Coruscant Surface Assistance

I used the Coruscant Surface created by Ian Foster to create the above three images. THe obvious problem is that it is VERY memory intensive, and I simply cannot get the vast distance/horizon effect I am looking for. I do not know how to make matte paintings, nevermind making ones high resolution enough to have as a spherical map I can apply. Does anyone have any advice/tips? Thanks in advance.

[image=http://img48.exs.cx/img48/5470/CoruscantSurface1.jpg]

[image=http://img48.exs.cx/img48/4262/CoruscantSurface2.jpg]

[image=http://img48.exs.cx/img48/6888/CoruscantSurface3.jpg]

 

For sections that are further off I would just render out the top of the surface and apply it as a texture to a plane, that would make the rendering times much faster.

 

If you are using 3d max there is a plugin called Greedable...It basically automatically creates different size shapes and heights on a plane.I just can't remember where to find it.

~Rory

 

It's Greeble

 

oops sorry.

 

here's a tutorial on how to create a city with greeble
clickie

~Rory