Creating Maps from SRTM Data

[drunkrussian]

First off, a big round of applause to MAJ Proctor for creating such a great game. It has exactly the features I've been complaining about other games lacking (unit echelons, etc.).

I am trying to create a scenario for the second Thunder Run in Baghdad (my ROTC BN CDR from last year, LTC deCamp, was commander of TF 4-64 during that operation). I haven't been able to find a USGS DEM for Baghdad, but I have found data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which is also produced at 3 arc seconds and is available for the entire world. I have created a DEM for Baghdad using MicroDEM and the Virtual Terrain Project's tools. I then used the Demcon tool that comes with ATF's Power Builder to export this DEM into USGS ASCII format. When I view the USGS ASCII DEM in Demcon, it looks as it should. However, when I try to use this DEM in ATF Power Toolkit, I just get a bunch of black horizontal lines on the brown desert background instead of the terrain. I can provide screenshots if necessary. Any ideas on how to solve this problem?

Also, are there any specifications for DEMs for import? Are only certain sizes allowed, and is USGS ASCII the correct format to be using?

-Matt Hanson

[Pat Proctor]

If you can e-mail me the data at:

techsupport@prosimco.com

I can take a closer look, but I would ensure that the data is a 1 degree X 1 degree block. If it is not exactly this size, you will run into trouble. Also, you might try doing the map making in two steps, making the XDM and THEN making the ATF elevation map.

If worse comes to worse, just give me all of the data for the map dialog, and the digital data itself, and I will generate the map and post it here.

[drunkrussian]

Thanks for the quick reply! I wasn't using a 1 degree by 1 degree block and I have now been able to get the data imported.

I will try to write something up about how to import SRTM data. The data is available for almost the entire world and, using freely available GIS tools, I was able to generate a usable DEM. The only problem is that there seem to be spurious contour lines (I think due to interpolation of missing data points) here and there. The color map, however, looks fine.

[Pat Proctor]

There is some "rounding" because the ATF Power Toolkit converts the DEMs from 3 arc-second resolution to 100m resolution. This is roughly equivalent in spacing, but the data point don't line up exactly. So, a paper map or MicroDEM generated contour line will not match that on the ATF map exactly :(

I am actually working on this, but I can't promise an upgrade to the builder before the release of the AATF Scenario Builder (which will ship with AATF).

But, oh yeah, BTW, all of the maps you build in ATF, RT, TFW, or TSATC will work perfectly in AATF :)