> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://raia-software-inc.gitbook.io/tacview/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://raia-software-inc.gitbook.io/tacview/customization/terrain/terrain-elevation/elevation-maps.md).

# Elevation Maps

To add an elevation map, make a copy of the file

`C:\Program Files (x86)\Tacview\Data\Terrain\Custom\CustomHeightmapList.xml`

into a subfolder of your choice inside

`%PROGRAMDATA%\Tacview\Data\Terrain\Custom\` or

`%APPDATA%\Tacview\Data\Terrain\Custom\`

You can rename the `XML` file as desired.

Open the `XML` file which is now in your `%PROGRAMDATA%` or `%APPDATA%` folder. Following the instructions and examples in the file, add a new entry for your elevation map. Place your elevation map file in the same folder. Re-launch Tacview.

Go to `Options`→`Terrain` and ensure that `Real Terrain` is selected.

![Terrain Elevation Menu Option](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2a06c1d335ebefd14b3ca741cd774c6b7b5369ae%2Felevation-menu-option.png?alt=media)

### Tips

* If your elevation map is unsigned, add the flag `<Signed>false</Signed>`.
* `AltitudeFactor` and `AltitudeOffset` serve to convert the raw values stored in the elevation map into the final altitude used by Tacview. If not specified, the default values are

  `AltitudeFactor` = `1.0` and

  `AltitudeOffset` = `0.0`

  The conversion is performed as follows:

  `finalValue = (altitude * AltitudeFactor) + AltitudeOffset`

  rounded to a signed 16-bit value.