Heightmap

In computer graphics a heightmap is a two-dimensional grayscale digital image that contains the vertices of a three-dimensional terrain. A heightmap is usually stored in the RAW (.raw) format, but some graphics programmers use a different image format, for example BMP or TGA, as RAW lacks the ability to store the image's width and height.

Programs that use heightmaps
Heightmaps can be used for applications such as Terrain rendering, and computer and video game design.

Rendering software

 * Terragen - terrain renderer

Computer Games
Real Time Strategy style computer games use heightmaps almost exclusively to give depth and realism to terrain. Benefits of such a system are easy implementation into the game as well as simplicity for players to make their own maps. They are usually complimented by a texture map that is overlayed onto the heightmap for extra detail.


 * TA Spring - Open source 3D RTS engine
 * Terra Nova: Strike Force Centauri
 * Far Cry level editor - level editor that imports heightmaps