for newbies.

[Scottler]

Wow, what in the world were your expectations?  LOL  That's quite a significant increase.  That's exactly what a mesh does.

[rival]

My expectations were around not having a completely flat UK, which I seem to have.  It clearly has made a big difference to Pucon though!  I'll get the UK scenery disc from Just Flight.

[legoalex2000]

Rival, i forgot to mention something.

amongst my writing for installing the tutorial for SRTM... i noticed a problem with one area Chicago.

if you install the Chicago SRTM mesh, be wanred that the sears tower will b missing...

so now i can't have updated textures for my home area...

just a caution

ramos

[jb2_86_uk]

Hey rival, I installed the UK SRTM mesh as soon as I knew about it and was blown away, my 'test flight' was from sheffield city airport, heading east following the parkway, M1 and M18 to where I live. At low level in a cessna I was astounded and would have easily believed somebody had taken hours to just produce this 10 mile section to such high detail! To say it has modelled the entire globe I find amazing and am expanding my collection of SRTM mesh everyday!

John

[rival]

Hey rival, I installed the UK SRTM mesh as soon as I knew about it and was blown away, my 'test flight' was from sheffield city airport, heading east following the parkway, M1 and M18 to where I live. At low level in a cessna I was astounded and would have easily believed somebody had taken hours to just produce this 10 mile section to such high detail! To say it has modelled the entire globe I find amazing and am expanding my collection of SRTM mesh everyday!

John

OK - Perhaps I am doing something wrong with the UK mesh.  I'll take the Chippie from Sheffield City tonight then and have a look.

[commoner]

I think that just about the best area to check if you are installing correctly is the area that includes Gibraltar..EB02 I believe..........there is no sign of the Rock in normal FS9 but you can't miss it with the SRTM mesh installed...............commoner