CivPlacementTool (CPT) is made to move civs (starting positions) in a Civilization III save game.
It uses the same format (CPF) as Civ3MultiTool (C3MT), but does NOT require any part of C3MT to run.
CPT is programmed in C++, and should be easier to get running then C3MT. It is also smaller, and it is harder to corrupt a SAV.

CPT does not currently have full support for all functions in the CPF format, but the must common functions are in.

CPT also has mush less error handling then C3MT, and can't load corrupt SAVs.


Version history
--------------------------------------
v1.00
- Can move civs according to a CPF-file, and get the FOW right.
v1.01
- Takes command line parameters
v1.02
- Bug fixed whit lower number of civs then number of entries in the CPF file
v1.03
- Default extensions added to the dialogs
v1.04
- Fixed to work with v1.17f
v1.05
- Upgraded to work with compressed SAVs (1.21f)


List of unsupported functions
--------------------------------------
* CPT does not read any Rules, and uses only the ID for not in-game-renamed civs.
* Only the default FOW format for the CPF-files is supported (but the alternate (original) format is not official, so that shouldn't hurt anyone but me)



Redistribution
--------------------------------------
This tool is not as subjected to change as C3MT, and I'll allow any map creator to include it with his map.
As long as the readme is maintained, and the site (this thread) where they can check for updated versions of this tool is listed in your own readme.
You should also always check if a new version has been released before upgrading your version.



Once more for all that had/have problem with the MultiTool:
This tool is not made in VB, and does not require vb-riuntimes.


v1.00 replaced with v1.01 after 170 downloads.
v1.01 replaced with v1.02 after 929 downloads.
v1.02 replaced with v1.04 after 499 downloads.
v1.04 replaced with v1.05 after 2166 downloads.

Can you give instructions on how to use it?

Originally posted by GenghisVick
Can you give instructions on how to use it?
It is as earlier.
1. Start a game as you want it (on a map that you have a CPF for).
2. Save the game.
3. Run the exe (no need to exit Civ3)
4. The Exe will ask for a SAV, find the SAV you saved
5. The exe will ask for a CPF file. Locate the CPF-for the map
6. The exe will ask for a file to save it to. (Type in a new name (don't use the file it reads from, as it reads and writes at the same time))
6. A message "Done!" will show up when the SAV is fixed
7. Load the fixed SAV in the game.

The first post is updated.

If you aren't going to make a command script to change the positions, you won't need this update (unless you want to get rid of the Done! message)

The syntax is in the readme.

Also, if anyone with XP could confirm that this tool works :keeps fingers crossed:

I'm a little confused about the CPF files. Do we have to create them for each map? Is that done in a text editor? And If you play with, say, 5 civs, do you have to include the 11 civs you don't use in the CPF file?

Thanks.

Originally posted by Capt40
I'm a little confused about the CPF files. Do we have to create them for each map? Is that done in a text editor? And If you play with, say, 5 civs, do you have to include the 11 civs you don't use in the CPF file?

Thanks.
They have to be made for each map, unless the coordinates and sight are the same of the starting positions.

Only civs in the FOW will be moved, but there might be some errors if civs are moved on top of each other (ie one civ is moved, and the other stays.) but if you only play with some civs you should do fine with them.

The file is done in any text editor.

Ok, I see. Thanks.

I am still confused how to find or create these cpf files. I love using this application. I used it successfully with Marla's map, but I would like to be able to play on a smaller map. Where can I find a smaller cpf file to accomplish this goal? Maybe I just do not understand how the program works. Please Help!! Thanks a lot.

Originally posted by epsilon97
I am still confused how to find or create these cpf files. I love using this application. I used it successfully with Marla's map, but I would like to be able to play on a smaller map. Where can I find a smaller cpf file to accomplish this goal? Maybe I just do not understand how the program works. Please Help!! Thanks a lot.
You can create them yourself. The format is described in the readme file.
If you can't figure out the sight: Set it to
xxx
xox
xxx
and adjust it when you start each time. You should get it quite quickly.

If you don't post again.

Hi Gramphos,

A great utility and easy to use but to help those who cannot fathom the FOW and co-ordinates how about generating a CPF file after all it is only a reverse of writing the parameters.
I would have done it but I don't have the time to work out the save game structure.

Maybe, but right now I have many other things to do.

Bug fixed with less civs in the game then in the file.

I can also make a notice that C3CT can generate the FOW data for a map.

First post updated

Originally posted by Gramphos

It is as earlier.
1. Start a game as you want it (on a map that you have a CPF for).
2. Save the game.
3. Run the exe (no need to exit Civ3)
4. The Exe will ask for a SAV, find the SAV you saved
5. The exe will ask for a CPF file. Locate the CPF-for the map
6. The exe will ask for a file to save it to. (Type in a new name (don't use the file it reads from, as it reads and writes at the same time))
6. A message "Done!" will show up when the SAV is fixed
7. Load the fixed SAV in the game.

Sorry; I'm not up on all the terms & congi's. What is a CPF :confused: and how do I fine the right one???? :rolleyes:

Sure this should be odvious; but I have a life beyound Civ & Civ-fourms. <(Prospecting is still ahead of Civ - a little- and I still don't follow all the initials on the prospecting fourms)> There are several initials that I have questions about; but, to best use the program, I'ld think I should know this one.

Thanks

P.S.__ if some one could put out a text file with all the terms, initials, et. al, and there meanings; it would help. Could some one post me if this ever happens?.
cedonaldson@starband.net

"Go for the (real) Gold ..."
http://tobi_wan_2.tripod.com/PeacocksDen.html
:D

A CPF is a file that tells the program how to move the civs, and how to deal with the sight.

Some maps have them, some don't.
If you want to use a map that hasn't you need C3MT. (teoretically you can do it without, but it is done mush faster with)
1. Start the CopyTool
2. Load the map
3. Locate the Generate CPF button
4. Press that button :p
5. Select where to save the file.
6. Everything easy is now done.
7. Locate the CPF and load it in notepad.
8. The CPF now has all player starting locations, with sight in it. All you have to do is to edit it to be right civ at right place. To do this Go down to the first ID=, check what coordinates that is on, and change it to the number of the civ you want to place there. Also change the Name to the right name.
1=Rome
2=Egypt
3=Greece
4=Babylon
5=Germany
6=Russia
7=China
8=America
9=Japan
10=France
11=India
12=Persia
13=Aztecs
14=Zululand
15=Iroquois
16=England

Save your work, and the CPF is ready.

Originally posted by Gramphos
".................................................. ............
A CPF is a file that tells the program how to move the civs, and how to deal with the sight.

Some maps have them, some don't.
If you want to use a map that hasn't you need C3MT. (teoretically you can do it without, but it is done mush faster with)
1. Start the CopyTool
2. Load the map
3. Locate the Generate CPF button
4. Press that button :p
5. Select where to save the file.
6. Everything easy is now done.
7. Locate the CPF and load it in notepad.
8. The CPF now has all player starting locations, with sight in it. All you have to do is to edit it to be right civ at right place. To do this Go down to the first ID=, check what coordinates that is on, and change it to the number of the civ you want to place there. Also change the Name to the right name.
...................."

Save your work, and the CPF is ready.

Thank's "Gramphos"; this should be helpful to me. Now I need to find out what 'C3MT' is; I will re-read some postings where I have seen that. I'm rather sure I saw it on a posting that stated what 'C3MT' is. I downloaded several Civ3 Tools & user-made units last night. I have a feeling that a "C3MT" was amoung the stuf I downloaded ??? :confused: ???
Gramphos; I'm curious --- from where comes 'Gramphos' . I often use 'Golddigger'; 'Mudsucker'; and 'Peacock'. Golddigger & Mudsucker are directly related to my gold prospecting (i.e. 'digging' & 'dreduging' for the gold -- not mush gold but lots of fun). Peacock is relaetd to our small gold claim & to the peacocks I used to raise. If you want to; post me at:: cedonaldson@starband.net
Again; thank you.

Originally posted by golddigger
Thank's "Gramphos"; this should be helpful to me. Now I need to find out what 'C3MT' is; I will re-read some postings where I have seen that. I'm rather sure I saw it on a posting that stated what 'C3MT' is. I downloaded several Civ3 Tools & user-made units last night. I have a feeling that a "C3MT" was amoung the stuf I downloaded ??? :confused: ???
It' my other utilly you are lookning for. :rolleyes: Civ3MultiTool

Gramphos...another masterpiece, thanks.:goodjob:

You ought to hit Firaxis up for a job when you graduate from university. You could be potentially dangerous to them in the hands of another software company, so they should get you on their side of the fence while they still have a chance. ;)

i made a 180x180 map for 5 civilization, can anyone help me out with the placement? i have no idea how to use this program.
it will be great if someone can give me a dummy step by step tutorial

Can some one place a example plaement file here, because the one I made nvere seems to work? :(

Originally posted by SouthPaw
"... i have no idea how to use this program.
it will be great if someone can give me a dummy step by step tutorial ..."

:confused: :crazyeyes
Yes; Please ----------- a "Step by Step" would really help

:love: Civ; :love: Gold Prospecting
:lol:

Originally posted by Deathwalker
Can some one place a example plaement file here, because the one I made nvere seems to work? :(
Here are two files. The first one moves all civs to the upper left corner, it gives you the correct names and IDs for the different civs.

The second one is the one included with Marla's map, and was the first CPF made for a map.

I'll try to write a small step by step thing.

1. Make sure you have CPT and C3MT (both by me)
2. Create your map, and place the overlay-starting positions where you want civs to start.
3. Start the CopyTool (part of C3MT) and load your map BIC.
4. Cick on Generate CPF and select a name of your CPF-file and when done exit C3MT.
5. Locate the created file and load it with Notepad
6. Take a look at the file, so that it has the correct number of positions. They are in the file in the order they were found on the map (searched from upper left corner row by row)
7. For each starting position in the file:
&nbsp;&nbsp;a) Check what civ that shall be placed on the given coordinates. (using the editor (I sugest that you make a list at first, but if you haven't use the editor))
&nbsp;&nbsp;b) Change the ID and the NAME to the corresponding civs
8. Save your work; it's now ready for testing


List of default Civs and IDs
ID NAME
1 Rome
2 Egypt
3 Greece
4 Babylon
5 Germany
6 Russia
7 China
8 America
9 Japan
10 France
11 India
12 Persia
13 Aztecs
14 Zululand
15 Iroquois
16 England
If you want a specific placement if the Civ is renamed to something specific (In Marlas map Sweden ;)) you can use any name, as long as you set the ID=-1

I posted this on the Marla's map thread on Apolyton and got no responses.

I'm trying to start my second game with correct starting locations on Marla's glorious map, and repeatedly encountering an IO error when loading the FIXED.SAV file. I had no such problem the first time I started one of these games, but this time it keeps on happening and I can't get past it. I've tried shutting CivIII down while running the correction program, and restarting the whole thing. Same trouble each time. The only thing I've done differently this time from the time it worked is to choose a different civ to play (Greeks) and to choose my opponents rather than make them random.

Any suggestions/fixes?? Is there a bug in the cpt program that's known?

Could you zip together your savs, both fix and the fixed. I'd like to have a look at them. Do you use 1.17f, or an earlier version?

1.04 doesn't work with the 1.21f version ! :(

Originally posted by Eyn
1.04 doesn't work with the 1.21f version ! :(

Yes sir! But it is cause civ.bic file have been changed. It is now the version 2. he he :). hope less bug.......

The reason why there is no working version yet is that the saves are compressed, asnd I don't know the routine to uncompress and compress them. I'm working on it.

Okay, thanks to chiefpaco, for finding an almost working decompression algorithm for the compression the DCL used, and to jimmyh for helping me modifying and testing it to work with Civ3 files, I can now decompress them. Finally thanks to Mike at Firaxis (or whoever made it possible to still load uncompressed saves (of the latest format) in Civ3) for that I don't have to make a compress function yet.

It's now working: CPT 1.05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(see first post)

Thank you Thank you Thank you
I am the first one to download it!
Now I can finally play with normall rules on normal maps
Horray!![dance]

So, if you find any bugs, I'll be awake in five more minutes.

tryed it on 3 maps and didn't gind any bugs!
This is grate!

:goodjob:

Merci beaucoup Gramphos !

:goodjob:

Originally posted by Gramphos
Okay, thanks to chiefpaco, for finding an almost working decompression algorithm for the compression the DCL used, and to jimmyh for helping me modifying and testing it to work with Civ3 files, I can now decompress them. Finally thanks to Mike at Firaxis (or whoever made it possible to still load uncompressed saves (of the latest format) in Civ3) for that I don't have to make a compress function yet.

It's now working: CPT 1.05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(see first post)

:lol: Just when I had almost perfected my first scenario, they released the new patch, and there is no workable SGE anymore!

I hope this means you are close to making a new one? :groucho:

I'm glad you updated this so quickly. My least favorite thing about civ3 (and about my only dislike ) has been the lack of starting locations. I'm glad that the only thing of the I dislike about 1.21f has been corrected with a new version of this goodjob:

Originally posted by joespaniel


:lol: Just when I had almost perfected my first scenario, they released the new patch, and there is no workable SGE anymore!

I hope this means you are close to making a new one? :groucho:
Well, first I have to decide wether I shall port the decompression code to VB, make a DLL or make a decompress.exe file which takes parameters for C3MT to use (the latest is the easiest, and maybe will do for the first version, but it may still take some time to finish the SGE.)

Hi

Could someone please post v.104 of CPT back on the forum, for us Mac folk who are still using only v1.17f of Civilization (yes, it's the latest one available at the moment.) Incidentally, have any mac people got this to work, either via the Mac or on Virtual PC?

Thanks a lot!

TGA:)

Well, I got v1.04 off the web, but just like the latest version, when I use it on my mac save (v1.17f) (in Virtual PC, which runs Windows 95 on the mac) it just means that 'fixed.sav' comes up with the starting view in the right place, but the units under cover of darkness in their original location, and when you move them, they show up there. (The correct starting location remains covered up, so you can for example see other civs found cities there.) What's going on!? Is there a fix for this, or some other way of getting it to work for the mac?

I'd be interested in seeing the fixed sav from your run.

Also, 1.05 should still work with the old saves.

Sure, this is the fix.sav I started with and the fixed.sav I ended up with.

Oh, and thanks a lot for taking the time to look into this :D - I'm sure there are a lot of other mac users who are curious.

Are they to big to attach? Did you zip them?

Does this tool work to fix the starting positions on Marla's World Map?

-Alech

It should do. That was the map I was using when making the first version :)

Originally posted by Gramphos

It is as earlier.
1. Start a game as you want it (on a map that you have a CPF for).
2. Save the game.
3. Run the exe (no need to exit Civ3)
4. The Exe will ask for a SAV, find the SAV you saved
5. The exe will ask for a CPF file. Locate the CPF-for the map
6. The exe will ask for a file to save it to. (Type in a new name (don't use the file it reads from, as it reads and writes at the same time))
6. A message "Done!" will show up when the SAV is fixed
7. Load the fixed SAV in the game.

What is a CPF File? I have several saved maps, including Marla Singer's and KittenofChaos' but there are no CPF files to open. Help!

Hi there,

I am currently playing KittensWoldMap. It uses this tool to correclty place the various civs. That works really fine.

However I notice something rather strange: I started a game as a Babylonian and was given a starting position WITHOUT a river next to my settler.
I then used the tool to replace the civs. I noticed later in game that I need to build an Aquaduct in my Capital (which is right between two rivers). Could this be connected to the old starting position and therefor be a result of the replacement via this tool?

Greetings

Theo

Originally posted by theobaldus
Hi there,

I am currently playing KittensWoldMap. It uses this tool to correclty place the various civs. That works really fine.

However I notice something rather strange: I started a game as a Babylonian and was given a starting position WITHOUT a river next to my settler.
I then used the tool to replace the civs. I noticed later in game that I need to build an Aquaduct in my Capital (which is right between two rivers). Could this be connected to the old starting position and therefor be a result of the replacement via this tool?

Greetings

Theo
It's more likely a result of a bug with tyhe editor up to 1.16f (was corrected with the 1.17f editor) which didn't set the riverbytes properly. But to be 100% sure you should test to move the unit before you buiold the city, and then move it back building it on the same place. If you then can build an aqueduct it must be related to CPT, but I don't know how.

Originally posted by nwoglobalist


What is a CPF File? I have several saved maps, including Marla Singer's and KittenofChaos' but there are no CPF files to open. Help!
The CPF file is a file for the map. It's put in by the creator, and Marlas' map has one (if it's downloaded from here or from Apolyton.) So does KittenofChaos'.

Hi,

Sorry about the delay, but here's the fixed.sav when you run a Mac fix.sav saved game through CPT (using Virutal PC, a program which lets you emulate Windows on the Mac.) LIke I desribed in my earlier post, it's weird. Could you fix it?

Thanks a LOT, really, :king: ,

Thomas Ash

PS: It's in StuffIt format (www.alladinsys.com if you don't have StuffIt expander)

In case that.sit (which is what the the suffix should be), here's a .sav

Originally posted by thomasash
PS: It's in StuffIt format (www.alladinsys.com if you don't have StuffIt expander)
StuffIt? Never heard of it... I uze RAR, ZIP, ACE, TAR, GZip, ARJ, LHZ, CAB, MS Compressed files (.??_) as ow now. (might) have forgotten something.

Do you have the unfixed save as well? I want to see if it gets fixed correctly if I run it at a PC, and what CPF should I use?

This is very strange... That save shows up right for me. I'll need a normal MAC save for this.

Phew... I've got it to work, so panic over :D .

Mac users, if you have VPC, this is what you need to do: 1) DRAG the file into the virtual Windows environment, 2) Run CPT, and wait a bit, 3) DRAG the file back into the mac desktop.

Thanks for all your help, Gramphos. There's actually now probably no need to do a port, now that the scenario editor's coming.

Thomas Ash :king:

Is anyone else not able to see other Civs on the Foreign Advisor screen after they move around the starting points with this tool?

uh oh.. hey gramphos, i tried to correct the places using marla's world map, and i got something i think to be an error, after fixing the save, it says "invalid type". could you give me a hint as to what this is? also, i downloaded marla's world map and i used the cpt that came with it. i think it might just be an older version with the map, could you help me with this?
thanks

Just replace the CPT exe that come wih the Map with the exe in this thread, and it will be able to handle compressed saves.

thanks man, i did that and it worked right.
one thing though, after doing that, my game started crashin, then my computer crashed once without runnin the game, could this be something about your tool...?
it crashed at the end of the turn, twice, hard drive light went out, and both turns ended with a great wonder being built (cornecopicus observatory and leonardos workshop)

Sounds as if you miss a wondersplash or something. Nothing to do with my tool. And I haven't heard anyone else with that problem.

Surprised no one found this problem before!

I've made a map (10 starting locations), and start a game with me and the full 9 opponents. On this map there is a particular starting position I want, so I go to the CPT. Now, when I change my starting location to the one I want, obviously I've now replaced the civ that was originally placed there by default.

What happens is that I have replaced the starting position of the original civ, and so that civ doesn't exist - so to say. You can still contact them, trade and all (but if you get one of their maps you get nothing), but they essentially don't exist. This is really annoying. On my specific map, it is an 'islands' type map where each civ gets its own little island - therefore one island is left empty. This leaves an empty island that the AI obviously goes nuts for, thus leaving a horrible imbalance in the game.

Sorry for all the rambling, but is there a fix for this?

Could you email that map, and maybe two saves (one before and one after CPT) and the cpf you used to gramphos@apolyton.net?

I think that it should work. But I'm not exactly sure. However, I don't think CPT will delete any units. :confused:

I sent you the files Gramphos, they're pretty big but they're sent.

hello? Gramphos?

I e-mailed you back a couple days ago and have gotten no reply... started a new game on the map, same problem.

I'm busy cleaning my room before a period of inactivity. :rolleyes:

Exsanguination
may be in your cpf are two civs with equal id?

Is there going to be one for version 1.29?

Originally posted by gunning1
Is there going to be one for version 1.29?
Why?

1.29f supports placing locations in the editor.

I might make a CPF+BIC -> BIC importer, but I see no reason to keep this tool.

Oh, I didn't know it supported it.
Thanks.

yes 1.29f support civ locations ... and placing cities, units :)

Gramphos, thanks for all your work with CPT which was (for me) the most interesting utility for Civ3 and which is still usefull for non-english version of Civ3 !

Yes the CPT was the one tools I always used when playing the game. I always like playing on premade maps like earth and this tools made it beter :)

Dude!

I still liked the program. :goodjob:

It was useful for playing where you wanted. Sure it is great that patch 1.29f has the ability to place a civ start where you wish, but CPT was definately useful.

Thanks again for your efforts. :D

I just loaded up the patch 1.29, installed civ3 and marla's earth map. So how do we set correct starting positions? I can't find anything in the editer about starting positions. Also, when I tried the old way recommended in marla's documentation, I got "invalid type" error after saving as "fix" and selecting "correct starting positions" from the start menu.

Do we have to do it the hard way and go through each civilization in the editor and place a town for each on the map?

with 1.29 patch civ3editor can set starting locations for each civ
no need CPT (but French users with their 1.21 french Civ3 should use it)

The Marla's map u have dl is only the *.bic of the map (u can found in Civ3.com) or the whole pack with CPT ?

run civ3edit, load marla's map *.bic
menu: Select Overlay - Player Starting Location - OK
plant the starting location, right clic on it, clic reassign and choose the civ !

Thanks a lot Eyn for your advice. That makes sense. I'm gonna try it and then fire up a game right now.

:D

For the love of God will someone help me with this cpf crap? I didn't think I'd have to be a programmer to operate this program.

This sounds like a great utility. Im late getting into Civ 3 but now that I am into it, i'm soaking up all I can. Does this utility support ptw?

You dont need it for PTW, C3C or even a patched version of Civ 3. You ca set this in the editor :)

This utility is since long dead, but the source is posted somewhere, and the code is reused in CDT which means that CDT can handle CPF-files, and CDT supports PTW. But as said before startingpostions can be set per civpacis in the editor since a patch of Civ3.

However, this utility has some features not availible in the editor. (You could for instance define startinglocations for civs not in the game, and if anyone nemed himself like that civ he would end up there instead of the place where the renamed civ belongs)

I tried this - using and modifying one of the cpf examples given,

Some of my civs are in the right place, some are just missing and during the 1st turn - civ3 crashes when it gets to the missing civs?

can anyone explain this 'in sight' 'out of sight' function as well as id's

I'm using the huge earth map supplied with civ3.

Thanks

This tool is depriciated. Upgrade to Civ3 1.29f and use the extended editor abilities instead.

I'm even having problems with the latest 1.29f patch,

It seems that it wont read the disk sine i have the wrong version of Civ3 - Think ive got a uk version and the patch is for US version,


All im trying to do is play the world with everyone in the correct places.

http://www.uk.atari.com/index.php?pg=game_detail&productID=1

Have just downloaded the Atari 1.29 patch and I'm again getting the "please insert civilization disk into CD drive".

Has anyone actually got the patch for a uk version. I've now tried the one from this site, Atari and from Civ3.com

Any ideas ?

That patch workes for me. I have the initial Civ3 EU version (The one that shiped in a papercase and started at version 1.07f)

I got it working - Thanks Gramphos for the help - i dont know what i did, but it decided to work. I think restating the machine before and after removal and instalation may have helped. Settings that required a reboot to take affect.