I have tried multiple height map images , the problem persists ..
I am not sure if this is a bug , although I fear saying bug because it might be my code somewhere , I do not know I cannot find documentation for the hmp sdk..
this is the result when I run my test code , it looks correct , all vertices at expected positions .

this is the saved hmp file in med , the problem is highlighted in red .

both are viewed approximately the same for comparison.
thanks