Getting the most from Google Maps Integration

[BNSF650]

http://www.engine-driver.com/article/sh ... ntegration

[CARex]

"...because the map overlay does not hug or form to the editor terrain like a decal – it is a ‘flat’ image,..." (from engine-driver site)

I'm not so sure of this statement. I've explored my route, to several location, and consistently see the 'Overlay' floating (not hugging) the curvature of the terrain more than 80/90% of the time. Admittedly, in cases of extreme terrain changes, within small areas, peaks of terrain do poke through the overlay.

Viewing the sim above and below the Overlay seems to confirm this observation... the following pics of a house lined, hillside location, in a rural community.

In another region, I found a 4 meter (+/-) space between the floating Overlay and the terrain. Altering the terrain, up or down, to the level of the Overlay seemed to have no effect or change to the Overlay. I suspect that the overlay, is in fact, following some form of topographical data, but I don't know that. It's just what I'm seeing in the route.

Hill1.jpg

hill2.jpg

hill3.jpg

[imnew]

I still use the good old RWDecal. Works perfect.

[davedingler]

I use both methods. Both have pros and cons.

The decals do hug the terrain and you can make placement of objects accurately, providing that you placed the decals accurately. An inadvertent slip of the mouse can throw the decal out of kilter and may not be noticed until down the line a ways. Placement of decals is time consuming and quite tedious IMHO.

The Goggle overlay is above the terrain in my route and can lead to having object placed slightly off the mark, especially if not viewing from directly over head or strait on center. Generation of images does take up some time when laying track.

The main advantage of using the decal method is that you have distance visibility advantage and can see where you are going and what's up ahead.

Dave