Is there some kind of a trick to importing .DEM files? I link to the US Geological Survey, download the area I want, extract it from the zip file, and try to import it. When I do this nothing seems to happen. I would like to create 3d maps using USGS DEM (.dem) or USGS SDTS (.ddf) file extensions. Please advise?

You might want to check the archives of this forum for a tutorial using the 3DEM program.(use 3dem as the keyword.)

Hmm. I think you can also change the extension to ... something. I don't remember whether it's jpg, bmp or something else.

Bryce 5 is supposed to support 3dem files what gives?

Bryce import should also support ".dem" and ".ddf" formats. Try going to the top view and or some side view in bryce after importing and clicking the zoom button and see if the mesh comes into view. If that doesn't work, maybe it's because the mesh isn't selected or is out of view scope, try "Ctrl + A" to select all then try zooming.

Are you using the import object selection in the file menu? Also are you using Bryce 5.01(Bryce 5 with patch) or some other version?

GROINGRINDER, There are several flavors to dem files over the years (they keep changing the format.) - perhaps you are accessing dems that are not compatable with Bryce(either too old or more likely too new?) 3dem is free and will even seamlessly join two sequential dems and seems compatable with most of the differrent types of dem files. It's just easier for me to use 3DEM and convert to a more stable, in terms of number of flavors, format, instead of trying to import dem files directly into Bryce.

Thanks bikermouse.

Remembered (at least I think so): change the extension to .zip, decompress it, and you'll probably get a file without an extension. Try importing that, possibly after adding a .dem extension.

Im beginning to think I have something wrong with my system. I went to Terrain Visualization and Flyby Animation.htm, and tried to view a flyby. I got one to work, but froze half way through. I also tried to open a Bryce file that came with Bryce as an example, it opened to a blank picture, but the picture showed in the Nano view. What really made me think something was wrong with my system was; today I was expose to get a satellite connection. The service men spent 6 hours trying to get it to work, and couldnt. Sorry for the false alarm, but I think my problem is in my system. PS. Thanks for the help.