# Top\-Down Terrain Height Maps Canonical page: https://fuser.studio/recipes/height-map-generator Creator: @maggie Saved recipe example · version 9 Upload a top\-down terrain image to receive a top\-down view and grayscale height map for displacement data and Unreal Engine landscapes\. Header image: https://media.fuser.studio/1883a716ed32f24c9e310f34608f15f69dad743c71d8ec7296151e135ae462d8.jpg ## Explore a Terrain Height Map This saved example connects a source terrain image to a top\-down view and a grayscale image where brightness represents elevation\. It demonstrates the recipe’s image\-to\-height\-map workflow\. ## Default inputs ### Source Image Type: image [Source Image]() ## Saved outputs ### Top\-Down View Type: image [Top\-Down View]() ### Grayscale Image Type: image [Grayscale Image]() ## Ways to use this terrain recipe Use the source image and generated outputs across terrain planning, landscape development, and visual studies\. ### Prepare Unreal Engine landscapes Use the grayscale image as displacement data when preparing terrain for Unreal Engine landscapes\. ### Review terrain elevation Compare the top\-down view with the grayscale image to study how the source terrain is represented through brightness\. ### Plan game environments Create a grayscale terrain reference for early landscape and environment planning in gaming projects\. ### Support film landscape previsualization Use the top\-down and grayscale outputs to communicate terrain shape and elevation during film and entertainment planning\. ### Develop terrain art studies Turn a terrain reference into a grayscale elevation study for art and illustration workflows\. ### Hand off terrain references Share the paired top\-down view and grayscale image as visual references for teams working with terrain and displacement data\. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does the Height Map Generator do? It converts a top\-down terrain image into two image outputs: a top\-down view and a grayscale image\. In the grayscale output, brightness represents elevation, making it suitable for displacement data and Unreal Engine landscapes\. ### Who is this recipe for? It is useful for people working with game landscapes, terrain\-focused art, and film or entertainment planning\. The outputs provide both a top\-down terrain reference and a grayscale elevation representation\. ### What should I prepare as the source image? Prepare a top\-down terrain image as the Source Image input\. The recipe is designed around that viewpoint, so an image showing terrain from above is the appropriate starting point\. ### What outputs does the saved example show? The saved example produces a Top\-Down View and a Grayscale Image\. The grayscale result represents elevation through brightness, while the top\-down view provides the paired terrain image output\. ### Can I use my own terrain image? Yes\. Source Image is the exposed editable input, so you can replace it in Fuser with your own top\-down terrain image\. The saved page shows a default example rather than a live run\. ### Does this recipe create a 3D landscape? No\. It produces image outputs: a top\-down view and a grayscale height map\. The grayscale image is described as displacement data suitable for Unreal Engine landscapes, but the recipe itself does not output a 3D landscape\. ### What can I customize in Fuser? You can change the exposed Source Image input in Fuser\. No other editable inputs are listed for this recipe, so customization is centered on the terrain image you provide\. ## Used for - [Film & animation](https://fuser.studio/solutions/industries/film-animation.md): Develop film treatments, character and environment concepts, storyboards and motion studies\. Connect image, video and 3D exploration in Fuser\. - [Game development](https://fuser.studio/solutions/industries/game-development.md): Explore game characters, props and environments, develop 3D starting points and build playable web experiments\. Shape your game’s art direction in Fuser\. - [Video & storyboards](https://fuser.studio/solutions/use-cases/video-storyboards.md): Develop storyboard frames, shot variations and video studies from your references\. Compose clear boards and explore movement in one Fuser project\. ## Create a terrain height map Log in to Fuser to use a top\-down terrain image with this recipe and generate its paired image outputs\. [Use this recipe](https://app.fuser.studio) [Browse recipes](https://fuser.studio/recipes)