Oh I must say that sky is freakin NICE! :) That's one thing Bryce really has improved on it seems

Instancing rules, check this I did years ago with Vue ;)
http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/vue1/legion_final.avi

hm I don't know how bryce does it, but maybe have seperate terrains for each area of ecosystem to help with crashes?
multiple terrains are a good way anyway to work as landscapes are made up of many interlocking parts: scree, cliffs, outcrops, meadows, etc etc.
also, if you have many seperate bits, you maybe able to deduce if one causes crashes by process of elimination?

another thing Bryce should pinch form Vue is "strata" fucntion for terrains
http://nukeation.deviantart.com/art/Mesas-and-Canyons-147447398

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