How can I represent 3D world space with 2D tiles? I do not mean isometric, which is visually represent 3D objects in 2D space.
Let's say there's some height map, and each 2D tile (X, Y) represents a coordinate on the top of the map - so the Y is generated automatically, X stays the same and the tile's Y is the 3D Z component. Is it the right way to transform 2D coordinate to a 3D coordinate (again, on top of the terrain)?
Also - is it possible to implement water effect this way?
I'd like to read any articles/tutorials/opinions on this subject and how to implement it.
Thanks!