Im not positive about about the vertice limit but I 'think' its per model tho I could be wrong about that.

Your probally better off going with models for your terrains anyways. Uli wrote alot about the comparisons and from what he said theres alot more advantages then disadvantages.

As for creating a hmp file from 3ds. Just open med and click file >import>from 3ds... then Click edit > convert to terrain.

If you stuck to hmp rules... Ie all grids the same size and only z values changed then it should convert with no problem.

For height maps open med go to file>import>terrain from pic.

http://www.freewebs.com/otama_syndicate/index.htm - Each master to his own technique.

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