I finally got it to work
...barely
.
My Method:
1. Download a .DEM file from this website:
http://edc.usgs.gov/products/elevati...0/gtopo30.html
(has the whole world)
2. Use Okino NuGraf to convert it into .3ds
(here's a demo:
http://www.okino.com/conv/demos.htm))
3. Import it into 3ds Max or similar program
4. Download Polygon Cruncher for 3ds Max or other polygon reducing program
(
http://www.mootools.com/plugins/down...t=1®ister=1
5. Reduce the model about 85% (or more [detail vs. functionality])
6. Use 3ds Max or Biturn to turn the model into .ase (ASCII Screen Export)
7. Import it into Alice
Problems:
1. Some times the download from the website freezes (either that server or my faulty router)
2. Unless you get the full version, every 5th polygon will be missing in the exports (I'm currently using a friend's NuGraf)
3. I know that 3ds Max (full, also from friend) works but not if any other programs/demos work.
4. You should reduce the different parts of the DEM model in parts (when I tried doing them together, 3ds Max used up all of my 2 Gigabites of memory and had to close.
5./6. No problems.
7. Alice will first display the warning message described earlier and then freeze for a period of time (depending on by how much you reduced the model).
My final problem: I used a large DEM and now, the model is curved. How do I efficently move the camera around the curved surface?
Thanks Dr.Jim for your advice!