Anybody know how to use Digital Elevation Models?

[TheSickining]

So I am developing a game that takes place in a real world location. So, I got a DEM for that location, and I'm confused on what to do. The folder has many obscure file types, and names.

A few file type is Understand like: .PDF, .TXT, and .XML . But I don't know the other file types such as: .AUX, .SHP, .PRJ ect. So I ask, can someone please help.

Additional software info.

I use Unreal Development Kit, Blender 3D, Google Sketchup, and CryENGINE 3 for games. I read that I need AutoCAD for these files. But I don't wanna use AutoCAD, let alone pay for it.

 

[PhilFrisbie]

This web page might help: http://vterrain.org/Elevation/dem.html

 

[saran008]

If you are really looking for free replacement for AUTOCAD, have a look here

Draftsight, by dassault systems.. free for professional & personal use..
http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/

we at our office are using this..
Hope this helps

 

[Draven35]

So I am developing a game that takes place in a real world location. So, I got a DEM for that location, and I'm confused on what to do. The folder has many obscure file types, and names.

A few file type is Understand like: .PDF, .TXT, and .XML . But I don't know the other file types such as: .AUX, .SHP, .PRJ ect. So I ask, can someone please help.

Additional software info.

I use Unreal Development Kit, Blender 3D, Google Sketchup, and CryENGINE 3 for games. I read that I need AutoCAD for these files. But I don't wanna use AutoCAD, let alone pay for it.

You don't need autoCAD to load these, several 3d applications have the ability to load DEMs. Search around, there are ways to load DEMs into Blender. Keep in mind that high resolution DEMs can be very polygon heavy.