Hello,
For a significant improvement in the quality of MSFS 2024 DEM data, there is LIDAR data that some governments make available.
Unfortunately, after numerous tests I carried out using ingenious third-party tools, I have concluded that the process based on Terraforming rectangles is not at all suitable for large areas, particularly due to the loading time in MSFS 2024, which, for example, takes more than 5 minutes for 3.5 GB of *.bgl.
It is therefore not possible to offer a product with this loading time, not to mention various other artifacts such as a slower than normal mesh accuracy display, which is a shame.
I imagine that the DEM data in Stream is not based on this Terraforming rectangle process, but then what is it based on ?
So please, could you develop a simple, fast, and efficient compilation tool for us so that we can further enrich the world of MSFS 2024 ?
That would be really nice of you.
Thank you in advance !
Hi FuturKiwi1965,
Thanks for sharing your insights and the results of your testing. I understand your concerns about loading times and visual artifacts when working with high-resolution DEM data over large areas.
However, based on my own experience, I’d like to offer a different perspective: it is currently feasible to create terrain mesh using the Terraforming method with heightmaps—even for large regions—with source DEM resolutions up to 10 meters, compiled into BGL format. When the BGL files are kept around 200 MB, I haven’t encountered excessive loading times, and the simulator remains smooth and responsive without stuttering.
Perhaps your test involved a single 3.5 GB BGL file, which could understandably lead to performance issues. In such cases, splitting the terrain into smaller, modular BGL files can significantly improve loading behavior.
That said, I fully agree with you on the potential of LIDAR data and the need for more advanced tools. The newer .CGL format introduced by MS/Asobo seems better suited for handling high-density terrain mesh efficiently. Unfortunately, there’s currently no public tool available to compile custom terrain into .CGL format—and I believe the community would greatly benefit from such a solution.
It would be fantastic if Microsoft/Asobo could provide a simple, fast, and reliable compiler or SDK for .CGL terrain mesh, enabling developers to enrich MSFS 2024 with even more accurate and immersive landscapes.
Thanks again for opening this discussion. I hope we can continue sharing ideas and solutions to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sim.
Best regards!
Good evening,
Thank you for your participation, your exploration, and your feedback on the subject of *.CGL files, which, even in Aerial, are not as optimized as they were in the past with FSX’s “Resample” feature.
In my test, I am using a resolution of 1 m. I have 22 *.bgl files, each 168 MB in size, for a total of 3.62 GB. It’s true that 10 m is simpler for large areas, but in this case, a large part of Western Europe is already in MSFS 2024 at a resolution of 2 m, so 10 m is of no interest.
I hope we will attract the attention and interest of Microsoft/Asobo for this Aerial/DEM tool that we want, like the defunct “Resample,” knowing of course that it is the “Microsoft/BING” sector that holds the key to compilation. But I can’t believe that Bing’s DTM is based on Terraforming’s rectangle technology.
To be continued!