GSHHS data is very huge, so you must extract necessary data from data file.
Start command prompt, then change directory (folder):
cd folder name in which AutoCoast is installed
Next, extract data with GshhsExtractor tool:
GshhsExtractor [options] GSHHS_data_file_name min_longitude max_longitude min_latitude max_latitude
There are 4 types of GSHHS data files. You should use 'gshhs_f.b' file which is most detailed one.
Exsample: To extract data around Japan, type 'GshhsExtractor gshhs_f.b 125 150 25 50'.
![]() |
Caution |
---|---|
You can't extract data crossing greenwich. |
You can specify some options (usually, you don't need them):
By default, GshhsExtractor smoothes shoreline polygon, because GSHHS shore lines are a bit 'rough'.
To suppress this, specify '-n'.
Generate scenery data with AutoCoast tools:
autocoast [options] min_x min_y max_x max_y
You must specify 'cell' range. Cell is a unit of coast line scenery. There are 768 x 512 = 393,216 cells on the surface of the globe.
You can calculate cell coordinates with following expressions:
X = ([East longigude] + 180) / 360 x 768
Y = (90 - [North latitude]) / 180 x 512
You can use the calculator with Coast Line Maker.
Example:
autocoast 675 156 676 158
You can specify following options:
You can specify latitude/longitude in degree instead of cell coordinates.
This option tells the autocoast tool to fill some areas within each coast line. You should this option when you see unexpected 'water' within land.
A cell contains 32 x 32 areas. Specify 'width' of land area along shore line. Default value is 1.
Specify VTP polygon texture name to draw shore line polygon.
Default value is "1029" (Sandy beach with wave effect).