depends what version of db 1.x ... are we talking
darkbasic standard or enhanced?
if you use enhanced, i'd learn the memblocks carefully and then learn to plot matrix yourself (as they'll be faster than the builtin ones and better for collision detection.
if you have standard i'd suggest grabbing ahold of the directX or 3ds format headers ... creating what you need and export then import as an object. Slower and really should be built from a map - i believe there are some current map editors which will do it to a heightmap.
preloading would be a good idea as well, looking into the alternatives about to hit like UV Worlds would be good.
Anata aru kowagaru no watashi! 
