A real easy way to make a route map is to use a PNG graphic that contains the full route.

1. Make the route white on a transparent background.

2. In vegas, place the PNG on a track above the map. The entire route will be visible.

3. Open the pan/crop dialog for the route png and select the keyframe. This is your end point key.

4. Uncheck the 'Stretch to fill frame' box.

5. Move the key marker to the right towards the end of the graphic event.

6. Now move the pan/crop box along the route to the start of the journey, so that it is off the grey box. The preview window will just show your map.

7. Add a new keyframe at zero and select it.

8. Right click on the the grey box and select RESTORE from the pop-up menu. The pan/crop selection will return to center position, revealing the completed route.

9. Swap the position of the keyframes so that your journey starts before the ending. Adjust your keyframes for proper timing etc, and that's it.

note: If your route zigs & zags around a lot and the movement of the pan/crop box reveals another portion of the route, you can add keyframes at the appropriate spot and resize the box to only show the desired section.

For really complicated routes, make individual graphics for each leg of the journey and use multiple tracks. That way you can show doubling back and cross over previous routes, etc.

You can also use the parent/child effect to add color to your route.

The main thing is to start with a white route on a transparent background, It lets you have more options. You can create a transparent png in photoshop or paint shop pro (and other programs too, I've only used these two). If you can't make transparent graphic, use a white line on a solid black background and add the mask generator filter to the route graphic, it will do the same thing.

I can recommend studying GG's tutorial on sweeping light at the sundance site as he covers everything about the pan/crop box (and more!) that I mentioned above and will give you some ideas on what else is possible in vegas.

Good luck,
franco

Thanks Frank, Tom & Gary.

I'll try the instructions from Frank and send Tom my email address for his .veg file. If that doesn't work, I will take up your invetation, Gary, and send you my .veg file. BTW, GG, I have looked at many of your.veg files at Sundance and they are great!!! Just didn't see anything on the still animations. I'll look at the sweeping light again.

TomG

Hi TomG,

Here's a brief tutorial on lines & maps that I'll flesh-out more a little later:

http://www.martyhedler.com/homepage/Veg_Maps.html



HTH, MPH

Tips:
http://www.martyhedler.com/homepage/Vegas_Tutorials.html

Thanks, Marty.... That's EXACTLY what I am trying to do. I'm still rather dense when it comes to "visioning" how to do this with using a wipe between the two pictures and look forward to viewing the veggie. Any chance I could get an advanced peek?

TomG

Do you have Photoshop? Maybe with ImageReady (animated .gif), alpha channel and you lay the track on top... And don't forget the "resample" switch!

Yes, I've got Photoshop but haven't done much with ImageReady. I'll get in there and do some more messing around. Thanks for reminding me about resampling, seems like I always forget that too (must be the aging process!!!) I'm sure Marty will include this mention when he completes his tutorial.

Thanks again,
TomG

Hi TomG, all...

There is now a link for the veg file at the bottom of the tut. Enjoy!


mph