> Quote - Could you provide us with the jpg maybe? So that we can have a look how it is done. I made a quick and dirty test with a standard terrain (256x256) and a jpg as picture. 2048x2048 NOT 16 bit. > I attach the result - colored gray (plain) to see what is material and what geometry. > If you want me to, I can add the jpg I used here as well.

Thanks Walther, I took away the textures to see what was really happening like your example.

Quote - Did you make a NEW 16bit image, or did you just change the bit depth of the existing map? Wouldn't be the same thing. changing the bit depth wouldn't change anything, but making a new map would create twice as many pixels, which is what is needed here. And aslo, you may need a little gaussian blur added in PS to smooth the map out and avoid the effect you are seeing.

bruno, thanks I did need to recreate a new 16 bit image from scratch as you mentioned with gaussian blur.

Quote - Agree, with a 16bit greyscale image and the right interpolation type set in Vue there should not be any visible steps. 16bit compared to 8bit does not just double the resolution.
An 8 bit greyscale image offers 256 values while a 16 bit greyscale image offers 65536 possible values  per pixel. Btw. Another way to create a river in Vue is to design it in the function editor.

Thanks Eonite, I didn't know that but it is good to know 16 bit is that much better. I am achieving my river using the Function Editor. I used an image node. Is this what you mean or is there another method?

So here are my results using:
16 bit greyscale image 2048 x 2048 pixels
Same map used first on Procedural terrain then on Standard terrain

I am not sure why the difference in quality, if anything I would have thought the procedurall terrain would have had better results, but it may be due to the way the Procedural terrain is set up whereas a Standard terrain is pure poly geometry.

If anyone knows how to make the Procedural terrain look smoother I would appreciate it. :)