Navigate to your Planet Zoo terrain folder. Typically: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Saved Games\Frontier Developments\Planet Zoo\[Long Number String]\Heights
While you can’t download raw .tif files directly from the Steam Workshop, you can download "sculpted" maps created by others, delete their buildings, and use their terrain as your base. How to Import Your Height Map
This is for the hardcore zoo tycoon. You don't need to download a Planet Zoo file; you can download real Earth data. planet zoo height map download
Guide to Planet Zoo Height Maps: Downloads and Implementation Planet Zoo
So, you have downloaded a file called Alpine_Valley.png . Now what? Do not just drag it into your pictures folder. Navigate to your Planet Zoo terrain folder
When you import a height map into Planet Zoo , the game engine reads these color values and automatically sculpts the terrain to match the image. This allows for a level of precision and scale that is nearly impossible to achieve with the standard "raise" and "lower" terrain brushes.
Sculpting a mountain range takes hours. It involves pushing terrain, smoothing jagged edges, and constantly toggling the camera view to check the silhouette. A height map download accomplishes this in seconds. A complex landscape that would take a week to build by hand can be generated almost instantly, freeing up your time to focus on habitat design, scenery, and animal welfare. You don't need to download a Planet Zoo
The game did not read the contrast of the image. This usually happens if your PNG is 32-bit or indexed color. Fix: Open the image in Paint.NET or Photoshop. Go to Adjustments > Auto-Contrast . Resave as a standard 24-bit PNG. Re-import.