====== ArmA 3 PMC Terrain Builder Mini Tutorial ======

[[https://www.pmctactical.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=68|ArmA 3 Forum]], [[:arma3|ArmA 3]], [[arma3:config|ArmA 3 Config]], [[arma3:missions|ArmA 3 Missions]], [[arma3:modeling|ArmA 3 3D Modeling]], [[arma3:scripting|ArmA 3 Scripting]], [[arma3:terrain|ArmA 3 Terrain]], [[arma3:texturing|ArmA 3 Texturing]], [[arma3:tools|ArmA 3 Tools]]

**ArmA 3 Terrain Builder Mini Tutorial** by PMC

//Updated for arma3 v1.66 / terrain builder v1.31.0.139381//

  - mapframes -> add mapframe, click ok
  - type in project name to properties -> name
  - type in project root dir to properties -> output root folder. (this would be P:\prefix\tag_projectname)
  - click create subfolders button, click ok
  - copy your data ground texture rvmat's and paa's into <project>\data\ directory
  - copy your layers.cfg and maplegend.png files into <project>\source\ directory
  - set easting to 200000 and northing to 0
  - switch to samplers tab, setup properties according to your terrain (make sure texture layer is at least 2x your cell size)
  - switch to processing tab, use "..." button to browse into your source\layers.cfg file
  - click rebuild terrain button, click yes
  - click OK in bottom of mapframe properties dialog
  - save your project to Source\TerrainBuilder\ directory
  - file -> import -> terrains (xyz file)
  - file -> import -> satellite images (you can choose bmp or png)
  - file -> import -> satellite mask images (you can choose bmp or png)
  - layers manager do on all layers, click RMB -> Terrain Coordinates & Properties, easting: 200000, northing: 0, also Size width/height
  - mapframes window -> your project name -> click RMB -> properties (or double LMB click)
  - switch to processing tab, click rebuild terrain button, click yes
  - tick export satellite texture and surface mask (make sure 4 materials per cell is selected)
  - click generate layers button and wait until its done
  - click OK and save your project
  - convert layers\*.png to *.paa

Now your terrain is ready for viewing using terrain builder buldozer.


====== Object Placement ======

**Adding P3D objects into a template**

  - library manager -> template libraries -> RMB -> create library
  - give it a name
  - tick create new library from directory
  - source directory point to -> P:\a3\plants_f\Tree
  - click ok, all done

**Single Object**

  - create object template
  - select object from library manager -> template libraries -> whatever-template
  - click add object icon from main menu (icon: side ways box and plus sign)
  - LMB click anywhere on the map, object is placed

**Forests**

  - turn on view shapes icon in main menu
  - click layers manager -> shapes tab
  - click add new layer button icon, give it some name
  - click add polygon icon from main menu (icon: box and plus sign)
  - now LMB click points to create a polygon, once youre done double LMB click to close the polygon
  - click layer manager -> objects tab
  - click add new layer button icon, give it some name
  - unselect "add polygon" button
  - click to select any of your polygons in terrain, RMB -> Fill (add new objects)
  - select objects (trees for a forest)
  - properties -> preset name: add some name like forest 1 etc
  - other settings are up to you what you use, object density 60, click
  - click ok and objects are placed inside your selected polygon


====== Export / Import Objects ======

**Export**

  - file -> export -> objects
  - click document to export all objects in your project
  - click available templates select all button
  - use whatever format suits you, custom is compatible with the old arma2 formats
  - select destination file, click OK to export

**Import**

  - select which layer you want to import objects
  - file-> import -> objects
  - select file to import with the "..." browse button on destination file
  - click OK to import