Need help getting started.

[NSVirginiaDivison]

Ive done the tutorials way back and i did those without any problem. Ive also looked all over for tutorials and help but, to no avail.

Id like to know
1) Where and what kind of data i need
2) How do i get raster maps for it
3) How do i know where the track will go
4) Any other tips

Thank you very much for any help

[geophil]

I'm on holidays right now, please excuse the rather short reply.
I suggest you look at the Quick Start Guide again.
You will need:

1. a DEM. SRTM will always work but if you are slightly more ambitious, you can go for USGS NED DEMs, for better resolution. You get them the via the USGS National Map Viewer.
2. raster maps. Easiest way is to use the TransDEM map tile client and Open Street Map as a provider. Open Street Map will tell you where the railroad is. Actually, it's easier to start with the map and then find the matching DEM for it.

[NSVirginiaDivison]

How do i use the street map and get my provider in there. it says i need a XMl file. Im using google earth.

[geophil]

Do the Map Tile Tutorial again, TransDEM main manual. It shows you how to import the settings (xml) and how to use the map tile client, including how to trace railroad lines.

[NSVirginiaDivison]

So i traced the Railroad line. One thing im confused on is how to get it all into trainz at that point.

[geophil]

Again, the Quick Start Guide: It points to a longish tutorial in the TransDEM Trainz manual, which takes all the geo data collected - in the tutorial case this is prefabricated data - and illustrates the steps to get the data into Trainz.