Transitioning between land and snow?

[J.A.C]

Hi, this is my first post on the site, but I've been using the tutorial forum for a while now. Have to thank RobA for his amazing tutorial on artistic maps, it helps create such a better atmosphere to have an artsy map for my DnD players.

I have a question, which is why i'm posting here.

I'm currently mapping an entire continent in sections because not all of it is necessary and it's easier to do in sections. However a problem with this is that the northern part of the continent is snow and ice, while the southern part is not. In one particular section, there has to be a transition.

How can I seamlessly transition between land and snow? I had some thoughts about possibly using a gradient and a noise/bump map like in RobA's tutorial. But I need the texture to increase as you go northwards on the map because of snows melting rate the further south. I can only get the texture to remain consistent.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.
JC

[Chashio]

Theoretically, meaning I've never tried it as my style's a bit different... You may be able to use a bump/noise layer with a layer mask to soften/erase the texture where you don't want it. Just a guess, might not work.

[J.A.C]

Theoretically, meaning I've never tried it as my style's a bit different... You may be able to use a bump/noise layer with a layer mask to soften/erase the texture where you don't want it. Just a guess, might not work.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try it out.

[J.A.C]

Thankyou so much for your suggestion Chashio, it worked perfectly, with a little fiddling around.

Step by step;

1. I did the dirt layer as normal.
2. Created a snow mask channel.
3. Created the texture and bump mapped.
4. Add the layer mask and then blur the mask.
5. Repeat step 4 2-3 more times depending on how smooth you want the transition.
6. Apply a final layer mask of the snow channel to cut the edges off.

Texturing isn't perfect and the map is a little basic for now (it's nowhere near finished, just wanted to show the final product of the snow).
X Far East.png

Thanks again

[Chashio]

You're welcome. I'm glad it worked out!

[jtougas]

That looks really good

[RobA]

Late to the game here. I like to use the spread filter gimp has to get a snow edge. This makes the white "taper off" in a clumping manner, rather than fade.

Similarly, you could set your snow layer to the "dissolve " blend mode if you already have a transparency fade...

-RobA>

[J.A.C]

That looks really good

Thanks

Late to the game here. I like to use the spread filter gimp has to get a snow edge. This makes the white "taper off" in a clumping manner, rather than fade.

Similarly, you could set your snow layer to the "dissolve " blend mode if you already have a transparency fade...

-RobA>

ooo ok. Thanks RobA, i'll try that out and post the results here

[amberroberts09]

Looks great!!