Realistic 3D effects can be created using bitmaps, if the bitmaps are made for the purpose of importing into EnRoute. The gray scale values of the bitmap are used to add to the relief surface up to the specified Height parameter with white colors applying the full Height value, black colors applying zero height, and shades of gray applying intermediate heights.
Below is an example of a gray scale drawing created for the purpose of modifying a relief.
When applied to a relief, notice that the white areas of the waves create the tallest sections of the relief, and the black background has no effect.
The same effect can be applied to a photograph. It is important to note that the gray scale information in a photo may not communicate realistic 3D dimensions and not all photos will yield the desired effect when applied to a relief. Below is an example of a relief surface created from a photo.
