I can break it up some with smear but the basic problem is that the value of each step has only one thing it can do - either blend up a step or down a step but not in between. The effect is like pushing the step around to a different position. Terrain models like this are huge and so when I get down low the resolution of the picture begins to become apparent. I can duplicate the terrain, position it in the same position of the original and then half the resolution. This helps but then I start loosing the photo realism of the rendered image. I can move the light to a front position but part of the "realism" is the moody lighting. I'm rambling on now aren't I? Sorry. I'll try some of the things you suggest though - I didn't try soften - and when I figure it out post it. I hope Vue is considering 10 bit graphic options - I love the program. Thanks again Bot