awh

.awh — ActiveWorlds Heightmap

Active Worlds, Inc. · 1995

Developer

Active Worlds, Inc.

Key Features

Stores elevation data for virtual terrain.
Proprietary format specific to Active Worlds.
Uses binary representation for efficiency.
Defines the geographical shape of virtual environments.

Best For

Creating and managing terrain in Active Worlds.
Storing raw heightmap data for virtual environments.
Customizing the topography of virtual landscapes.

Less Ideal For

General 3D modeling and rendering.
Storing complex scene geometry.
Interoperability with other 3D software.
Image editing or texture mapping.

Common Use Cases

Defining the landscape in Active Worlds virtual environments.
Modifying and updating terrain features in existing Active Worlds.
Importing custom terrain designs into Active Worlds.
Archiving virtual world terrain data.

How to Open It

Open the AWH file within the Active Worlds client software.
Use specialized tools or scripts designed for Active Worlds terrain manipulation.
Consider importing the heightmap data into a 3D modeling program if the format can be exported or converted.

What is a .awh file?

An AWH file is a proprietary terrain heightmap format used by the virtual world simulation software Active Worlds. It stores elevation data for a virtual landscape, defining the ups and downs of the terrain. This data is crucial for rendering realistic or stylized environments within the Active Worlds platform. While not widely used outside of its specific application, it plays a vital role in the creation and simulation of virtual worlds.

Programs That Open .awh Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Active Worlds	Free	Official

How to Convert .awh Files

Format	Method
.RAW HEIGHTMAP (E.G., .R8, .R16)	Active Worlds tools, Custom scripts
.3D MESH (E.G., OBJ)	Active Worlds export, 3D modeling software with import plugins

Common Problems with .awh Files

⚠️ Cannot open AWH file directly in standard image or 3D editors.

AWH files are proprietary and require specific Active Worlds software or specialized tools for viewing and editing.

⚠️ Difficulty converting AWH to other common 3D formats.

Use the export features within Active Worlds or look for third-party converters designed for this specific format, though options may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Active Worlds?▼

Active Worlds is a virtual world platform that allows users to create and explore 3D environments.

Can I edit an AWH file in Photoshop?▼

No, AWH files are not standard image files and cannot be opened or edited directly in image editing software like Photoshop.

Where can I find software to edit AWH files?▼

The primary software for editing AWH files is Active Worlds itself, or specific tools developed within the Active Worlds community.

Technical Details

The AWH format is a binary file that stores height data, typically as a grid of 16-bit unsigned integers. Each integer represents an elevation value at a specific point on the terrain grid. The dimensions of this grid define the size of the virtual landscape. It is a container for raw height data without complex scene information.

Did You Know?

The AWH format has been around since the mid-1990s, making it one of the older virtual world terrain formats.

It's a relatively simple binary format focused solely on elevation data, making it efficient for its intended purpose.

Security Information

AWH files are generally considered safe as they contain only terrain data. However, as with any file downloaded from the internet, exercise caution and ensure you are obtaining them from trusted sources to avoid potential malware bundled with related software.