Converting 3D into 2D

Is there a way of converting a level created with Maplet into a top-down 2d image and still be able to get the x and z co-ords when the mouse is positioned over the level.

Alternatively, is there a way that I could position the camera above the level and point it downwards, but remove the perspective


ie, from this
_________
¦\ /¦
¦ \____/ ¦
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
¦ ¦____¦ ¦
¦/______\¦ to this

_________
¦ ¦
¦ _____ ¦
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
¦ ¦____¦ ¦
¦________¦

Im trying to create a A* pathfinder/waypoint system, it uses nodes but is not limited to set paths like a wayoint systems, plus it doesn't use a lot of CPU time, which is associted with A*.

I know there may be systems out there already to do this, but im a newbie and this is my first project, and I need to complete this as part of my learning ( and my own self acheivement)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Take a look at CameraProjMode and orthographic projection.

Remove Perspective

CameraProjMode camera,2

ProjectedX and CameraPick (plus related commands) for converting coords 2d/3d

Thanx for the speedy replies, this looks exactly what I was looking for. Iwas trawling through the commands last night, why didn't i see it?

Thanks again