Which software to create Landscapes for Establishing shots?

Kyle_butler

Hi. I was wondering which method you guys prefer to create a landscapes. Since, for now, my scene doesn't require any interaction with characters, and is meant to be only a establishing shot, I was considering going with a high polycount scene. Should I do it all inside Maya (which is where the rest of my scene is) with Displacement Maps, or should I investiment in a software like Vue? In case I use Vue, can I export it to Maya, if I have to, afterwards?

Mehmet

HEy mate,

I know it is a bit pricey but Vue 11 xStream works directly with Maya. I used to work with (fiddle I should say) xStream on 3DS Max and it certainly integrates well. Not that it is problem free but you can actually work on your landscape on 3DS Max viewport and really, Vue capabilities are vast.

Like I said though, it is pricey and take this with a grain of salt as I am no landscape artist and have no experience with Maya.

Cheer...

wichenroder

Take a look at world machine

Eric Chadwick

Some info here
http://wiki.polycount.net/CategoryEnvironmentTerrain

tristamus

World Machine, man. But, Vue is also crazy good.

uncle

I'd say Vue, but man, after some time working in 3ds Max it was PAIN to use it. Seriously powerful software, but different approach.

MisterSande

Vue is good but very hard to work with at first glance. If you would need a custom landscape than I would consider world machine in combination with Vue for the rendering. This workflow works best for photo realistic results (matte paintings, movie backgrounds etc.). I am a beginner but still managed to get some decent scenes rendered out with just a couple hours of work:


For high poly/fantasy game art presentation I would personally stick to Zbrush and model out some kind of set piece.

Kyle_butler

Thanks for the link Eric.
Seams that World Machine is very popular around here
I'll definetly take a look.
Great result, MisterSande!
Is anyone familiar with Maya and DEM files?

leleuxart

Terragen 2 is also a good option, but a license is required for anything over 800x600, (which is ridiculous). It's used for VFX a lot I think. Node-based, amazing cloud/lighting system, lots of options for procedural/heightmap, and can use imported models from other packages. I haven't used it in a few years now, but back when I did, it was amazing.