Choosing a Terrain

Choose a terrain you want to edit - for this example, I will use the North St. Helens, aka "nhelens" terrain.

Finding the Initial Maximum Height Value

Open up the nhelens.cfg file and note the number at the end of "MaxHeight=" line.  For nhelens, this number is 281.

Finding the Initial Minimum Height Value

Open up the nhelens.terrn file, and note the number at the top next to the "w".  For nhelens, this number is 33.

Importing the .raw File

Open up L3DT.  Go to File -> Import -> Heightfield.  Browse to the .raw file of the terrain you want to import.  Double click on it, and then click "Next".

Entering the Actual Minimum Height

In the "Minimum alt" box, type in the value that was found in step number 3.  THEN, MAKE SURE TO PUT A NEGATIVE (-) SYMBOL IN FRONT OF THE VALUE.

Calculating the Actual Maximum Height

Open up Calculator.  Now, subtract the value found in step number 3 from the value found in step number 2, i.e. 281 - 33 = 248.

Entering the Actual Maximum Height

Place this value in the box next to "Maximum alt".  DO NOT make this value negative.

Entering the Horizontal Scale

Next, make the value in the box next to "Horiz. scale" 3.  Then click on "OK".

Entering the Width and Height Values

In the Width and Height boxes, type in a value of 1025.  If you have a different sized .raw file (check the .cfg), then change the values accordingly.  Depending on the terrain you import, you will have to CHECK or UNCHECK "Invert Y axis".  For nhelens, leave this value checked.

Importing the Terrain

Click on "OK" and the terrain should now be imported into L3DT.

Creating the Remaining Terrain Components

Now, go to Operations - > Calc Wizard.  Check all the boxes, then keep clicking next until you reach option 7/7, Texture Settings.  Check "Make high-resolution texture".  This will produce a nicer looking texture should you decide to make one.  Finally, click on "OK".

Completion

L3DT will now run through many calculations, and then finally present you with an image of a new Texture Map that it generated.  You  may now proceed to edit the map to your liking.  This tutorial will not cover that, as it assumes you already know how to do so.

Example Addition

Here I have raised the ground level to create a small island in the middle of the water.