hmm.. I am having some problems with this version.. it is saving every map no matter what options I set it to..

Am I doing something wrong?

hmm.. I am having some problems with this version.. it is saving every map no matter what options I set it to..

Am I doing something wrong?

Make sure the value of "Save ALL maps of domination limit >= this number" in the File/Setup/Extra tab is at least equal or greater than the Minimum Domination limit of the acceptable map.

//Edit: Just change it to v5.7. There wasn't thing different between v5.6 and v5.7 except for extra syntax check on the new options to make sure they are valid; otherwise, if you forget to set them correctly (or not setting them at all), all a lot of maps will be saved.

Link to the latest:
MapFinder 2005 v5.7 (updated Jan 24, 2005) (http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads8/MapFinder2005v5r7.zip)

ah.. I get it.. it was the minimum cow count.. when I left that at -1 it would save all maps with -1 or more cows :lol:

ah.. I get it.. it was the minimum cow count.. when I left that at -1 it would save all maps with -1 or more cows :lol:

My bad! I had already fixed that one in version 5.7 too.:)

Perhaps instead of implementing complex logic, i.e.
(2 cows) OR (1 cow AND 1 wheat) OR ...
the user could assign his own values for each resource or luxury, such as cow=10, ivory=5, and also require the total to be above some number for a map to be saved.

The same would work for terrain, but here the user might put negative values for tundra and desert, positive values for grassland. The "maximum" column could mean count only this many squares towards the total, for example, only count 1 fresh water square towards the desired total.

This would allow freedom for the user to select which maps to save and wouldn't be hard to program within the current MapFinder framework.

What do people think?

I second bluejay's suggestion, I'm thinking something more along a weight. But this would take a not minor redesign of the UI.

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing a generic collection of criteria that I can set to decide to save a game. Currently its a "all of this stuff" which is hit or miss IMO, you either get lucky, or you set your criteria down and end up not benefitting much from the process.

With a generic collection, I could set the first to 2 cows minimum, the second to 3 bonus food, the third to 3 gold generating luxuries. This borders on whats been suggested with adding some minor conditional code.

Not sure how your code binded with Diantius's(sp?) dll, but I think I could write up another small dll that would parse a file with these conditionals or weightings, and sit there ready to be called and calculated. All you would need do is say what you need returned and what data you would send.

(For the weighting option)
It could be something as simple as the number and variety of resources, and you'd expect a single number back. Say you weigh grassland cows at 1.0, plains cows at 0.25, grassland wheat at 0.75 and plains wheat at 0.75. And you have bonus food set to 1 or greater to save. With a grass cows, 4 plain cows, and 2 of either wheat you would save, and of course any combination of these.

(For the conditionals option)
This is effecively the same as the weighting, but its more straightforward for the average human. The above example would be more clearly: grass cow or plain cow >= 4 or any wheat > 2.



Both achieve the same purpose and both are better suited in different cases. I would personally prefer the weighting option, because with conditionals I would have to think too hard to be sure I got all the options, whereas the weights I just give every object one and let math do all the work.





On another note, I had some problems running this initially and I figured I would share (and hope this wasn't already raised in pages 7-17), using the WindowsFileBox option in the .ini file causes the game to crash everytime a map is saved.

And one final suggestion, change the Setup text "delay for Loading Game" to "delay for Creating Game" or better yet "delay for Generating Map", for the longest time I was completely confused by this. I though it was related to the conquests restarting thing (ie actually loading the game). I was setting it to 35s and wondering why the app was so damn irresponsive. This coupled with my earlier problem with it crashing the game, I didn't immediately realize that that crashing was unintentional.

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing a generic collection of criteria that I can set to decide to save a game. Currently its a "all of this stuff" which is hit or miss IMO, you either get lucky, or you set your criteria down and end up not benefitting much from the process.

With a generic collection, I could set the first to 2 cows minimum, the second to 3 bonus food, the third to 3 gold generating luxuries. This borders on whats been suggested with adding some minor conditional code.

Originally, the program was designed to look for one set of criteria: map with high domination limit with cattle and river visible at the starting location. That was it! Since then, it has evolved like crazy; therefore, the only way to fullfill everyone wish is to have a logic interpreter (fully supporting AND, OR, open and close bracket, and the whole nine yard that goes with it) so that users can configure/setup their own set of criteria. IMO, that would the next step in this evolution!

Not sure how your code binded with Diantius's(sp?) dll, but I think I could write up another small dll that would parse a file with these conditionals or weightings, and sit there ready to be called and calculated. All you would need do is say what you need returned and what data you would send.

If you happen to find any source code for a simple calculator, please post the link...because I could easily adapt it into this program to interpret logic instead of numerical operators. For example, instead of handling + or -, it will be handling AND, OR logic instead. A piece of cake! That would be much easier than having to write a recursive routine from scratch to parse user conditional inputs.

Just want to let you know version 5.7 seems pretty stable.. just came back home after a week away, and its still running, and has done 37k map generations :)

If you happen to find any source code for a simple calculator, please post the link...because I could easily adapt it into this program to interpret logic instead of numerical operators. For example, instead of handling + or -, it will be handling AND, OR logic instead. A piece of cake! That would be much easier than having to write a recursive routine from scratch to parse user conditional inputs.

I've written code of this nature many times, what sort of interface are you looking for?

The simpliest I think, and would solve the most problems, would be to have a number of drop down boxes with your operations, one would be a terrain, the other would be the resources, others would include your operand (<,>,=,etc) and your control (a number typically). This with an Add button would add the current selected traits to a list, which could be manipulated by selecting a rule and deleting it (the only other action would be to edit, but that would require you updating the boxes which isn't essential, delete and readd is easy enough to start).

For instance ([] is to denote the drop down box selected item):
[grassland][cow][>][0] Add
[plains][cow][>][1] Add
[grassland][wheat][>][1] Add
[plains][wheat][>][3] Add

Then in the list you would have 4 items:
Save when there are:
more than 0 cows on grasslands OR
more than 1 cows on plains OR
more than 1 wheats on grasslands OR
more than 3 wheats on plains


So that leaves AND as the only logical operations left out of this description. So the last box would contain AND/OR, OR would be default and contained here only for consistency. Adding AND would make the list order based, so to accomplish and AND case you first enter your condition with AND selected, then add the next condition (adding AND again here would make it a 3 conditon AND). Deciding whether this is before or after the case makes no difference but can be important since once an AND is preset the list then depends on the order, and thus editing a condition then becomes more essential.



The point of this interface description is that 1.) you do need to parse text nor error check since you cannot create an erronous conditon using the interface, and 2.) its a simple interface that I've seen many times and its pretty simple to code. It would be easier to write it than search for it I would think. Of the top of my head GameSpy uses an interface very similar to this for dealing with its filter rules (filtering servers).

Also I have some code that deals with this sort of issue, although on a completely different problem set, so I can search my backups and find it. Let me know if you want this, or if you prefer pseducode. Its possible that I could rewrite my code to something in english easier than you could read the code, specially if you are a pascal/delphi coder predominately.



So let me know if this is the sort of thing you are thinking.

Just want to let you know version 5.7 seems pretty stable.. just came back home after a week away, and its still running, and has done 37k map generations :)
It's been real stable for me too, running every day while I'm at work and over the weekend while I'm away. Nice one Moonsinger! :goodjob:

I do have a suggestion though. I think this should be easier to implement than many of the others. I've been using the "Minimum # Food Bonus" recently rather than "Minimum # Cattle" as I'm also interested in Grassland Wheat or Floodplains Wheat for +4 food in Despotism. I'm getting lots of other types of food bonus though, such as Fish/Game/Oasis. I'm wondering if you could allow us to specify an amount of food that qualifies as a Food Bonus. That way I could set it to +5 (=+4 in Despotism) to find maps with 3 or more tiles with 5 or more food in them. What do you think?

I've written code of this nature many times, what sort of interface are you looking for?

The simpliest I think, and would solve the most problems, would be to have a number of drop down boxes with your operations, one would be a terrain, the other would be the resources, others would include your operand (<,>,=,etc) and your control (a number typically). This with an Add button would add the current selected traits to a list, which could be manipulated by selecting a rule and deleting it (the only other action would be to edit, but that would require you updating the boxes which isn't essential, delete and readd is easy enough to start).

For instance ([] is to denote the drop down box selected item):
[grassland][cow][>][0] Add
[plains][cow][>][1] Add
[grassland][wheat][>][1] Add
[plains][wheat][>][3] Add

Then in the list you would have 4 items:
Save when there are:
more than 0 cows on grasslands OR
more than 1 cows on plains OR
more than 1 wheats on grasslands OR
more than 3 wheats on plains


So that leaves AND as the only logical operations left out of this description. So the last box would contain AND/OR, OR would be default and contained here only for consistency. Adding AND would make the list order based, so to accomplish and AND case you first enter your condition with AND selected, then add the next condition (adding AND again here would make it a 3 conditon AND). Deciding whether this is before or after the case makes no difference but can be important since once an AND is preset the list then depends on the order, and thus editing a condition then becomes more essential.



The point of this interface description is that 1.) you do need to parse text nor error check since you cannot create an erronous conditon using the interface, and 2.) its a simple interface that I've seen many times and its pretty simple to code. It would be easier to write it than search for it I would think. Of the top of my head GameSpy uses an interface very similar to this for dealing with its filter rules (filtering servers).

Well, I could give that a try to see what happen. Since I have been dealing with many users who don't understand anything about mutual exclusive, if we allow them to pick their own logics, they would some how cancel each other out with the AND rule, then screem at me that the program doesn't work.:( To make sure that this doesn't happen, I would still have to code a sophisticate user interface for rule selection.

Also I have some code that deals with this sort of issue, although on a completely different problem set, so I can search my backups and find it. Let me know if you want this, or if you prefer pseducode. Its possible that I could rewrite my code to something in english easier than you could read the code, specially if you are a pascal/delphi coder predominately.

I could read any type of codes. I haven't yet encountered a code or a programming language that I couldn't read. Anyway, you don't have to dig up your backup because the core of that is simple enough. When I have time, I will work on that user interface.

It's been real stable for me too, running every day while I'm at work and over the weekend while I'm away. Nice one Moonsinger! :goodjob:

I'm really happy about that too!:) Btw, have you encountered any more problem with the screen shot issue?

I do have a suggestion though. I think this should be easier to implement than many of the others. I've been using the "Minimum # Food Bonus" recently rather than "Minimum # Cattle" as I'm also interested in Grassland Wheat or Floodplains Wheat for +4 food in Despotism. I'm getting lots of other types of food bonus though, such as Fish/Game/Oasis. I'm wondering if you could allow us to specify an amount of food that qualifies as a Food Bonus. That way I could set it to +5 (=+4 in Despotism) to find maps with 3 or more tiles with 5 or more food in them. What do you think?

If you are not in any hurry, I will take care of this in a couple of weeks when I redo the user interface to alllow users to specific their own logics (as mentioned on the previous post). If you need this done right away, I'm sure that won't be a problem - you know that I will do almost anything for you, you know.;)

I'm really happy about that too!:) Btw, have you encountered any more problem with the screen shot issue?

No problems at all, it's been solid as a rock!




If you are not in any hurry, I will take care of this in a couple of weeks when I redo the user interface to alllow users to specific their own logics (as mentioned on the previous post). If you need this done right away, I'm sure that won't be a problem - you know that I will do almost anything for you, you know.;)
No hurry. Whenever you get a round tuit, or feel like it, or whatever. It's pretty easy to find the ones I want by sorting, I'm just being lazy ;).

...they would some how cancel each other out with the AND rule, then screem at me that the program doesn't work.:(



Yeah, it can get complex, but its kinda important, for instance the app currently is all AND logic. I have an idea that may solve the problem as you see it, split the interface, have a list of OR rules, and a list of AND rules. (That with some clear text such as "All things in this list *must* be present for the map to be saved", should prevent many confusion problems.)

My main concern is being able to specify the bonuses, but at the same time I want to exclude whole groups of maps based on absense of river, freshwater, existance of desert or tundra etc.

For some weird reason the program cannot restart my Civ, so I have to use it in about 100 map increments :( ... Maybe my Civ should be installed in default folder? I have correct path in setup for autosave, but restarts remain the problem...

For some weird reason the program cannot restart my Civ, so I have to use it in about 100 map increments :( ... Maybe my Civ should be installed in default folder? I have correct path in setup for autosave, but restarts remain the problem...

Where is your autosave folder? Is there a fille "Civ3Conquests.exe" in the "..\save\autosave" of your autosave directory for C3C? Note: There are three different autosave directories for Civ3, one for vanilla Civ3, one for PTW, and one for C3C; make sure that you select the correct one for the version of Civ that you are running or it won't work!

For some weird reason the program cannot restart my Civ, so I have to use it in about 100 map increments :( ... Maybe my Civ should be installed in default folder? I have correct path in setup for autosave, but restarts remain the problem...
And a question Moonsinger missed, but I think's worth asking ;). Which version of MapFinder are you using?

Is it possible with the latest version of MapFinder to accept maps with only rivers? (viz. Exclude Lake-only maps.) :)

(I've been setting "Fresh Water Minimum" to TWO as a way of eliminating "1-tile-Lake-No-River" maps.....is there a better way? ;) )

And a question Moonsinger missed, but I think's worth asking ;). Which version of MapFinder are you using?

Thanks Dianthus! That's a very important question.:)


Is it possible with the latest version of MapFinder to accept maps with only rivers? (viz. Exclude Lake-only maps.) :)

(I've been setting "Fresh Water Minimum" to TWO as a way of eliminating "1-tile-Lake-No-River" maps.....is there a better way? ;) )

You should be able to look for just river and much more after I implement the new user interface to allow users to customize their own search formula (in a few weeks).

Thanks Ms. MS. :love:

Will you then also change the heading: "Terrain criteria for 9 tiles at the starting location" to something like "Terrain criteria for ALL viewable tiles at the starting location"?

Wish List: Are you planning on giving options like:
1. All viewable tiles
2. All viewable tiles excluding Settler Tile
3. All viewable tiles excluding starting-9 tiles
4. 9 start-positon tiles only
5. 8 start-positon tiles only (viz. exclude Settler Tile)? :)

Thanks Ms. MS. :love:

You are welcome! I figure...if Dianthus and I done a really good job on this project, you may hire us to lead Firaxis after you buy them. Too bad, that company hasn't yet gone public.;)

Will you then also change the heading: "Terrain criteria for 9 tiles at the starting location" to something like "Terrain criteria for ALL viewable tiles at the starting location"?

Wish List: Are you planning on giving options like:
1. All viewable tiles
2. All viewable tiles excluding Settler Tile
3. All viewable tiles excluding starting-9 tiles
4. 9 start-positon tiles only
5. 8 start-positon tiles only (viz. exclude Settler Tile)? :)

How about "all visible tiles" at the starting location? My guess is that even if we have to move the starting settler a few turns, it probably won't matter much in the end. I have played so many games until around 1000BC where I didn't settle until 3900BC but end with a higher score than map with better start. What do you think?

How about "all visible tiles" at the starting location? My guess is that even if we have to move the starting settler a few turns, it probably won't matter much in the end. I have played so many games until around 1000BC where I didn't settle until 3900BC but end with a higher score than map with better start. What do you think? :?

I'm not sure if this would effect the "Hall of Fame" aspect of the application?

TimHobbit

:?

I'm not sure if this would effect the "Hall of Fame" aspect of the application?

TimHobbit

This has already passed muster as ok for the HOF. These are basically any tiles that are fully revealed at the start of the game without settling or moving. So, if you start on a hill you could see the starting 9 tiles and up to 16 more.

Ms Moonsinger was not advocating have the Utility consider (or actually do it) moving any units. She was starting that when she plays she will sometimes move from the initial location before settling.

You are welcome! I figure...if Dianthus and I done a really good job on this project, you may hire us to lead Firaxis after you buy them. Too bad, that company hasn't yet gone public.;)Why would One want to buy a Company that hasn't ALREADY hired the likes of you & Dianthus? :lol: .........Plus, say, SirPleb & DaveMcW for Testing..... and so many other brilliant people at CFC! The mind boggles! :)
How about "all visible tiles" at the starting location? My guess is that even if we have to move the starting settler a few turns, it probably won't matter much in the end. I have played so many games until around 1000BC where I didn't settle until 3900BC but end with a higher score than map with better start. What do you think?Ahhhh.....you're thinking like the World Champion Dairy Farmer that you indeed are! :queen:

Where this comes into being of utmost value is in the Fast Finish Victory types.
A few examples off the cuff:
1. Aztec Conquest Tiny: You need 2 tiles in the starting-8 (Not the Settler tile) that generate 2 shields each. However, more than 2 Forests could impair the progress of your Aztec Warriors to find & conquer the other Civs.
2. UN/20K/100K/SS/Dom Victories: You might want a Goody Hut outside the starting-9 (that's in view of course), so that you may Pop a Settler/City/Tech. (I learnt today from SirPleb's Diplo thread that you can't pop a Settler in turn 1!)........to have ANY chance of beating SirPleb's 210AD UN Victory! :)
3. 20K: You might want a Coastal (Non-Lake) tile inside the 9 if you're planning on building Colossus, Lighthouse, Magellan. :)

For Milk Runs, I agree with you it doesn't matter that much since all the games finish in 2050AD. :)

Well, I could give that a try to see what happen. Since I have been dealing with many users who don't understand anything about mutual exclusive, if we allow them to pick their own logics, they would some how cancel each other out with the AND rule, then screem at me that the program doesn't work.:( To make sure that this doesn't happen, I would still have to code a sophisticate user interface for rule selection.
I have an extra idea that will make this easier to deal with aswell..
Allow us to save (and load) the logic to an easilly readable (text)file.
This way if someone gets a weird problem, they can upload the query-file and have someone more knowledgable look at it.
This will also allow you have keep more than one search available for you to easilly switch between them
You could even take this one step further and put the civ3-game options in here and make mapfinder modify the civ3/ptw/conquest ini files before it starts generating maps.. allowing you a stored config that you just load and it automatically starts generating huge sized, wet warm 60% archepelagio with mayas as your civ and 8 other civs... with 4500+ domination limit, 5 cows and 6+ river tiles at starting position.. hehe

This would also allow people your share their favourite, complicated mapsearches in an easy way.

I could read any type of codes. I haven't yet encountered a code or a programming language that I couldn't read. Anyway, you don't have to dig up your backup because the core of that is simple enough. When I have time, I will work on that user interface.
Thou most programming languages are easy to read, it is also easy to write unreadable code in most programming languages...

int i;string t=" \\!]\"^#_-j/l";i=t[0]-20;
while(i--)t[i]+=5-i/2+(i%2*2);
t=sprintf(t[(t[0]-37)..7],t[8]-9,t[9]-10,t[10]-11,t[11]-12);t[2]++;t[3]++;
printf(t,(t[0]+t[3])-77,(t[1]*t[2]-3622));
(this is written in the lpc language)

int i;string t=" \\!]\"^#_-j/l";i=t[0]-20;
while(i--)t[i]+=5-i/2+(i%2*2);
t=sprintf(t[(t[0]-37)..7],t[8]-9,t[9]-10,t[10]-11,t[11]-12);t[2]++;t[3]++;
printf(t,(t[0]+t[3])-77,(t[1]*t[2]-3622));
(this is written in the lpc language)


Thats pretty simple, sloppy code, but easy to read. Course adding some linebreaks in there would make it even easier. You want some difficult languages, check this link http://www.99-bottles-of-beer.net/ . Check out Orthogonal and Ook for instance, some good ones in B's as well, look at Befudge and Brain*$&!.

Where is your autosave folder? Is there a fille "Civ3Conquests.exe" in the "..\save\autosave" of your autosave directory for C3C? Note: There are three different autosave directories for Civ3, one for vanilla Civ3, one for PTW, and one for C3C; make sure that you select the correct one for the version of Civ that you are running or it won't work!

I use .../civ3/conquests/save/auto directory for autosaves (I guess it wouldn't work otherwise, eh? :) ). Civ3Conquests.exe (or whatever is name of main game file) is in .../civ3/conquests.
I have seen different file and auto folder in .../civ3 but I didn't touch them...
It would be good to know what exactly file the program tries to restart based on ...auto path (although I think it's obvious .../civ3/conquests/Civ3Conquests.exe... But something goes wrong...).
Or may be I use a wrong version of Mapfinder? What is a link to the latest one? :)

Or may be I use a wrong version of Mapfinder? What is a link to the latest one? :)
The latest version is MapFinder 2005 v5.7 (updated Jan 24, 2005), and the link is on the first line of the 2nd post in this thread. Hopefully you'll be able to use the latest version and it'll just work ;).

Just a FYI:

I had problems with MapFinder not being able to save accepted maps...until I noticed I need to remove the "WindowsFileBox=1" setting from the ini I normally have.
Problem in this case is that the game/tool in this case opens a Windows box first, but saving with this is not working with MapFinder; and the open box prevents further saving.

But without the line, it works like a charm :thumbsup:.

I'm sure I'm missing something very obvious here...I've scanned through several of the threads for this info and cannot find it.

I finally have a couple of maps that were not rejected by mapfinder based on my given criteria. Now how do I get a game started for one of these maps??? Did I Have to have my desired Civ and my opponents picked when mapfinder starts choosing the maps??

Did I Have to have my desired Civ and my opponents picked when mapfinder starts choosing the maps??Yes.
You need to start Civ with all the set-up parameters until you get to the 4000BC start position......then fire up MF.

Now how do I get a game started for one of these maps???Copy the desired .sav file from the Civ3Map directory to the Saves directory and then use the Load Game option from the Civ Start Menu. :)

How can I get MapFinder to work properly with RaR? Don't care about the added resources, but for odd reasons MapFinder doesn't recognize Floodplains here :confused: .

I realized what I was asking half way through hitting send on my message here last night. I set mapfinder back up and got a good map with which to begin practicing SirPleb's Unbelievable strats for early diplo victories. Finding that map with a river and two cows is not a quick thing though.


Thanks for the Help!

How can I get MapFinder to work properly with RaR?

What is "RaR"?

What is "RaR"?
Rise and Rule. It's a mod for C3C of a similar size/scope to DyP. See Doc's sig.

Rise and Rule. It's a mod for C3C of a similar size/scope to DyP. See Doc's sig.

In that case, it's really up to you, Dianthus because I'm not really into mod. My philosophy with mod has always been ... if you want a good starting position in a mod game, you could always "mod" it anyway you like; therefore, there is really no need for map finding. For example, if you want a map with 5 cows and 5 luxuries at the starting location, you can just simply add 5 cows and 5 luxuries to it.

For example, if you want a map with 5 cows and 5 luxuries at the starting location, you can just simply add 5 cows and 5 luxuries to it.

:confused:
But mods use random maps...we're not talking about a scenario.

Anyway, my only problem is why MF doesn't seem to recognize Flood Plains, while it can find any other base terrain (and base terrains are hardcoded, its not like you could add any here).

Anyway, my only problem is why MF doesn't seem to recognize Flood Plains, while it can find any other base terrain (and base terrains are hardcoded, its not like you could add any here).
It could well be a problem with my .sav reading code. I'll take a look at some point. I'm pretty busy at the moment though!

:confused:
Anyway, my only problem is why MF doesn't seem to recognize Flood Plains, while it can find any other base terrain (and base terrains are hardcoded, its not like you could add any here).

Like I said, it's really up to Dianthus!:) Since he has said he will take a look at it when he has time, it may be helpful if you would post a SAV of your RaR mod with flood plains visible at the starting position that you said MF couldn't recognize. That would help, I think.

Like I said, it's really up to Dianthus!:) Since he has said he will take a look at it when he has time, it may be helpful if you would post a SAV of your RaR mod with flood plains visible at the starting position that you said MF couldn't recognize. That would help, I think.
That would help, definitely. I've got RaR installed from when I did a little testing of CRpMapStat with it, so if I get a .sav as well I won't have many excuses left ;).

Hi Dianthus and Moonsinger,

Previously before, my (non-2005) versin of MapFinder didn't seem to save any saves beyond the first one, which it always saved, and always said there was 1 lake tile and the domination limit was 501, even if they both weren't true. I downloaded MapFinder 2005, and I still have this same problem. No matter my settings, it saves the first save (which it says has 501 domination limit), and then skips the rest. I'm using v5.7, I believe. Any ideas of why it acts like this?

Would it be possible on a future expansion to add in:
"Save any file < Domination Limit X "
I understand why you have it set the way it is now for milking games but I would probably look at games with very low Domination limits for quick domination.

Great Utility BTW! I love it. I actually found my self watching for about a 1/2 and hour just sort of mesmorized by the saves flying by. My record is 825 maps looked at with out stopping. On a small map 2 cows with at least 1 river tile and any map with more than 2 cows I'm getting about 1 acceptable save every 40 maps or so. :Goodjob:

Would it be possible on a future expansion to add in:
"Save any file < Domination Limit X "
:confused: It can already do this. Just set your minimum to 0 and the maximum to "Domination Limit X".

What I am looking for is for it to save games that do not meet my standard requirements (2 cows and >1river) but has an outstandingly low domination limit. On the last tab there is a feature that will do just the opposite of this, it saves any game with a domination limit GREATER than X (even though it does not meet the other limits) I hope I've explained this properly. :hmm:

What I am looking for is for it to save games that do not meet my standard requirements (2 cows and >1river) but has an outstandingly low domination limit. On the last tab there is a feature that will do just the opposite of this, it saves any game with a domination limit GREATER than X (even though it does not meet the other limits) I hope I've explained this properly. :hmm:

You could just do the 0 to domination limit X as was mentioned by superslug and drop your standard requirements. Then use the sort feature to look for maps with your standard requirements and the low domination limit that you want.

Previously before, my (non-2005) versin of MapFinder didn't seem to save any saves beyond the first one, which it always saved, and always said there was 1 lake tile and the domination limit was 501, even if they both weren't true. I downloaded MapFinder 2005, and I still have this same problem. No matter my settings, it saves the first save (which it says has 501 domination limit), and then skips the rest. I'm using v5.7, I believe. Any ideas of why it acts like this?

Please specify your version of Civ3 (PTW, C3C, or vanilla) and post a copy of your config "MapFinder.INI" file (it can be found at the same location where you installed MapFinder). I'm sure something is wrong with your settings.

Would it be possible on a future expansion to add in:
"Save any file < Domination Limit X "
I understand why you have it set the way it is now for milking games but I would probably look at games with very low Domination limits for quick domination.

Of course! However, you may have to wait for a few weeks because I'm very busy this month.

Great Utility BTW! I love it. I actually found my self watching for about a 1/2 and hour just sort of mesmorized by the saves flying by. My record is 825 maps looked at with out stopping. On a small map 2 cows with at least 1 river tile and any map with more than 2 cows I'm getting about 1 acceptable save every 40 maps or so. :Goodjob:

Thanks!:) I'm glad our little toy work!:)

Please specify your version of Civ3 (PTW, C3C, or vanilla) and post a copy of your config "MapFinder.INI" file (it can be found at the same location where you installed MapFinder). I'm sure something is wrong with your settings.

Sorry for not seeing this earlier! I'm using C3C v1.22.


[Config]
Delay4NewGame=9000
Delay4SaveGame=3000
Delay4RestartC3C=10000
MinDomLimit=100
MaxDomLimit=3000
OutputDir=C:\Civ
AutoSaveDir=C:\Program Files\Infogrames Interactive\Civilization III\Saves\Auto
Counter=13
Delay4Keystrokes=250
Delay4CivDialogs=2000
MaxAcceptGame=10
QuickStartGame=1
NoRun2RestartC3C=5
JPGCompressionQuality=70
MinCattle=-1
MinFish=-1
MinGame=-1
MinGold=-1
MinOasis=-1
MinSugar=-1
MinTobacco=-1
MinFruit=-1
MinWheat=-1
MinDyes=-1
MinFurs=-1
MinGems=-1
MinIncense=-1
MinIvory=-1
MinSilks=-1
MinSpices=-1
MinWines=-1
MinGrassland=-1
MinFloodplain=-1
MinPlain=-1
MinForest=-1
MinHill=-1
MinJungle=-1
MinDesert=-1
MinTundra=-1
MinMountain=-1
MinCoastal=-1
MinMarsh=-1
MinFreshWater=-1
MaxGrassland=-1
MaxFloodplain=-1
MaxPlain=-1
MaxForest=-1
MaxHill=-1
MaxJungle=-1
MaxDesert=-1
MaxTundra=-1
MaxMountain=-1
MaxCoastal=-1
MaxMarsh=-1
MaxRiver=-1
MinFoodBonus=-1
MinLuxury=-1
MinShieldGrass=-1
MinGoodyHut=-1
MinLimit4ForceSave=-1
MinCow4ForceSave=-1


Can someone post their settings just so I can try to see if it works?

Sorry for not seeing this earlier! I'm using C3C v1.22.

Can someone post their settings just so I can try to see if it works?

I have seen at least more than 1 problem with your settings.

#1. Your pointing it to the WRONG autosave directory. Since you are playing C3C, you should point it to C3C directory, not vanilla Civ3. See the sample of my setting below.

#2. Your saving delay is too small. Note, MapFinder would only save when it accepts a Map; therefore, you should always give it extra time to be on the safe side. In all cases, the time delay for Saving should ALWAYS be bigger or equal to the time delay for Loading. I can tell you the the appropriate timing for your system if you can tell me the speed of your system. For some sample timing you may want to check out page #24 of this thread. Here is an example that may work for you.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=2479096&postcount=477

Note: if you have a slower system, you should increase the delay "sleep" timer to give Civ3 enough time to process. The following config is for my system which has a 2.8 GHz P4 overlocked at 3.2GHz: If you system is slower than mine, I recommend you go with the link above!

Delay4NewGame=6000
Delay4SaveGame=6000
Delay4RestartC3C=9000
MinDomLimit=4400
MaxDomLimit=6000
OutputDir=C:\Civ3Map\Chieftain\01.23.2005
AutoSaveDir=C:\Program Files\Infogrames Interactive\Civilization III\Conquests\Saves\Auto
Counter=203001
MaxAcceptGame=2000
QuickStartGame=1
NoRun2RestartC3C=27

Delay4Keystrokes=150
Delay4CivDialogs=1500

Btw, the AUTOSAVE for C3C should have the word "Conquests\Saves\Auto" in its path. You should correct this in your setting first!

Thanks Moonsinger - I had seen the autosave input place, but when I saw ".../Civilization III/" I thought it was leading to C3C; I didn't read the whole line.

I was fiddling around with the timings, that's why they were low. I thought that they were my problems, so I tested different variations.

It now works. Once again, many thanks. :)

Update on what I'm going to do next on this project:

I was on my way to work this morning thinking about Germany, then it hit me. I could easily twist the AND and OR expression a little bit to make it work for MapFinder. The new logic for AND and OR in MapFinder will be as follows:

1. All expression will be evaluated from LEFT to RIGHT, TOP to BOTTOM.
2. Simple logic with no bracket of any type
3. Will support AND, OR, >, and < operators (+ or - may be included if there is a need for them).

Ok, let's see how this work. For example, you could say something like this:

AND DomLimit > 4400
AND DomLimit < 4500
AND Cattle > 0
OR River > 0
OR Lake > 0
OR Ivory > 0
AND Whatever > 0

Basically, the above expression means that:

All Maps with a domination limit between 4400 and 4500
AND has at least one catttle
OR has at least one river
OR has at least one lake
OR has at least one Ivory
AND it also has whatever else...I think you get the idea.

In this example, evaluated from LEFT to RIGHT and TOP to BOTTOM, all the AND clause will be treated as the base requirements. All the OR clause will be treated extra option ontop of the base requirement. In this case, any map that meet all the AND clauses and meet at least one of the OR clauses will be saved/accepted. Very simple and easy to implement, but flexible enough to support everyone need. What do you think? Please feel free to poke hole to it. If you think this type of expression won't be able to support what you want, please let me know asap because I'm planning to code it this weekend. Thanks!

@Moonsinger: This is Great Stuff! :goodjob: :goodjob:

In your example, I read it like: If you have DL 4401-4499 plus.....a Cow Or a river Or a lake Or (an Ivory + Whatever), the Map would be accepted.

I like brackets, so my simple mind would get it if it were written:
(DL > 4400 AND DL < 4500 AND Cow > 0 AND Whatever > 0) AND (River > 0 OR Lake > 0 OR Ivory > 0).....so if this expression were True, the Map would be accepted.

'Course I was a COBOL programmer and we all know what happened to the Dinosaurs! :lol:

Bottom Line: As long as people KNOW that ALL AND expressions must be True and at least One OR expresson for the Map to be accepted, then all will be fine.....I Promise! :)

This would do the job for me!

I like brackets, so my simple mind would get it if it were written:
(DL > 4400 AND DL < 4500 AND Cow > 0 AND Whatever > 0) AND (River > 0 OR Lake > 0 OR Ivory > 0).....so if this expression were True, the Map would be accepted.

I like brackets and simple expression too.:) That is what the rest of the world is currently using...why do I want to re-invent the wheel? I'm sure you may be wondering about that....the answer is very simple. I don't have time to code the "bracket" phaser or logic phaser. Therefore, that was the reason for me coming with something a little bit easier and won't take me a lot of time to code. I don't ask anyone who use this software for anything in return, except that please read the instruction before using it. And the instruction for map to be accepted is simple enough "all AND expressions must be True and at least one OR expression must be true". Of course, it goes without saying, we don't have to use any OR (if we don't need it; just becuase it is there that doesn't mean we have to use it; in most case, the AND clause alone would do the trick).

@Moonsinger: Makes perfect sense!

This will be a GREAT addition to an already Great Utility!

Thanks for all the time you've put in on this. :goodjob: :goodjob:

I like the Idea! It will allow for me to find exceptionally low domintaion games that might have been missed before.

One small point (very small) regarding your extras page

On my first trial thought I had set the game to keep any game that had 3 or more cows on it. I typed in Cows > 2. Thinking this would give me only games with 3 or more cows where in fact it saved files with 2 or more... Minor I know but I thought I'd mention it.

It also gave me a reason to thank you again for this utility. I know I'm a bit nutz but I actuall enjoy sitting there and watching it run. I spent almost an hour yesterday getting excited about my next Domination attempt. :cheers:

Furthermore, it would also cover something like this (100% backward compatible with what MF has already been supporting...in the following example, all maps above 4500 will be saved):

AND DomLimit > 4400
OR River > 0
OR Cattle > 0
OR DomLimit >4500

Of course, the following is the WRONG way of expressing the above):
AND DomLimit > 4400
AND DomLimit < 4500
OR River > 0
OR Cattle > 0
OR DomLimit >4500

This won't accept any map with limit over 4500 because "AND DomLimit < 4500" negate the "OR DomLimit >4500" clause. Like every other expression in life, there is a wrong way to express it and there is a right way to express the same thing. For anyone who isn't strong in logistic, just ask and you will be helped. Beside me, I'm sure everyone here will help you out with your expression. Therefore, I hope that everyone should be able to express exactly what they want with this new thing.

On my first trial thought I had set the game to keep any game that had 3 or more cows on it. I typed in Cows > 2. Thinking this would give me only games with 3 or more cows where in fact it saved files with 2 or more... Minor I know but I thought I'd mention it.

Thanks! A simple typo! I will correct that in the next version!

It also gave me a reason to thank you again for this utility. I know I'm a bit nutz but I actuall enjoy sitting there and watching it run. I spent almost an hour yesterday getting excited about my next Domination attempt. :cheers:
You are welcome!:)

Hello Moonsinger!

I tested the new version (5.7) last night and it works perfectly, even with my german keyboard layout. So thanks again for this extremely helpful tool!

Greetings from Germany,

Tuvok694

Sounds good to me.


At any rate I personally would like to be able to specify things more exactly, which may be planned but just not present in your example. That is, be able to specify terrain as MapFinder currently does, but also combine terrain with bonuses which it currently does not do.

Using your format here is an example:
OR plain cattle > 2
OR grassland cattle > 1
AND limit < 300
AND desert = 0
AND swamp = 0
AND jungle = 0

At any rate I personally would like to be able to specify things more exactly, which may be planned but just not present in your example. That is, be able to specify terrain as MapFinder currently does, but also combine terrain with bonuses which it currently does not do.

Using your format here is an example:
OR plain cattle > 2
OR grassland cattle > 1
AND limit < 300
AND desert = 0
AND swamp = 0
AND jungle = 0

Of course, that will be included! There will be a picklist of variables for each type of recources, terrains, etc...

Expressions are nice, but someone will always want bigger and better expressions that you didn't plan for. ;) I was thinking about a different way.

Give every option a point value, instead of a number value. You can set negative points to avoid bad options.

If I want a good map for tiny conquest, I might set:

grassland cow = 200 points
floodplain wheat = 150 points
grassland wheat = 100 points
plains cow = 50 points
domination limit above 800 = -2 points
jungle = -200 points

Save all files above 500 points

@Moonsinger: You know.. it just dawned to me..
You already have the needed interface to do this..
You just have to merge the terranin and resource tabs, and then move the min and max dom limit tabs, BG and goodiehut into same tab.. (make a bigger window).. then just add a 'add extra search' button (and a delete button) to create a new tab with the same search options...
Store the search variables into a set of arrays instead of variables, then just loop though the indexes
(as in : map_found=0; for (int x=0;x++;x<num_searches){if(min_cow[x]<=map_cow && min_lux[x] < map_lux && ...) { map_found=1; break;}} )

Expressions are nice, but someone will always want bigger and better expressions that you didn't plan for. ;) I was thinking about a different way.

That's true!;)

Give every option a point value, instead of a number value. You can set negative points to avoid bad options.

If I want a good map for tiny conquest, I might set:

grassland cow = 200 points
floodplain wheat = 150 points
grassland wheat = 100 points
plains cow = 50 points
domination limit above 800 = -2 points
jungle = -200 points

Save all files above 500 points

Since there is a long list of terrains and resources, that may take awhile to figure out appropriate values for them. You know me...I usually have a headache whenever I see numbers (I used to be really good with Math; don't know why I'm so afraid to look at it these days:cry: ). Anyway, are volunteering for that job, Dave?;)

@Moonsinger: You know.. it just dawned to me..
You already have the needed interface to do this..
You just have to merge the terranin and resource tabs, and then move the min and max dom limit tabs, BG and goodiehut into same tab.. (make a bigger window).. then just add a 'add extra search' button (and a delete button) to create a new tab with the same search options...
Store the search variables into a set of arrays instead of variables, then just loop though the indexes
(as in : map_found=0; for (int x=0;x++;x<num_searches){if(min_cow[x]<=map_cow && min_lux[x] < map_lux && ...) { map_found=1; break;}} )

Yes, I have envisioned something like that!:)

Just to toss my two cents in on this one.

Rather than have pre-defined values for each tile type, have the user enter a -1000 to +1000 value for each of the different available items. For each GL Cow you get the user defined value (say 1000) and for each marsh/jungle you would also get a point value (say -1000). Then the user can set a cutoff of which maps to save. I'm not sure if it's possible (or legal for that matter), but I used to value the start based on all visible tiles (not just the initial 9). Being able to include the 2 other cows that would be included after the first border expansion often makes a skipped map a better choice than some that qualify.

Reasoning, some people might think a FP Wheat is a fantastic item because of the extra food, while others might not value it as highly due to the disease possibility.

Map Finder could then have a checkbox on the main page for either point scoring or items to qualify.

Yes, that's what I was thinking, denyd. :)

The user can decide the point values for each terrain type. The default should probably be 0, so they can pick their favorite (or zap their least favorite) terrain easily.

Yes, that's what I was thinking, denyd. :)

The user can decide the point values for each terrain type. The default should probably be 0, so they can pick their favorite (or zap their least favorite) terrain easily.

That's a pretty good idea (it may come in handy some day)! :goodjob: Overall, I think that may work for a lot of people, but it may not work for at least one person "me". For example, if I just want a map with a domination limit of 4500 with 1 cow by the river, what type of value do you think I need? Should I just give cow=1000 and set everything else to zero? What type of value should I give to river and lake? If 1 river = 500 points, that would mean 5 rivers will yield 2500 points. Since I need only 1 river, the other 4 rivers in this example just going to mess up the total points; therefore, may accept a map that I would normally reject.

PS: I'm not trying to shoot down your idea; I'm really just trying to see if it holds water in the long run.

I'd leave the existing tool as it is and add a pair of radio buttons on the main page to select between selecting items (the current method) and above a point value (the new method). That way people would have the option of selecting specific needs or a high value start.

There would have to be some additional searches.

"Freshwater" (true/false) - to find that first river or lake

"Coastal" (true/false)

"Estimated Domination Limit" - Allow the user to estimate the domination limit, then subtract from the real limit, then multiply it by the user's point value. Simply multiplying the entire domination limit might work but the math is ugly.

Sorry for the delay!:( I hope you can wait for one more day because I wasn't able to work on this project at all during this weekend. I was looking forward to do it, but when I started to work on it last night, I realized I have left my new component toolkits (just picked that up in Germany last week) at the office. Oh well, I will try to do it on Monday night.

First of all, thanks to EMan for telling a newbee to give the HoF a try. I'm very proud to be on the list :goodjob:
Now my Q: I can't get the mapfinder to work and probably it's because I'm a complete dork when it comes to computers :blush:
I follow the steps i Monnsingers #2 post in this thread but it won't run. I've got a screenshot of it but I don't even know how to paste it in here (my God I stink at this). Box says: "Unable to write to C\:program files\infogrames interactive\civilizationIII\conquests.ini"
I guess the settings and/or directory is the problem but I can't really say since all the instructions tell Me (who doesn't know blah, blah, blah) is that they got to be right...uhhm, right.
Well, if anyone care to tell me what to do I would appreciate it. A good start is definetly needed if I want to hang on to that list (and I do, I do I do)

Hey Moonsinger, I got MapFinder to work after reading the directions. (Not without some mis-steps, though. See my HoF post for the full confession. :blush: )

Very cool utility. :goodjob:

My question is with regards to the Generated Report. Something, IE 6.0 or XP SP2 related, I suspect, is interfering with it. I get a message (line below address toolbar) that it is blocking active content. All I get is the report headings. When I right-click and select "allow blocked content" it doesn't change anything. I have tried selecting "Generate Report" to run again but nothing new happens.

I am pointing it to the folder where the maps are. I have tried pointing it to the folder with the exe but that didn't do anything either.

I have checked the Internet options but they are set to allow java scripting. I have done a few google searches of this forum and tried the MS Help/Knowledgebase search. So far I don't know what's setting is the culprit. (I get the same message at work when I open a html tech ref documentation. I have never figured out how to fix it there either. But it does continue after I select the allow option.)

I don't know if any of this will sound familar to you but, I thought I would ask in case it does or I am doing something terribly stupid. :)

I attached the Index.htm file, in case that tells you something meaningful.

Thanks

....Box says: "Unable to write to C\:program files\infogrames interactive\civilizationIII\conquests.ini"Good to see you in the HOF, Daghdha. :goodjob:

Yes, MapFinder is a Great program to run if you want to have a good starting position without the associated hours of "Manual Labor".

When Moonsinger checks in to this thread, she'll probably set you straight in a NY second...........But, in the meantime, check that the directory the MF is pointing at is C:\Program Files\Infogrames Interactive\Civilization III\Conquests\Saves\Auto....there is a "conquests.ini" file in the C:\Program Files\Infogrames Interactive\Civilization III\Conquests folder......so, that may be your problem. :)

I assume from your HOF entry that you are playing Conquests, version 1.22. :)

@EMan
Points to \saves\auto allright but, no working sir :-(((. Anyway thanks for trying. I'll go back and re-read the instruction and wait for the light of the Moon.
Btw Your assumption was spot on!

Daghdha, does Mapfinder generate the index.htm file but IE not open it? Have you tried opening the file in another browser?

My question is with regards to the Generated Report. Something, IE 6.0 or XP SP2 related, I suspect, is interfering with it. I get a message (line below address toolbar) that it is blocking active content. All I get is the report headings. When I right-click and select "allow blocked content" it doesn't change anything. I have tried selecting "Generate Report" to run again but nothing new happens.

I am pointing it to the folder where the maps are. I have tried pointing it to the folder with the exe but that didn't do anything either.

...

I attached the Index.htm file, in case that tells you something meaningful.

That index.htm file doesn't contain any rows for .sav files. I'm using IE 6.0 and SP2 as well. The "blocking active content" just stops you from being able to click on the column headings to sort, you would still be able to see the .sav rows.

Can you see any .sav files and .jpg files in the dir you specified in the options? That dir should already contain an index.htm that MapFinder automatically creates when you stop it. The "Generate Report" option can be used to recreate the index.htm by pointing to that same dir (the one with the .sav/.jpg files).

That index.htm file doesn't contain any rows for .sav files. I'm using IE 6.0 and SP2 as well. The "blocking active content" just stops you from being able to click on the column headings to sort, you would still be able to see the .sav rows.

Can you see any .sav files and .jpg files in the dir you specified in the options? That dir should already contain an index.htm that MapFinder automatically creates when you stop it. The "Generate Report" option can be used to recreate the index.htm by pointing to that same dir (the one with the .sav/.jpg files).
It was the original report (after stopping MapFinder) that came up empty. I only tried the generate to see if I could get it after clicking allow blocked content. There were .sav/.jpg files in the directory. I forgot to mention it but the image files weren't copied into the NewMap folder's image sub-folder either. I did that by hand.

"Unable to write to C\:program files\infogrames interactive\civilizationIII\conquests.ini"

I think EMan had already figured out your problem and had given the correct solution too. You just have to do it more slowly...that's all. Here is the slow step by step version of it:

#1. Locate the shortcut or the icon that you normally use to launch C3C, but instead of launching it, right-hand click on it instead, then to select "properties". That will show you the property of your icon/shortcut. Basically, this will tell you EXACTLY where your C3C program actually live. Note: read the line that say "Start In" or something like that.

#2. Now, make sure you select the the correct autosave directory and it should be "saves\auto" beyond the path that you have noticed in step #1.

Note: Step #1 is very important...please try to pay extra attention to it. Through out this thread, there had been time where people were 100% sure that they select the correct auto save directory, but it ususally turned out that they were wrong. If you have more than one drive (logical disk drive letter), to be sure to notice that.

In any case, if that doesn't work, please post a copy of your MapFinder.INI file (it can be found in the MapFinder directory) here.

I forgot to mention it but the image files weren't copied into the NewMap folder's image sub-folder either. I did that by hand.

When you unzip the orginal MapFinder file (just right after you downloaded it), did you remember to unzip it with mantaining its directory structure? There should be an "images" sub directory in where you installed MapFinder. If that images" directory doesn't exist, I tell MapFinder to skip the report...

It was the original report (after stopping MapFinder) that came up empty. I only tried the generate to see if I could get it after clicking allow blocked content. There were .sav/.jpg files in the directory.

If you unzip it correctly and it still doesn't work. Well, if there were .sav and .jpg files in it, it won't be an empty report. Would you go to DOS prompt and do an "dir > filelist.txt" on that directory and post it here. I just want to see what the name of those .sav and .jpg files were looked like. I doubt that we will come to this...but I ask for the filelist.txt file (just in case).

When I right-click and select "allow blocked content" it doesn't change anything. I have tried selecting "Generate Report" to run again but nothing new happens.

That is very normal! IE6 does that for your own protection. The latest version of Netscape does the same thing too. Because the column sorting script is a java script; in theory, java script can be very harmful because there may be some bad java script out there that could mess up your system - exactly why IE/Netscape can be set to not AUTOMATICALLY execute any java scripts. Therefore, you just have to do a "right hand click" on the block content and alllow it to run.

@Moonsinger, EMan & Dianthus :goodjob: :goodjob: :goodjob:
Thank you all, it's ticking now. Still have to figure out how the max/min levels work but I may manage to do that by trial and error :)
*750BC on Demi and still alive*

did you remember to unzip it with mantaining its directory structure? Yep. Default setting.

There should be an "images" sub directory in where you installed MapFinder. If that images" directory doesn't exist, I tell MapFinder to skip the report... That's interesting. When I try to generate a report it creates an "Images" folder in the directory with the .sav & .jpg files. That's why I said I had to copy the images. There is only the script file there to start. The original "Images" folder is where it is supposed to be, but it is definately referencing the "new" one. I have deleted it an had it come back several times.

Is there an issue if the folder where it writes the maps is a sub-folder of the "MapFinder" folder? Also, when I first unzip and ran it I had it in a folder in "My documents". When I objected to my perfectly reasonable 50-bagillion byte path name for the output, I put the output folder on C: and later moved the MapFinder folder there, too. (Putting the output folder inside.)

I attached the requested dir list and included the INI file as a bonus, in case you wanted to look at it as well. :)


IE6 does that for your own protection.
Protection and annoyance. You can make an exception for a webpage coming over the net but not if you are opening a local html file. :(

This new version has been taking a lot more times than I thought. Anyway, it's almost done. Here is the screen shot of the new interface. Just two setup tabs with a list of stuffs (variables) you can pick from. Of course, you can import/export (save/load) any rule set that you like.

I attached the requested dir list and included the INI file as a bonus, in case you wanted to look at it as well.:)

Everything looks good there! I don't see anything wrong with those files or directory structures. Btw, I'm using WinXP Pro with SP2 too. The fact that it couldn't copy those image files to the report directory trouble me. So far, you are the only one with this problem. I may have to compile a special debug version just for you because I don't see why it wouldn't work on your machine.

Is there maybe some sort of manual for this cool tool! I know you're working your butts off just to create it so this is a very gentle request.

Everything looks good there! I don't see anything wrong with those files or directory structures. Btw, I'm using WinXP Pro with SP2 too. The fact that it couldn't copy those image files to the report directory trouble me. So far, you are the only one with this problem. I may have to compile a special debug version just for you because I don't see why it wouldn't work on your machine.
Definately something bizarre. I turned off my firewall, virus & adware protection and tried it again. No difference.

My PC is a laptop, so I have user accounts turned on (i.e. password protected.) I checked the event viewer and there are no messages there, but still, maybe something security related?

Ok, here is version 6 (about 1400KB in size):

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v6.zip

The following is a list of items you can have MapFinder to search for:


bonus grassland
cattle
cattle on grassland
cattle on plain
coast
deer
desert
domination limit
floodplain
food bonus
forest
fresh water
gold
grassland
hill
hut
ivory
jungle
lake
luxury
marsh
mountain
plain
river
tundra
wheat


If there is an item you want that isn't on the list, please remind me. Thanks!

Definately something bizarre. I turned off my firewall, virus & adware protection and tried it again. No difference.

My PC is a laptop, so I have user accounts turned on (i.e. password protected.) I checked the event viewer and there are no messages there, but still, maybe something security related?

No, it's not that! I'm sure it's probably something much simpler than that. Btw, what language and keyboard style are you using? Please note that MapFinder may not work with non-US keyboard style. In the US version, the "\" is the directory separator. In other languages, it may be the same as the "\" key; therefore, it may not work.

Is there maybe some sort of manual for this cool tool! I know you're working your butts off just to create it so this is a very gentle request.

Are you volunteering for that job?;)

The following is a list of items you can have MapFinder to search for:

...

If there is an item you want that isn't on the list, please remind me. Thanks!
I would like to be able to search for tiles that have 5 food when irrigated (which would be 4 in despotism, enough for an aggricultural settler factory). Would that be possible? I think I've supplied the required information about the tiles :).

I would like to be able to search for tiles that have 5 food when irrigated (which would be 4 in despotism, enough for an aggricultural settler factory). Would that be possible? I think I've supplied the required information about the tiles :).

If I add "cattle on grass", wheat on floodplain", "deer on forest", do you think that will do the trick. As far as I can see, those are the only things that can yield 5 food when irrigated. Of course, if you like, I will just simple add one variable "5food in despotism" to look for any tiles that have 5 food when irrigated. Which way would you like?

If I add "cattle on grass", wheat on floodplain", "deer on forest", do you think that will do the trick. As far as I can see, those are the only things that can yield 5 food when irrigated. Of course, if you like, I will just simple add one variable "5food in despotism" to look for any tiles that have 5 food when irrigated. Which way would you like?
Wheat on grass would do it, 4 food in despotism that is (or 5 in non-despotism). I would prefer something similar to the latter option, that does "5 food or higher when not in Despotism", though you might want to shorten that a bit ;).

While I was waiting for your previous reply, I have already added the following items:

GetFood
GetFood-Base
GetGold
GetGold-Base
GetShield
GetShield-Base

Basically,they are the core of your three functions GetGold, GetFood, and GetShield. For example, if you just say "GetFood", this mean the value of GetFood with irrigation in Despotism. "GetFood-Base" = GetFood in Despotism MINUS the baseline in Despotism. Note: I also have it display in the status bar as : Despot FSG (Food, Shield, and Gold minus the baseline) for every maps.

What do you think? Does this work for you? If not, we will have start looking for something specific (like adding the 5food variable).

Here is the latest version:
http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v61.zip

Btw, I have also correct a small bug: previously, it doesn't save the everything on the setup screen; it does now.

While I was waiting for your previous reply, I have already added the following items:

GetFood
GetFood-Base
GetGold
GetGold-Base
GetShield
GetShield-Base

So, those return the totals over all visible tiles? If so, that's not really what I'm after, it would match maps with lots of slightly above average tiles, when what I want is a number of extra-special tiles. "5food" works for me, please please ;).

So, those return the totals over all visible tiles? If so, that's not really what I'm after, it would match maps with lots of slightly above average tiles, when what I want is a number of extra-special tiles. "5food" works for me, please please ;).

My bad! Since I have never used those three functions and didn't really want your programming talent on them goes to waste; therefore, the reason for those variables. Anyway, I'm going to work on that 5food variable next. It will be something like this:

wheat on floodplain
deer on forest
5food irrigated

Basically, the 5food irrigated will be just a shortcut combination for "wheat on floodplain" and "deer on forest". Does that cover what you are looking for? If yes, I will start making the modification right way.

It will be something like this:

wheat on floodplain
deer on forest
5food irrigated

I've got a better suggestion. I'm just about to send you a PM...

Ok, 5food special coming up (coded according to your PM):

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v62.zip

What do you think about the setup format so far? It's so much easy now for us to add more rules/variables as needed.

Btw, "wheat on floodplain" and "deer on forest" are now also on the menu. Silly me! I should have called it "game on forest" instead of deer. Oh, it really means the same thing.

Unless you (or anyone) coming up with something new, my work on this project is done for now.:)

No, it's not that! I'm sure it's probably something much simpler than that. Btw, what language and keyboard style are you using? Please note that MapFinder may not work with non-US keyboard style. In the US version, the "\" is the directory separator. In other languages, it may be the same as the "\" key; therefore, it may not work.I live in (and bought the PC) texas so I doubt I'm using anything non-US. I have whatever the factory defaults were. I will look when I get home.

Could it be an issue with Java version? I keep my pc fairly up-to-date using windows update. Or maybe some other dependency?

Maybe I should try using my old desktop system to find maps. It slower but I don't use it much anymore, so I could leave it running for days. :D

I look forward to trying you newest version. :goodjob:

Could it be an issue with Java version? I keep my pc fairly up-to-date using windows update. Or maybe some other dependency?

I don't thnk so. If you like, I will compile a debug version you can run to get to the bottom of this issue. To refresh my memory, the only problem you have at the moment is that it doesn't generate the report, right?

Btw, I'm really curious on what the problem really is...so I don't mind to make a debug version for you...it won't be pretty to run (becuase you have to click ok to a lot of popup messages), but at least it will tell us why it won't work. Just let me know what you want to do next.

There are two other tile combination that give 5 food.. game and fish on marsh.. thou it isnt exactly tiles I would search for :)

Great, Moosinger! ;)

There are two other tile combination that give 5 food.. game and fish on marsh.. thou it isnt exactly tiles I would search for :)

I believe that the "5food" item would also count fish on marsh or whatever that could possibly give 5 food when irrigated. You can thank Dianthus for that; he gave me that formula via PM.:)

To refresh my memory, the only problem you have at the moment is that it doesn't generate the report, right?Correct.

Btw, I'm really curious on what the problem really is...so I don't mind to make a debug version for you...it won't be pretty to run (becuase you have to click ok to a lot of popup messages), but at least it will tell us why it won't work. Just let me know what you want to do next.I don't mind running the debug. I'm a little curious too. Just tell me what to do. :)


Edit:
what language and keyboard style are you using? Language=English (United States) Keyboard=US

I don't mind running the debug. I'm a little curious too. Just tell me what to do. :)

I have made this little File Test program just for you. Basically, run it, select a directory where you have some *.SAV game files, then click on button 1 to 5. Please tell me which button would give you the list of files and which one don't. That's it!

Btw, I'm in the US too (no keyboard or language problem there)...Anyway, have you installed the latest and greatest Microsoft Application frame work or Java whatever "greatest" from Microsoft? If your answer is yes, that may explain the odd behavior of your system.;)

Here is the file test program that would help me figure out why the standard Win API won't return anything on your system.

Are you volunteering for that job?

R U :crazyeye:
Maybe some sort of post on the forum that sums it up then? I search for bits n pieces but some are old and they are scattered all around so...

Moonsinger:
I just tried 6.2 It's the first I've ran mapfinder in awhile.
I set it up last night. Thought I gave everything plenty of time.
None of my programs locked up or crashed but it stopped at the restart civ portion of the program.
My settings were:
Stop after 20
Restart C3C after 50
Time delay before restart 20000
Time delay for loading 15000
Time delay for saving 15000
Time delay between keystrokes 500
Time delay between dialogs 5000

Autosave dir is correct.

When I looked at my computer this moring, mapfinder had stopped with a report of 2 maps. Only 58 maps checked. Bottom bar on the left hand side said "waiting for civ to relaunch." Conquest was stopped at a dialog box with the first directory in my C: drive highlighted. It appeared that it had not tried to locate my game in a non-default location.

Shall I first try again with a higher time delay on the restart? If so, what do you suggest. Intel Celeron 800Mhz, 512mb, Win98SE....

EDIT: I really cranked up the numbers and it worked. I used a restart delay of 40000 and had it restart after 25 maps. Guess I should have tried again before wondering what the fruit happend... Still 40000 is a long time to wait. Got any ideas on a quicker setting for my specs?

Cattle on Plain!!!
Finally!
You're my here Moonsinger...

Looks great Moon.

I have a couple comments. Please, please remove that popup that explains the and/or, or make it a show once sort of thing. That is very annoying.

Couple things that were overlooked, wheres furs? Also, can I get a finer grain for the forest bonuses, I'd like to know the difference between forested grasslands, and forested plains. (The only other important luxury would be wines, but I seldom care about that but it does add food so more special than the others.)


Also, perhaps I never noticed this before but its saving every map for me now before the verification check, I thought before it only saved maps after they were approved.
Since you are already looking in the civ directory for your temp map, I couldn't imagine it would be much harder to look in Auto for the only file there. But I don't know what sort of functions you have in Delphi for system related work. But getting a directory list, even with conditonal arguments (like *) is trivia in C and C++.

Restart C3C after 50


I would recommend setting it to restart at 32. 50 is a little too much for C3C to work stable. Note: the longer C3C run, the more unstable it becomes and when it becomes really unstable, it may refuse to restart.

Shall I first try again with a higher time delay on the restart? If so, what do you suggest. Intel Celeron 800Mhz, 512mb, Win98SE....

Since your system is ancient, you may have to increase the

Time delay before restart to 40000
Time delay for loading to 20000
Time delay for saving to 25000


EDIT: I really cranked up the numbers and it worked. I used a restart delay of 40000 and had it restart after 25 maps. Guess I should have tried again before wondering what the fruit happend... Still 40000 is a long time to wait. Got any ideas on a quicker setting for my specs?

Yes, for an 800 MHz machine, it could easily to take more than a minute to restart the game (you can try it yourself and time it with a stop-watch). Note: 40000 ms is really equal to 40 seconds which isn't much. IMO, you should set it at least 50000.

I have made this little File Test program just for you. Basically, run it, select a directory where you have some *.SAV game files, then click on button 1 to 5. Please tell me which button would give you the list of files and which one don't. That's it!

Btw, I'm in the US too (no keyboard or language problem there)...Anyway, have you installed the latest and greatest Microsoft Application frame work or Java whatever "greatest" from Microsoft? If your answer is yes, that may explain the odd behavior of your system.;)

Here is the file test program that would help me figure out why the standard Win API won't return anything on your system.

I probably do have the latest framework. I think I remember downloading it. But I don't think that is it.

I ran the test and none of the options worked. I asked myself what was different. I noticed that the names were blue, which means, if you are not familar with the option, that the compress contents property was On. (I have nearly 30GB free and I still compress folders in "my documents". :crazyeye: Of course, that was where I orginally had MapFinder.)

So, on a hunch, I created a new folder in C:\ and copied the maps over there. (Everything uncompressed.) Now options 1 & 5 retrieve the list of files. When I pointed MapFinder to that folder it was able to list the files but didn't copy the images. So, final check, I turn off the compress contents property of whole MapFinder directory structure and ran it against the orginal "NewMaps" folder. It worked normally.

All I can say is that I have been using the compression property since NT4.0 and I have never seen anything ever affected by it. You would think if was transparent to anything, it would be to MS's own APIs, of all things.

I don't think you need to do anything, since MapFinder works fine as long as I don't use that property.

Thanks for all your help. :)

Windows Explorer with the MapFinder Folders and the the properties dialogs:
http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinderTest_SoThatWasTheCulprit.JPG

I have a couple comments. Please, please remove that popup that explains the and/or, or make it a show once sort of thing. That is very annoying.

It's annoying, but it will help you to remember! I have been developing software for a living over a decade now and I can tell you this...people often forget. Not everyone has good memory as you do!;) May be I should just have it pop up only one a day; how does that sound? Of course, if you like, I will add an option for you to turn that message off for good.

Couple things that were overlooked, wheres furs? Also, can I get a finer grain for the forest bonuses, I'd like to know the difference between forested grasslands, and forested plains. (The only other important luxury would be wines, but I seldom care about that but it does add food so more special than the others.)

Ok, I will add furs, wines, forested grassland, and forested plains. Not sure if I can detect them without chopping down all their trees first, but I will try.

[quote]Also, perhaps I never noticed this before but its saving every map for me now before the verification check, I thought before it only saved maps after they were approved.

It does that only when it couldn't find the auto save file. Try to increase your "time delay for loading" to give Civ3 enough time to create the auto save.

Since you are already looking in the civ directory for your temp map, I couldn't imagine it would be much harder to look in Auto for the only file there. But I don't know what sort of functions you have in Delphi for system related work. But getting a directory list, even with conditonal arguments (like *) is trivia in C and C++.
You should give Civ3 enough delay time to flush its buffer to disk (give it enough time to finish writting the AUTO SAVE file). Those time delay settings are very important! Please try to relax those timming a little bit!

Btw, have you ever overlocked your system? For example, you can overlook your 2.8 GHz CPU to actually run at 3.4 GHz or more. Configuring the correct delay timing for MapFinder to work in perfect harmony with Civ3 is kind of like that. If you shorten the time delay, things won't work right! If you give it way too much time delay, you will be wasting valuable CPU time. In any, if you give me the speed of your system, I will give you appropriate delay timing.

Please don't ask me why I don't automatically test for the overall system speed and automatically adjust MapFinder timing accordingly...beacuase I don't have time to code all that.

I ran the test and none of the options worked.

That would explain why the report didn't work on your system.;)

I asked myself what was different. I noticed that the names were blue, which means, if you are not familar with the option, that the compress contents property was On. (I have nearly 30GB free and I still compress folders in "my documents". :crazyeye: Of course, that was where I orginally had MapFinder.)

Are you using disk compression or something like that on the MapFinder output directory?

So, on a hunch, I created a new folder in C:\ and copied the maps over there. (Everything uncompressed.) Now options 1 & 5 retrieve the list of files. When I pointed MapFinder to that folder it was able to list the files but didn't copy the images. So, final check, I turn off the compress contents property of whole MapFinder directory structure and ran it against the orginal "NewMaps" folder. It worked normally.

Bingo! I'm glad we have finally gotten to the bottom of this.:)

All I can say is that I have been using the compression property since NT4.0 and I have never seen anything ever affected by it. You would think if was transparent to anything, it would be to MS's own APIs, of all things.

Since diskspace is so cheap these days, rarely anyone compress their file system, but since you are on laptop...I can see why you try to reserve diskspace.

R U :crazyeye:
Maybe some sort of post on the forum that sums it up then? I search for bits n pieces but some are old and they are scattered all around so...

If you like to help me out, you could start and mantain a thread like what planetfall did here for Dianthus:

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=111001&page=1

Other than the delay timing issue that most people often run into, MapFinder isn't hard to use (I think).

Are you using disk compression or something like that on the MapFinder output directory?Something like that. It is a feasure of NTFS. It is called "File Compression", if you want to check your windows help.

You need to be NTFS instead of FAT files system and it is only available on NT, Win2K and WinXP Professional and Server editions. Basically, the File System is compressing and uncompressing automatically between disk and memory. It is totally transparent to programs. (Or at least I have always thought it was. :D )

I generally get back (save) about 35-40% of the space used due to all the image and other highly compressable files that come with most software. Not as good as winzip but I don't have to do anything to access things. Try doing it to your Microsoft Office folder sometime. You save some disk space and you'll never notice it on a fast machine.

Converting from FAT to NTFS is easy. There is a convert command (ms-dos) that does it and makes sure there is enough space free before it will do it. (Works sort like defrag, moving things around as it reformats to NTFS.) Just converting alone has gotten me hundreds of MBs space on a 3GB drive. NTFS has a smaller sector size or something. FAT File system lives up to it acronym. :) Lots of little files waste huge amount of space.

[Note: I haven't looked at a comparison vs. FAT32 or if FAT32 incorporated the FIle Compression feature.]

You need to be NTFS instead of FAT files system and it is only available on NT, Win2K and WinXP Professional and Server editions. Basically, the File System is compressing and uncompressing automatically between disk and memory. It is totally transparent to programs. (Or at least I have always thought it was. :D )

Yes, I'm aware of that feature. However, I have never seen it in action.;) It's actually transparent to programs that is aware of. Basically, if you know the name of the file you want to work with - no problem! If you use the wild card to search for the list of files within a compress directory, well, that isnt transparent. Exactly why you get the tablesort.js script copy over but not the rest of the image files (wild card such as *.sav or *.png or *.whatever aren't transparent in a compress directory).

Converting from FAT to NTFS is easy. There is a convert command (ms-dos) that does it and makes sure there is enough space free before it will do it. (Works sort like defrag, moving things around as it reformats to NTFS.) Just converting alone has gotten me hundreds of MBs space on a 3GB drive. NTFS has a smaller sector size or something. FAT File system lives up to it acronym. :) Lots of little files waste huge amount of space.

[Note: I haven't looked at a comparison vs. FAT32 or if FAT32 incorporated the FIle Compression feature.]
I have been using NTFS file system since like forever. However, I have never care to test out the compression feature. :blush:

Yes, I'm aware of that feature. However, I have never seen it in action.;) Now that you have, you know, as I know, that it is blue. :mischief:

I have been using NTFS file system since like forever. However, I have never care to test out the compression feature. :blush: I probably wouldn't have either, except my first laptop had only 1.2 GB. I am sure you can imagine... :cry:

It's annoying, but it will help you to remember! I have been developing software for a living over a decade now and I can tell you this...people often forget.


I develop software also, although it seems we have a different philosophy in this regard. I assume my average user knows either what they are doing, or how to use help features. In the case when the user does neither of those no amount of pop up boxes are going to help them. In their case, at the expensive of a help service's time I would rather that user ask for help than to become frustrated with the software and never again buy my software again.

But having an option to turn this off is more than enough to make me happy. Once a day, or even once a run would be an improvement.









Ok, I will add furs, wines, forested grassland, and forested plains. Not sure if I can detect them without chopping down all their trees first, but I will try.

You should be able to detect the base tile since they can use different art and the clean map features can also show the base terrain. This wouldn't show a shieldland, but will show a grassland and a plain.




It does that only when it couldn't find the auto save file. Try to increase your "time delay for loading" to give Civ3 enough time to create the auto save.

Ahh, makes perfect sense. Thanks.

I often see people mentioning a domination limit but am unsure exactly what this is? Are they talking about the number of land tiles available?

I often see people mentioning a domination limit but am unsure exactly what this is? Are they talking about the number of land tiles available?
Domination limit refers to the Domination victory condition in Civ. If you achieve 2/3 of tiles and population of the world, you win by Domination. By staying under the Domination limit, you can avoid triggering that win.

Update: New Version (6.3)

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v63.zip

I have added the following items:

fish on marsh (not something I care for, but since you ask)
deer on marsh
furs
wines
wines on hill (just in case you want both the food and the shield)
forest on grassland
forest on plain
bonus resources (the sum of any of the bonus resources: fish, game, wheat, gold, tobacco, cattle, etc)

And of course, an option to disable that rule warning message everytime you view the rule set. This option is in the "Extra" tab. If disable, the warning message will never show up no matter what. If it's not disable (the default), it will show up only once per session.

That's it! Is there anything else that need to be done on this project? I have a feeling that I'm forgetting something but can't remember what it is at the moment. Please remind me if there is something else you want me to do. If not, see you when Civ4 come out. I think I'm going to retire from Civ3 and will focus on real life issue for awhile. If you need me, you can contact me via email or PM. Good bye for now!

Looks Great Moonsinger! :goodjob: :goodjob:

MapFinder is now truly a Masterpiece! :worship: :worship: :worship:

There must be some things you're forgetting....'cos we don't want you to go! :cry: ( :mischief: )

I've asked this before.....So, I'll ask again:
Would it be possible to indicate which tiles will be considered, before applying the logical tests?
I.e.:
1. ALL seen (including the Settler's)
2. 9, including Settler
3. 8, excluding Settler

I assume at the moment it's only Option 1?

Final Request: At least promise you'll lurk? :)

BTW, what time zone are you on?......are you only awake when the Moon's up? :lol:

Real Life?............This IS Real Life! :groucho:

I've asked this before.....So, I'll ask again:
Would it be possible to indicate which tiles will be considered, before applying the logical tests?
I.e.:
1. ALL seen
2. 9, including Settler
3. 8, excluding Settler

I assume at the moment it's only Option 1?

None of the above ;). MapFinder considers all tiles visible from the start position, including the one the Settler is standing on. This can be quite a bit more than 9 tiles depending on the number of hills/mountains/coast.

That's a very clever answer, Dianthus!......Too bad I wasn't asking a trick question! :lol:

And, of course, you are to be congratulated on all your work with MF et al! :goodjob: :goodjob:

However, my question still stands! :)

I think maybe I'm not understanding your question then as I thought I had answered it. Are you really requesting a feature rather than asking how it currently works? I'm wondering if you're really asking "Would it be possible to choose which tiles..."?

Yes, choose, is a better word.

viz. Yes, I'm asking for an option to choose which tiles are to be considered before applying the tests. :)

For example, in a Fast Finish HOF attempt, you might only be interested in the 8 tiles surrounding the Settler!......because they would be immediately available in your capital city, which you would like to settle "on the spot" to save "time"! ;)

Yes, choose, is a better word.

viz. Yes, I'm asking for an option to choose which tiles are to be considered before applying the tests. :)

For example, in a Fast Finish HOF attempt, you might only be interested in the 8 tiles surrounding the Settler!......because they would be immediately available in your capital city, which you would like to settle "on the spot" to save "time"! ;)

Anything is possible! However, do you really really want it to do that? For example, the starting postion isn't perfect to settle on the spot, but by moving by one tile away, it will be perfect! Therefore, if you check just the 8 surrounding tiles (not all the visual tiles), you may miss out a lot of good maps.

My feeling has always been that one or two turns delay won't make much of a different (yes, I'm thinking about the fast finish game, not a milk one). If we are a little behide, Civ3 would normally compensate us with gold or a settler from the hut. There are times that I intentionally fall a little bit behide on purpose so that I could get free goodies from the game itself or from the AIs (depending on the stage of the game).

In any case, if you really really want it, I can include that option for you. I just have to talk this over with my co-designer Dianthus. If Dianthus says yes to my next question, you can have this feature by tonight. If Dianthus says no, then it's Dianthus that you need to convince, not me. This is my question to Dianthus:

______


To Dianthus,

In the list of all visible tiles [0..n] that your DLL passing over, does the settler stand on tile index 0? If yes, EMan will get his wish tonight. If no, well...I'm going back to my enjoy my retirement.

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your wonderful work on this project. I couldn't have done it without your help. Well, technically we both know that I could, but it would take a zillion or more years for me to do so on my own. I probably will die of old age before I even start on this project. Thanks again!:) I hope our paths will cross again some days; if not, have a wonderful life and please dont work too hard. Try to get away from this forum for a little while. I wish you great success in life.:)

:love:

PS: I will be out of town next week...so you probably won't hear from me for awhile after tonight.

PPS: Btw, I live in the central time zone and in the heartland of the US. There isn't much anything else here but cattles, corns, and beans. Well, that's just a feeling of where I live (not the actual statistic of my state).

Anything is possible! However, do you really really want it to do that? For example, the starting postion isn't perfect to settle on the spot, but by moving by one tile away, it will be perfect! Therefore, if you check just the 8 surrounding tiles (not all the visual tiles), you may miss out a lot of good maps. Yes....well, in an ideal CFC Civ world, I'd like 4 choices:
1. ALL seen tiles, INcluding Settler's
2. ALL seen tiles, EXcluding Settler's
3. 8 tiles surrounding Settler
4. 9 tiles including Settler's :)

I think you must be Playing on a different level from me.....'cos I just can't see the advantage in moving the Settler and wasting 50 years (viz. 1 turn), if you don't have to! :confused:

Backpedalling (quickly!): This is obviously just a Wish List (or Druthers as we say in Texas).....if there are NO choices, then the way MF is NOW would still be Great! :love:

To Dianthus,

...I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your wonderful work on this project.Hear, Hear! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

PS: I will be out of town next week...so you probably won't hear from me for awhile after tonight.Enjoy Texas....Houston's gonna be warm next week.

PPS: Btw, I live in the central time zone and in the heartland of the US. There isn't much anything else here but cattles, corns, and beans.Spoken like a True Dairy Farming Queen! :D

Long Live The Queen! :queen:

P.s. BTW, you know Queen's can't Retire! :lol:

Ok, when I get back, I'm going to take MapFinder to the next level. There shall be multiple set of rules and multiple output directories that go along with each set of rules. MapFinder shall verify all these different set of rules at the same....this was one of the things that I forgot to do last night. So basically, you can have a set of rule to check for suitable map for a 20K game, another one for a milk game, and another one for whatever fast finish, etc. There shall be no limit to the number of rule sets (you can have as many sets as you like). This way, you won't have to sort out your map much because each output directory (according to each separate rule set) will give you exactly what you are looking for. It's going to be great!:) Trust me...I know what I'm doing.;)

Anything is possible! However, do you really really want it to do that? For example, the starting postion isn't perfect to settle on the spot, but by moving by one tile away, it will be perfect! Therefore, if you check just the 8 surrounding tiles (not all the visual tiles), you may miss out a lot of good maps.


I think part of the problem is (at least for me) I get a lot of false positives, that is maps are saved which satisfy my criteria but only satisfy it because the settler is on a hill, and with 2 cows on opposite sides they can't be in one city for instance.

Ok, when I get back, I'm going to take MapFinder to the next level.....It's going to be great!:) Trust me...I know what I'm doing.;)No doubt about that! :)

I guess one of the things I like about the game of Civ is that you think you've got it figured out and then you play a few more turns or another game and you LEARN more about the game and find ways to improve.....and thanks to MapFinder, HOF players like boogaboo, LulThyme, Smirk, DaveMcW, SirPleb, Moonsinger and many others have taken the game to even higher levels.....the single biggest tool, IMHO, is the MapFinder program.

So Civ is fun, constantly surprises you and you never quite know what to expect next.

Just like Moonsinger!! :love:

P.s. @Moonsinger: Don't get too attached to Texas.......Y'all come back, ya hear! (To Iowa and your MF computer, that is. ;) )

To Dianthus,

In the list of all visible tiles [0..n] that your DLL passing over, does the settler stand on tile index 0? If yes, EMan will get his wish tonight. If no, well...I'm going back to my enjoy my retirement.

No, index 0 is the top left tile. I'm not sure I included anything in the API to allow you to know which tile the settler is on! (I haven't got the code here, but I'm pretty sure I didn't).




I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your wonderful work on this project.

Thanks Moonsinger. I originally did this just because it was you that was asking, but it turns out that I've been using it quite a bit myself recently ;).

I have done another version that support multiple set of rules. At the moment, I'm not sure if I should post it or not...because it's a little bits more advance and more complicate now. For example, if you have 3 different rule sets active at the same times, three separate output directories will be automatically created (as subdirectories based on your given root-output directory). Of course, separate reports will be generated as well. Since there is no rule that say your rule sets have to be mutual exclusive, there will be some duplicate outputs as well...and that won't be cool.

For example, if you happen to setup your rule as follows:

Rule set #1: Accept all maps with at least one cow.
Rule set #2: Accept all maps with at least two cows.
Rule set #3: Accept all maps with at least three cows.
...
Rule set #n: Accept all maps with at least n cows.

In this case, any map with n cows will also be saved in the 1, 2, 3, ... cows' output directories (why? because 1 cow is a subset of n cows). Since diskspace is so cheap these days, redundant files won't be a problem; however, I'm sure it will be just a matter of time before someone accidentally playing the same maps more than once. When this happen, I think they will blame me.;) Even though, there is a unique serial number for each map, I doubt anyone would pay attention to it (I know I don't). Therefore, I really don't want to post the new version until we can figure out how to avoid accidentally playing the same map more than once.

Moonsinger: What you could do is have a librarian program that would allow people to view games and parameters for each ruleset. Then if they selected that game for play, you could move the game from the MapFinder directory to the Active Games/Saves directory and delete the duplicate copies from the other directories. (just a thought)

however, I'm sure it will be just a matter of time before someone accidentally playing the same maps more than once. When this happen, I think they will blame me.;) Even though, there is a unique serial number for each map, I doubt anyone would pay attention to it (I know I don't). Therefore, I really don't want to post the new version until we can figure out how to avoid accidentally playing the same map more than once.
There's already a way. Just check every map using the 4000BC option on the HOF website. It checks if the map has already been played:
http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/filecheck.png

I would especially recommend doing this if you're planning to spend 200 hours on a game!

Glad you're back, Moonsinger. :)

I DO use the "unique serial number" in 4000BC and interim saves filenames! I don't think it would be difficult to check the other directories for duplicates when you've finished a game. However, would it be possible to save a game in ONLY the first rule set that was applicable?

BTW, it would still be great, since you're into multiple rule sets, to be able to specify the tiles to be checked!? (Remember the 4 different sets? [viz. All, All except Settler, 9, 8]) :)

EMan in Dallas.

Moonsinger: What you could do is have a librarian program that would allow people to view games and parameters for each ruleset. Then if they selected that game for play, you could move the game from the MapFinder directory to the Active Games/Saves directory and delete the duplicate copies from the other directories. (just a thought)

That sound like a good idea, but that would mean more works for me. I think I'm going to release it "as is" tomorrow's night (can't do it tonight because I have a date).

Glad you're back, Moonsinger. :)

Glad to be home!:)

However, would it be possible to save a game in ONLY the first rule set that was applicable?

What if the first rule set isn't as good as the second rule set? Base on the example from my previous post, 1 cow for the first rule set, and more than 1 cows for the second rule set; if we just save a game ONLY in the first rule set (1 cow), we may not see it if we set out to play what in the 3 cows directory first.

BTW, it would still be great, since you're into multiple rule sets, to be able to specify the tiles to be checked!? (Remember the 4 different sets? [viz. All, All except Settler, 9, 8]) :)

Yup! I have implemented these rule sets with that idea in mind.;) When the time is right (when Dianthus let me know which tile the settler sitting on), you shall have your 9 tiles output, 8 tiles output, all visible tiles, or whatever rule sets into their own directories.

There's already a way. Just check every map using the 4000BC option on the HOF website. It checks if the map has already been played:
http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/filecheck.png

I would especially recommend doing this if you're planning to spend 200 hours on a game!

That's nice feature! :goodjob: I didn't realize you have already setup something like that for the HoF.:)

PS: What do you think about the location of the settler? Would it be easy and quick to do? Should we give EMan his wish?;)

That's nice feature! :goodjob: I didn't realize you have already setup something like that for the HoF.:)
Hmmm, I just noticed that screenshot shows some "special" options, options that only "special" people get to use ;). The 4000BC option is there for everyone once logged in though.




PS: What do you think about the location of the settler? Would it be easy and quick to do? Should we give EMan his wish?

Shouldn't be hard to do. I'm playing with SavUtils.dll at the moment for MikeZang. I'll stick this change in at the same time and send it to you.

Shouldn't be hard to do. I'm playing with SavUtils.dll at the moment for MikeZang. I'll stick this change in at the same time and send it to you.

Thanks!:) I'm sure EMan will be happy about that (may be for a little while);)

One question:

On my HOF game attempts, I tend to abandon a game if I've explored by local area (say to size 15 on CRP rings) and if no ivory is present, I resign. I like to let the SoZ & KT build most of my military in the first 2 ages. Would it be possible (and HOF legal) to include a scan to a particular distance from the capital for a given resource (iron, horses, ivory, etc) ?

BTW: Thanks for a wonderful utility.

:thumbsup: :goodjob: :dance: :worship: :band: :thanx: :clap: :hatsoff: :salute: :rockon:

On my HOF game attempts, I tend to abandon a game if I've explored by local area (say to size 15 on CRP rings) and if no ivory is present, I resign.
That means the utility will definitely be revealing information that's not readily available to the player. My gut reaction is to say no, this shouldn't be allowed. I'll talk it over with 'slug/space first though.

The player wouldn't necessarily know where the resource is located, just that it is nearby. So we wouldn't know anything that the AI doesn't already know. Though I do understand the reasoning, playing 1+ hours just to find out the you can't build Immortals as Persia (or Mounted Warriors as Iroquois) is kind of a waste. With the new, limited resources in C3C, it is a little frustrating to have a HOF promising start cancelled by a lack of a key item.

Shouldn't be hard to do. I'm playing with SavUtils.dll at the moment for MikeZang. I'll stick this change in at the same time and send it to you.

Thanks!:) I'm sure EMan will be happy about that (may be for a little while);)
Hey, Moonsinger, you've got mail! :mischief:

Dianthus, you mentioned information "readily available to the player" as a prerequisite, but domination limits cannot be learned until the entire map is revealed, correct?

Should MapFinder also search for AI starting location right next to a volcano? The answer will be "no". Even if Space, Slug, and Dianthus approve it, I won't do it.;) Therefore, my feeling is that it will be "no" to searching for anything that is outside the visible tiles at the starting location. Of course, knowing the domination limit at 4000BC would fall into this same category as Denyd's request....so I will leave that up to Dianthus/Slug/Space.

Hey, Moonsinger, you've got mail! :mischief:

Wow, you are fast!:) I haven't checked my mailbox yet, but I'm sure you have already done it!:) Since I will be on a date tonight (just going to be out on a special date with someone I have already been married to), the new release will have to wait until tomorrow's night.

Dianthus, you mentioned information "readily available to the player" as a prerequisite, but domination limits cannot be learned until the entire map is revealed, correct?
Well, it's sort of possible(ish) in C3C. You settle, you get 9 tiles of territory. Look at the victory condition screen and scale the 9 tiles up from the % shown. Not very accurate, but it would give you an idea.

Thanks!:) I'm sure EMan will be happy about that (may be for a little while);)Actually, I've been "Over The Moon", so to speak, ever since y'all's first version of MapFinder. That first version was able to save us hours of manual labor! Everything since then has been icing on the cake..........it's great for people to have good starting positions to push the HOF scores/end-dates to the limit........you know that only too well Moonsinger. You & Dianthus are a GREAT team! Firaxis SHOULD be reading this thread....AND, speaking as an investor, trying to hire you both!! ;)

What if the first rule set isn't as good as the second rule set? Base on the example from my previous post, 1 cow for the first rule set, and more than 1 cows for the second rule set; if we just save a game ONLY in the first rule set (1 cow), we may not see it if we set out to play what in the 3 cows directory first.Would it be possible to solve this by putting the Rule Sets in "reverse order"? (3 cows, followed by 2 etc.)
Yup! I have implemented these rule sets with that idea in mind.;) When the time is right (when Dianthus let me know which tile the settler sitting on), you shall have your 9 tiles output, 8 tiles output, all visible tiles, or whatever rule sets into their own directories.Wonderful! :love:
(I think this could make a big difference for people trying to break Fast Finish records in the HOF. :) )

Actually, I've been "Over The Moon", so to speak, ever since y'all's first version of MapFinder. That first version was able to save us hours of manual labor! Everything since then has been icing on the cake..........it's great for people to have good starting positions to push the HOF scores/end-dates to the limit........you know that only too well Moonsinger.

Thanks Eman!:) You are too kind!

You & Dianthus are a GREAT team! Firaxis SHOULD be reading this thread....AND, speaking as an investor, trying to hire you both!! ;)

I honestly don't think Firaxis can afford me. Since they couldn't even spare 10K to have SirPleb fix those bugs in Civ3, there is just no way they can afford to hire anyone here.;)

Would it be possible to solve this by putting the Rule Sets in "reverse order"? (3 cows, followed by 2 etc.)

It's a little bit more complicate than the 1, 2 ,3 ... cows example. Unless you figure out how to weight each set of rules (as DaveMcW has suggested before), you can't really tell which rule set is more superior than the other. Anyway, it will take a math genius to figure that out...since I have a history of having a headache whenever I see numbers...I won't go there.

Would it be possible to solve this by putting the Rule Sets in "reverse order"? (3 cows, followed by 2 etc.)
It's a little bit more complicate than the 1, 2 ,3 ... cows example. Unless you figure out how to weight each set of rules (as DaveMcW has suggested before), you can't really tell which rule set is more superior than the other. Anyway, it will take a math genius to figure that out...since I have a history of having a headache whenever I see numbers...I won't go there.
Actually, I think they have the right idea. If you always put the save in the first rule that matches and players order their rules by their priorities, then they should get what they want. It's not a matter of determining absolute superiority of one rule over another, just providing consistent behavior when a save matches multiple rules.

You could say superiority is in the eye of the beholder. :crazyeye:

Actually, I think they have the right idea. If you always put the save in the first rule that matches and players order their rules by their priorities, then they should get what they want. It's not a matter of determining absolute superiority of one rule over another, just providing consistent behavior when a save matches multiple rules.

You could say superiority is in the eye of the beholder. :crazyeye:

Let's test your that theory with the following example: Let say you have some set of rules as follows:

Set #1: Looking for a good dairy farm
Set #2: Looking for the ultimate 20K start
Set #3: Looking for the ultimate bad start
Set #4: Looking for the ultimate fast conquest
Set #5: Looking for whatever...

Now, please give me the order that you wish to put it. Are you sure that you want to let set #1 to be first your first choice? Why not give each of them an equal chance? It seems to me that the average beholder does often chance its mind.;)

FYI: Since I have a very busy day so far (things didn't work out as I have planned), I don't think I will have any time to work on this project tonight.:( I will try to wrap it up by the end of this week.

Let's test your that theory with the following example: Let say you have some set of rules as follows:

Set #1: Looking for a good dairy farm
Set #2: Looking for the ultimate 20K start
Set #3: Looking for the ultimate bad start
Set #4: Looking for the ultimate fast conquest
Set #5: Looking for whatever...

Now, please give me the order that you wish to put it. Are you sure that you want to let set #1 to be first your first choice? Why not give each of them an equal chance? It seems to me that the average beholder does often chance its mind.;)Whatever kind of map I wanted the most or the most of, would be first. And so on. The point is that what a map is best for, is subjective. If it's a choice between multiple copies of a map or having to choose what my priorities are when it comes to categorizing a save. I would rather not have the same map multiple places. If I don't like where it is put, I can always move it. ;)

if on an ntfs filesystem you can always create junction points (hard links) from one savegame into the other dirs :p

I'm using the following rules:

AND food bonus > 0
AND desert = 0
OR domination limit > 4000

The idea is to keep any map no matter how bad as long as the domination limit is over 4000. For the others, only if they contain no desert tiles and at least one food bonus.

The problem I'm having is that the OR part doesn't seem to work. I watch the map being generated and the status line clearly says: Verifying... and after a while it says Recent Limit: 4318 .... and immediately after that I get the Quit dialog box. Such a map should be saved, as its domination limit is 4318.

The AND part works, any map with at least one bonus food is saved.

If I delete the two AND rules, it works. But as soon as I add even a single AND rule, the OR doesn't trigger. I've tried putting the OR rule first, same result.

Am I doing something wrong? Can anyone reproduce this strange behavior? I'm using MapFinder v6.3 (latest) on a Windows 98 machine. I'm going for a huge map, archipelago, 60% water. Any map on this setting will have a domination over 4000. This makes it easy to try the above example.

Thanks for any help you might provide!

--Insei

P.S. Moonsinger, you rock! :goodjob: You are the :queen: :worship: <--- me

With the current version, if there are multiple ands, all must be true, and at least one or must be true. To get what you want, Moonsinger will need to add parenthesis, I guess, so you can put two ands in parenthesis and then have the or. I would imagine this should be relatively simple. This statement based on the fact that I think I could do this in the most crude way possible with my limited knowledge of C++, and I know both Moonsinger and Dianthus actually know what they are doing with whatever language they used for MapFinder.

With the current version, if there are multiple ands, all must be true, and at least one or must be true.

Thank you, bed_head7, for clearing that up. I have read the warning in the Rule Set pop up window each and every time. It clearly states what you described above. I guess too many years of programming have created a blind spot for me. (Those who know C/C++/Java will understand.) Mea culpa. :blush:

Thanks again, bed_head7!

--Insei

I'm using the following rules:

AND food bonus > 0
AND desert = 0
OR domination limit > 4000

The idea is to keep any map no matter how bad as long as the domination limit is over 4000. For the others, only if they contain no desert tiles and at least one food bonus.

I had already thought about that some where back in page #28!:) If you have time, read page #28 of this thread starting with post #551 to post #557.

Anyway, if you rewrite your rules as the following, you would get exactly what you are looking for.

AND food bonus > 0
OR desert < 1
OR domination limit > 4000

Like I said back in post #557, there is usually more than one way to express the same thing.;)

//Edit note: "desert < 1" is the same thing as "no desert". What if you want to save all maps with domination limit > 4000 regardless of the food bonus, well, you need use a another rule set for that. The next version will check for multiple rule sets.

...The next version will check for multiple rule sets.Yum, Yum! :hatsoff: :hatsoff: :hatsoff: :drool: :drool: :drool:

Update on what I'm going to do next: A brand new reporting module where you can sort, view, pick, delete any map you want. To accomplish this, the map statistic will no longer be stored as part of the filename. From now on, acceptable map will be stored in a separate file. There will be three files for each acceptable map as follows:

nnnnnnnnnnn.sav <- save game
nnnnnnnnnnn.jpg <- screen shot
nnnnnnnnnnn.dat <- map info

In case where the same map satisfies more than one set of rules, all the name of the rule sets will be stored along with it as well. This will ease up any file management issue (since there will be only one copy of the map on your system). You would use the new reporting tool (that I'm going to create) to view and manage your map output folder. As you see, these extra things take time to code; please be patient!

Wish list:

"Accept Map" button

Temp. override Rule Set and accept curent map

MapFinder is great tool .

Wish list:

"Accept Map" button

Temp. override Rule Set and accept curent map

MapFinder is great tool .Presumably for "MapFinder Watching"? Very interesting question....will be interested to hear the Goddess' reply! :)

Wish list:

"Accept Map" button

Temp. override Rule Set and accept curent map

MapFinder is great tool .

I have to say "no" because we won't have enough time to hit any button to override it. It's a lot like lightning and thunder...we usually see a flash in the sky then hear the thunder a few seconds later. In reality, both the thunder and the lightning happen almost exactly at the same instant of time; therefore, by the time we see the lightning, it's usually too late to stop the thunder.

In the case of MapFinder, first your eyes will see something on the screen (just like the lighting on the sky...it processes information at the speed of light), then your brain will do some calculating...then it will activate your body function to hit a button (now we are talking about thunder; your body function would normally act much slower the speed of light). Therefore, by the time you hit it, it would usually be too late.;)

.....Unless you set up a "significant" delay between maps, perhaps? (In the MF Set-up screen parameters.) :)

Just asking the question. ;)

.....Unless you set up a "significant" delay between maps, perhaps? (In the MF Set-up screen parameters.) :)

If we do that, we may be wasting a lot of valuable time CPU time (and human time too). Instead of running through 1000 iterations, you will be slowing it down to may be about half of that. Beside, the human rate of reaction can be very unpredictable. For example, when you are a little drunk or when you have been playing civ for a long period of time, your body functions may be slowing down and it may take you longer to hit a key. And if you are already asleep when you launch MapFinder, you may not even know where your keyboard at....how much delay time are we talking about here?;)

If you just want to sit there and watch, you can always do that now. Just have MapFinder to accept all maps, then run a slideshow on the *.JPG output directory, when you see a map you like, stop the slideshow and look at its stats.

Here is a preview of what the new report going to be like (see attachment). Since you can hide/show any columns, we don't have to worry about running out of room horizontally. The "red" triangle at the top left corner of the rule name indicates that the map is being satisfied more than one rule sets. Of course (just like the columns), you can show, hide, or filter out any rule sets you want to see. It goes without saying...you can sort by clicking on the column headers. There are also other extra features too. Anyway, I'm going to move the Tab Control to the right side to make room for a toolbar on top. It's getting there...just a few more adjustments...:)

Hello Moonsinger

I'm I think one update behind where your most current is so if this has been brought up I appoligize. The one think that bugs me (mildly) about your utility is that when I'm looking at your report I typicall sort them first by Domination size (lowest first). This works great. But when I look at a map through "view map" and then hit "back" to get back to the report the sorting that I did before is all messed up again. This is a very minor issue but if you are reconstructing the thing I thought I'd bring it up incase it's an easy thing to fix in the comming update. Thanks for the great program!

If you just want to sit there and watch, you can always do that now. Just have MapFinder to accept all maps, then run a slideshow on the *.JPG output directory, when you see a map you like, stop the slideshow and look at its stats.

O.K

Thanks.

I'm I think one update behind where your most current is so if this has been brought up I appoligize. The one think that bugs me (mildly) about your utility is that when I'm looking at your report I typicall sort them first by Domination size (lowest first). This works great. But when I look at a map through "view map" and then hit "back" to get back to the report the sorting that I did before is all messed up again. This is a very minor issue but if you are reconstructing the thing I thought I'd bring it up incase it's an easy thing to fix in the comming update. Thanks for the great program!

You don't have to worry about that with this version.:) You could even go forward or backward in the screen shot view too...and when you see what you like, switch back to view the stats and everything will be 100% in sync.

Looking at that new report screen.. perhaps an ability to see that map settings for the different saves too without having to open up the saves (or use seedbeast) to see what difficulty and map settings your old saves was generated with? :)

Eg. difficulty, map size, land form, water coverage, climate... what civ you play as

Looking at that new report screen.. perhaps an ability to see that map settings for the different saves too without having to open up the saves (or use seedbeast) to see what difficulty and map settings your old saves was generated with? :)

Eg. difficulty, map size, land form, water coverage, climate... what civ you play as

I'm going to add that on the to do list...it's really up to Dianthus because I don't really know what in the .SAV game file.

Ok, this is a pre-release of the next version (unless EMan complains, it's really the same as the final version):

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v64b.zip

Sorry EMan! This baby still doesn't exclude the settler location...I need a few more minutes with Dianthus before I can make this happen.

What's new in this version? Well, it will recognize multiple rule sets. In order to do that, you need to do as follows:

#1. Setup your Rules

#2. Save your rule to the "rules" directory (it will create/and default to that directory automatically).

#3. Go back to step #1 to create another set of rules or whatever. Create as many set of rules as you like. Please try to give each set of rules a meaningful name when you save it!

#4. After you have setup all your rules, launch it as usual.

Note: You must have at least one rule set save to the "rules" directory in order to find any map. Whenever MapFinder search for maps, it will attempt to satisfy every set of rules stored in the "rules" directory. Btw, this rules directory can be located in the MapFinder directory.

PS: You may want to pick up an icon/shortcut for the "MapReport.exe" program as well. That's it! Have fun! Please let me know if you encounter any problem.

PPS: To edit your rules, just open/load it up, make change, and save it again.

There are a couple of things I think you may want to know about the new report module:

#1. If you move your mouse above the red triangle, a popup balloon will tell you a list of rule sets that applied.

#2. There are popup menu everywhere....even those show/hide dialogs have popup menu too. Just right click to access those hiden feature.

#3. Click on the column header will sort the whole column, the iteration # will be used as the tie-breaker.

#4. The up and down arrow key does work in "view screen shots"; however, you must enable that with the "Num Lock" on. I also provide two arrow buttons on the top right corner for navigation.



Edit: I just ran it all morning; at the moment, I'm quite please the result.:) The new program is much more powerful than the old one; however, I will improve it further as follows:

#1. I will add a mass delete function to allow selection of multiple rows so that we can delete all maps that we don't like with one simple click.

#2. Add the "save map" popup menu to the screen shot viewer. That way, I can just save the map I like without having to switch to back to the main view. If I have time, I will implement a slideshow feature as well...so that I can just sit back and enjoy the show.

#3. Of course, will try to take care of EMan's request about the settler.

#4. Will have it memorize the column selection. I'm sure some of us don't care much for the mountain or some of the other columns.

So, far no one has say anything about this new version....I guess it must be pretty bad. I don't mind if you like the old one better. More features would usually mean more complication, more complex to use, more confusion, etc, especially when there is no documentation on how to use it properly. If you are not sure how to use it, don't hesitate to ask. Oh well, at least I have a good practice session on my programming skill. Since I haven't done much programming lately, I'm kind of rusty at the moment. In any case, I welcome all contructive criticisms.:)

So, far no one has say anything about this new version....I guess it must be pretty bad.

MF v6.4 is serious shift in Civ3 philosophy.

BTW
On my Intel 800Mhz comp. 384Mb Ram MS XP
C3C
200+ Maps with default setings.No problems.

I'm still busy using the last version and sorting thorough the 27 games (Large map >1 cow on grassland with > 2500 tiles to dom limit) out of over 10K sampled games.

Unfortunately I have the older version running on my computer at home as we speak. You released it on a day when I am work. As soon as I get home I will browse thru what the old one found and install the new. I will report back by the beginning of the week as to my likes/dislikes of the new one. It sure looks like you did a bunch of hard work on this and be assured that your work is appreciated :D

@Moonsinger: I haven't had time to run the MF........since I'm in the middle of a Sid Tiny game..............But, that doesn't mean we're not happy with what you've done...........I think your design and new features are Brilliant!..............Looking forward to using it when I get finished with this Fast(Slow actually) Finish game. :goodjob: :goodjob:

(AND, I'm away from my Miami base [in Houston this week]....which is where my "MF Computers" run 24/7! :groucho: )
Why on Earth would you think we weren't happy with the new features?.............Silly Girl! :love: :hatsoff:

So, far no one has say anything about this new version....I guess it must be pretty bad.
I havent had time to test it yet, so a bit hard to comment :)

So, far no one has say anything about this new version....I guess it must be pretty bad.
Sometimes no news is good news.

I finished a huge map 20K last night, and haven't had time to play with it yet. But it looks like it going to be even more useful than before. Thanks for your efforts. :goodjob:

I’m having some trouble with this program and am seeking any help you all can give me. Thanks in advance.

Problem #1: As was mentioned in this thread I start up a game picking all the desired settings and wait until the game actually starts before running Mapfinder. Once I get Mapfinder running it begins running through quickstarts as it is supposed to. The problem I am having is I don’t know how to control it. In other words it just keeps loading quickstarts and than exiting out of them.

Questions: How do I play out a start? How do I save a start? How can I briefly pause or slow it down so I can look at a start?

Problem #2: When setting up Mapfinder and choosing my AND/OR statements I do not believe I am doing it correctly. The problem I am having is if I set it up for AND using a luxury, river, coastal tile etc. none of it is seen on the quickstarts. I have been setting up the AND/OR statements and than beginning the ‘generate map’.

Questions: Am I supposed to be pressing something before generating maps?

I’m having some trouble with this program and am seeking any help you all can give me. Thanks in advance.

Problem #1: As was mentioned in this thread I start up a game picking all the desired settings and wait until the game actually starts before running Mapfinder. Once I get Mapfinder running it begins running through quickstarts as it is supposed to. The problem I am having is I don’t know how to control it. In other words it just keeps loading quickstarts and than exiting out of them.

So basically, are you saying that it quickstarts a game, then quit the game at 4000BC screen, then quickstart another one? And it continue to do that forever until you stop it or until it found the number of acceptable map...sound pretty normal to me!:) That's the primary purpose of MapFinder!

Questions: How do I play out a start? How do I save a start? How can I briefly pause or slow it down so I can look at a start?

What does the "Accept" and "Reject" counter say? If the accept counter is zero, it means it has found zero acceptable maps. If the accept counter isn't zero, you can stop it to look at the maps that have been found. To stop it, just click on the "Stop" button. Note: if your timing is too fast or too slow, you may have to hit the "Stop" button more than once until it's stopped.

Problem #2: When setting up Mapfinder and choosing my AND/OR statements I do not believe I am doing it correctly. The problem I am having is if I set it up for AND using a luxury, river, coastal tile etc. none of it is seen on the quickstarts. I have been setting up the AND/OR statements and than beginning the ‘generate map’.

Just tell me what type of map you are looking for, and I will tell you what AND/OR to use.

Questions: Am I supposed to be pressing something before generating maps?
You just have to press the "Start" button once then press the "Stop" a couple hours/days later. That's all to it!

I’m having some trouble with this program and am seeking any help you all can give me. Thanks in advance.

Problem #1: As was mentioned in this thread I start up a game picking all the desired settings and wait until the game actually starts before running Mapfinder. Once I get Mapfinder running it begins running through quickstarts as it is supposed to. The problem I am having is I don’t know how to control it. In other words it just keeps loading quickstarts and than exiting out of them.

Questions: How do I play out a start? How do I save a start? How can I briefly pause or slow it down so I can look at a start?

maps which meet your selected criteria will automaticly be saved by Mapfinder. You can not pause mapfinder to look at a map. You can not play a map from mapfinder. You have to let Mapfinder do it's job first. Once Mapfinder is done, you can look at the generated report. You'll have the option to view an image of the map. This is where you can get a longer look. To play a specific map found, the easiest thing to do is to copy that file into the correct game save folder for the version you were running mapfinder on. Note it's the parent folder that the autosave folder is in....


Problem #2: When setting up Mapfinder and choosing my AND/OR statements I do not believe I am doing it correctly. The problem I am having is if I set it up for AND using a luxury, river, coastal tile etc. none of it is seen on the quickstarts. I have been setting up the AND/OR statements and than beginning the ‘generate map’.

Questions: Am I supposed to be pressing something before generating maps?

I don't think you need to press anything else. You just need to let Mapfinder do it's job. Think about it for a minute. The more stuff you tell Mapfinder to require before it can save, the more maps it will need to generate in order to find the required stuff. There are how many terrain and resource options? The random combinations which the game can develop are quite high if not countless. Mapfinder only scans the random combinations it cannot tell the game what type of map to create....

The newest version maybe a little different in use.... So take my info based on using the older versions with a grain of salt.... :)

Problem #2: When setting up Mapfinder and choosing my AND/OR statements I do not believe I am doing it correctly. The problem I am having is if I set it up for AND using a luxury, river, coastal tile etc. none of it is seen on the quickstarts. I have been setting up the AND/OR statements and than beginning the ‘generate map’.

Looking at the way you state your problem, I think you are misunderstanding how mapfinder works..
Mapfinder does NOT tell civ3 to only generate maps that fill your criteria...
What Mapfinder does is make civ3 generate a lot of maps, and then filter out and save those that match your criteria.
When looking for a lux, a river and a coast, it may take hours before such a map actually appears if you are unlucky (and depending on map settings)

@Methos, just to give you an idea what Gyathaar is meaning, my last MapFinder run was using the rules "AND FreshWater > 0" + "AND 5food > 2". Only 1 in 1000 maps met this criteria, and that was on huge. Even less would meet the 5food criteria on a smaller map as resources are more scarce.

@Methos: Before you set out to find something really scarce, I recommend to work with something simple first...to learn to know to program better, to give you a chance to fine tune those delay timers. Here are some rules I recommend you to try first:

Rule Set#1: Water and at least One Grass Cows
AND FreshWater > 0
AND Cattle on Grassland > 0

Rule Set#2: Water and at least Two Grass Cows
AND FreshWater > 0
AND Cattle on Grassland > 1

Rule Set#2: Water and at least Three Grass Cows
AND FreshWater > 0
AND Cattle on Grassland > 2

Rule Set#3: Water and at least two extra food bonus
AND FreshWater > 0
AND Food Bonus > 1

Rule Set#4: Water and at least one cows or deers
AND FreshWater > 0
OR Cattle on Grassland > 0
OR Deer on Forest > 0

Rule Set#5: Water, and (Huts or Luxury)
AND FreshWater > 0
OR Hut > 0
OR Luxury > 0

That should give you plenty of good maps to play with after about running MapFinder for a few hours.

I generated 145 maps across 6 rules with 6239 iterations in about 8 hours. An embarrassment of riches. :D I think the highest number of overlaping rules on a single map was only 3.

I like the new report program. :thumbsup: I don't think a slide show is necessary just clicking the next button is all I need. (Of course, if you want to enable to mouse scroll wheel for next/previous, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it. ;) )

One difference I noticed was that the column sort appears to be only be descending. Being able to toggle between Asc/Desc was a good feature. (i.e. sort Dom Limit ascending then cows descending.)

A couple of suggestions:
1) Could you display the map information in the header of the screenshot tab? Something like you did in the old save file name would be enough.
2) Could you enable the Right-Click menu option to "Save map as" on the screenshot tab?

Thanks for all your work on this excellent utility. :goodjob:

Looking at the way you state your problem, I think you are misunderstanding how mapfinder works..


Yes, you are correct. I was misunderstanding how it worked completely. Thanks, this explains much.

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll attempt another search while I'm at work. Thanks again.

Update:
http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v64b.zip

Just add a few more options to the report. If you have a slow dial-up modem, you may want to download only the report:

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapReport_v64.zip

New features:
#1. Save/Export multiple game files. To select multiple rows, just click on a row, then drag the mouse to include other rows...then popup the "save as"...

#2. Mass deletion. Similar technique as #1, except "delete" instead of "save"

#3. Add status display as suggested by Denniz (instead of header, it will be on the status bar at the bottom of the screen). Just some basic info for now...when I have time, I probably will have it to display more.

#4. Popup menu in the screen shot view (suggested by Denniz)
That was it! Just some quickies for now.

Hey Moonsinger! I just downloaded vesrion 6.4, and after configuring the Rules Set, I told it to "Start Map Generator." It came up with this warning:

No search criteria found! You need to configure the Rules Set for map to be accepted.

What's wrong?

EDIT: Nevermind, got it to work :)!

Thank you for mapfinder, great tool. I still have a problem running it. It starts well, but it closes C3Cafter a while (10 min-fixed to 256 iterations!) and then waits forever to start C3C again. But it doesnt. Am I missing something?

Try increasing the time parameter on the Set-up window.......the one at the bottom referring to "time delay before restarting C3C". :)

Hey Moonsinger! I just downloaded vesrion 6.4, and after configuring the Rules Set, I told it to "Start Map Generator." It came up with this warning:



What's wrong?

EDIT: Nevermind, got it to work :)!


Well, not me. I created a rule set (domination greater than 3600), I saved it. and I get the same error as above (no search criteria found). What am I doing wrong?

Thank you Eman. Indeed that was the solution!!

Someone must stick it because I read many people have this problem.

When C3C doesnt relaunch just make the delay higher.

One important question: is there a way to skip the intro and/or make C3C run in window so I can launch mapfinder while surfing the net? Well, those are 2 separates questions but it will make life easier if could be done

If I check the 'launch in window mode" option it still launch full screen

Well, not me. I created a rule set (domination greater than 3600), I saved it. and I get the same error as above (no search criteria found). What am I doing wrong?

Where did you save it to? You have to save it to the "rules" directory which is a subdirectory of where you installed MapFinder. That's the only offical rule directory that MapFinder will look for. Note: This is a feature of version 6.4 or later. The older version do not support multiple rule sets.

One important question: is there a way to skip the intro and/or make C3C run in window so I can launch mapfinder while surfing the net?

MapFinder has already skip the intro in C3C. However, you can't run MapFinder while surfing the net?;) MapFinder is designed to run while you are sleeping, not while you are surfing!

Where did you save it to? You have to save it to the "rules" directory which is a subdirectory of where you installed MapFinder. That's the only offical rule directory that MapFinder will look for. Note: This is a feature of version 6.4 or later. The older version do not support multiple rule sets.

the *.dat file (rule set I created) is in the "rules" directory of where I installed MapFinder.

I've been using mapfinder for a while, but it's the first time I try to use the version 6 or above... I'm lost here :(

Edit: btw, the specs, if it can help:

WinXP pro SP2
C3C 1.22
AMD 3200
1 Gig of RAM

the *.dat file (rule set I created) is in the "rules" directory of where I installed MapFinder.

I've been using mapfinder for a while, but it's the first time I try to use the version 6 or above... I'm lost here :(

Would you open up your *.dat file to see if there is anything in it? I mean you use MapFinder to open/load it up the *.dat file. Anyway, I suspect that you may have use the mouse to select an item then click save before moving onto the next row, it may not accept your input. Of course, I'm going to fix this in the next version, but for now, make sure you hit "enter" key to move to the next row before hit "save"; otherwise, it may not accept your input for the new row.

Would you open up your *.dat file to see if there is anything in it? I mean you use MapFinder to open/load it up the *.dat file. Anyway, I suspect that you may have use the mouse to select an item then click save before moving onto the next row, it may not accept your input. Of course, I'm going to fix this in the next version, but for now, make sure you hit "enter" key to move to the next row before hit "save"; otherwise, it may not accept your input for the new row.

Still no go :(

But you were right, I was using the mouse and didn't press enter. I erased the file I had, and created a new one the way you just described. But like I said, still no go.

I attached the resulting *.dat file, to see if you can find anything wrong with it.

Still no go :(

Now, I remember something. It has been a long time since someone told me about this problem with the ancient tech. Sorry, I should have remembered about it eariler, but since I rarely run into anyone using ancient technology, I sometimes forget about it. Basically, MapFinder doesn't run on a compressed file system. Yes, that must be it!!! Please turn off disk compression or folder compression on the MapFinder folder to see if it works. If not, please give me your system spec.

I just ran a short test with 6.4
It works great! I like how it shows which rule sets the map meets.

However, there is only one thing that I don't like and I'm not sure how it changed. On the versions 5 the data could be sorted by descending when clicking the title bar once or ascending if clicked a second time. Currently, it only descends. Also, it maybe an issue with the sort script, but I had a grassland of 10 which after being sorted found itself between 1 and 0 a far cry from 9.

Other than that. It is the best working version I've seen yet...

Now, I remember something. It has been a long time since someone told me about this problem with the ancient tech. Sorry, I should have remembered about it eariler, but since I rarely run into anyone using ancient technology, I sometimes forget about it. Basically, MapFinder doesn't run on a compressed file system. Yes, that must be it!!! Please turn off disk compression or folder compression on the MapFinder folder to see if it works. If not, please give me your system spec.

I don't know what you mean by ancient tech, but my system specs are:

WinXP pro SP2
C3C 1.22
AMD Athlon 3200
1 Gig of RAM

No folders or disk is compressed and the partition is NTFS...

Btw, thx for your help :)

I don't know what you mean by ancient tech, but my system specs are:

WinXP pro SP2
C3C 1.22
AMD Athlon 3200
1 Gig of RAM

No folders or disk is compressed and the partition is NTFS...

Btw, thx for your help :)

I'm running out of idea. I don't really know why it doesn't work on your system. I just check the code...even if something is wrong with the rule file, it would still run (it won't find any map but it would still run). The fact that it couldn't even locate the rule folder does sound exactly the problem we encountered a few months ago (also it was also WinXP pro SP2 too). Denniz figured that problem out on page #31 of this thread.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=75992&page=31&pp=20

Post related to that matter:

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=2618961&postcount=611
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=2619400&postcount=615

Btw, have you try the older version (6.3) of MapFinder? It doesn't care about the rule directory at all; therefore, it was totally different than version 6.4. If that one does work, then we can go back to figure out why the new one won't recognize the rule directory on your system. There must be something special about that folder in your system. May be Microsoft just introduced another brand new "future tech" that we aren't aware of. Please note that I have stopped using the term "ancient tech", from now on, I will refer to it as "future tech".;) Anyway, may be you could try to move that folder out in "c:\mapfinder" or something out in the root directory to see if it makes any different. It it works out on root but not else where, it could be file permission problem....another space age tech from Microsoft to help protect your system.

The bottom line, I just don't know much about all these new feature in WinXP. I'm currently using WinXP Pro-sp2 too, but I haven't yet run into any problem.

I just ran a short test with 6.4
It works great! I like how it shows which rule sets the map meets.

However, there is only one thing that I don't like and I'm not sure how it changed. On the versions 5 the data could be sorted by descending when clicking the title bar once or ascending if clicked a second time. Currently, it only descends. Also, it maybe an issue with the sort script, but I had a grassland of 10 which after being sorted found itself between 1 and 0 a far cry from 9.

Other than that. It is the best working version I've seen yet...

There is no issue with the sort script! I just thought that most of us would like to see things in the descending order with the best maps listed at the top; therefore, I skipped the implementation of the ascending sort (since I have to code everything from scratch, it's a lot of coding and I'm getting lazy). If it's important to you, I will add that to the next version.

There is no issue with the sort script! I just thought that most of us would like to see things in the descending order with the best maps listed at the top; therefore, I skipped the implementation of the ascending sort (since I have to code everything from scratch, it's a lot of coding and I'm getting lazy). If it's important to you, I will add that to the next version.

I use the ascending sort primarily on the domination limit column when looking for fastest finish maps. Its no big deal for me as I just jump to the bottom and scroll up.

I'd like to mention that I really like the new format. I have now had a chance to try it out and it is working splendidly (I think that is a word)

I've been running:
Any map > 1 Ccow with fresh water
Any map >2 Cows
Any map < 700 Domination Limit

I love it! Keep up the Great work!

Moonsinger, is there a way to disable the "restart C3C after x iterations"?

I just want it to run without stop, as it has a big problem restarting, it shut down after 80 tries, and never starts again. I tried to improve the delay, it worked for a while, and now it waits forever again:(

I usually have it set to restart after 15 iterations.. while it will sometimes hang for me if I set it at 25 iterations no matter how long delay I set.
At 15 iterations it never hangs for me (this is on huge maps thou.. on smaller maps I seem to have no problems with a lot more iterations between restarts)

Moonsinger, is there a way to disable the "restart C3C after x iterations"?

It will run infinitely with PTW or vanilla Civ3. The reason for the "restart" is because C3C was not as stable as PTW and vanilla Civ3. Basically, if you start and quit the game for so many times, C3C will crack (may be there is a memory leak in C3C). The bottom line C3C won't run for a long period of time! Since Firaxis doesn't fix their program, I have to work around that by restarting it. If you want it to run infinitely like PTW and vanilla Civ3, please ask Firaxis to fix their program because there is nothing I can do about that.

I just want it to run without stop, as it has a big problem restarting, it shut down after 80 tries, and never starts again. I tried to improve the delay, it worked for a while, and now it waits forever again:(

Like I said, C3C wasn't built for endurance run. Just set your "Restart C3C" counter in MapFinder to about 30 or lower, and it will work. Also increase the time delay for restarting C3C as well.

I usually have it set to restart after 15 iterations.. while it will sometimes hang for me if I set it at 25 iterations no matter how long delay I set.
At 15 iterations it never hangs for me (this is on huge maps thou.. on smaller maps I seem to have no problems with a lot more iterations between restarts)

I'm glad 15 work out good for you.:) Just curious, how much RAM do you have on your system? I set my C3C to restart at each 30 iterations and it run like forever without any problem. I also have 1 Gig of RAM in my system....I believe that the more memory you have in your system, the longer C3C will run, but that's my guess.

Since you are also a software developer, what do you think is wrong with C3C? Does that sound like a memory leak to you? My feeling is that they failed to release all the memory when you quit and start a new the game.

Thank you for your answer.

I dont have a clue about code, but it seems to me it would be more proper to have a path to c3c.exe in the mapfinder.ini. How does mapfinderf restarts C3C by himself?


I am sure it must be a easy way to make mapfinder restart C3C without problems. It must be a easier problem for you than coding all those features, isnt it? :p

"Time delay before restartingC3C" - you say to lower it to 30 but I have in setup only to chose from 5000! and up. What would be a reasonable number for me? 512 ram here

In my windows task features I can start C3C just by adding it as a task at x.xx time of day or night. Woudnt be possible to integrate such thing to mapfinder? (if failes to start, then start 5 min later or such) Sorry if is dumb but I dont know about coding again, just a thought.

I have 1GB memory on all my systems, so that isnt the problem...
All 3 machines have Athlon64 cpus, so perhaps that cause problems, dunno.. 2 runs XP Pro and one runs Server 2003, so the OS isnt common... thou I mainly run mapfinder on a laptop with XP.

Did a test now to see what happens.. it appears that c3c actually used most memory at the menu screens.. each one adds about 5 MB extra memory usage when you go to them.. so when you use quick start game consumed about 5MB more memory at the screen where you clock quick start than when you have a finished generated map.. but.. this memory isnt freed untill 5-10 secs after you can start moving your units.

After every restart the game used about 0.5 MB more memory, so that was not the problem.

I tried to see how far I could go.. and after 115 interactions, the game was still only using 150MB memory vs the 92MB it used when I started...

At iteration 116 C3C crashed.. all the menuoptions was NIL (the new game, quick start and so on)...

I am guessing here, since I didnt check properly, that the problem isnt the memory leak, but instead that the game isnt closing some filehandlers properly, and eventually runs out, and this would eventually make it fail to open some game files and cause the crash.

I also noticed that all memory from the memory leak was swapped out, so was not in the physical memory at all (thou this would cause the game the take longer to clean up memory at a restart if you have more iterations)

I dont have a clue about code, but it seems to me it would be more proper to have a path to c3c.exe in the mapfinder.ini. How does mapfinderf restarts C3C by himself?


I am sure it must be a easy way to make mapfinder restart C3C without problems. It must be a easier problem for you than coding all those features, isnt it? :p

You guessed wrong! I can pretty much restart any other program on the world, but restarting C3C isn't easy!

"Time delay before restartingC3C" - you say to lower it to 30 but I have in setup only to chose from 5000! and up. What would be a reasonable number for me? 512 ram here

No! That wasn't what I was saying. I'm saying that you should reduce the number of iteration down to 30 or even 15 as Gyathaar had suggested. And the Time delay before restarting C3C should be at least 25000 mili seconds or more.


In my windows task features I can start C3C just by adding it as a task at x.xx time of day or night. Woudnt be possible to integrate such thing to mapfinder? (if failes to start, then start 5 min later or such) Sorry if is dumb but I dont know about coding again, just a thought.

Like I said before, restarting C3C isn't as easy as you think. Sure you can restart it without any problem with a fresh reboot or whatever, but when C3C goes down hard, it won't restart no matter what...until you reboot your system. Therefore, the trick is to quit it before it crack, then restart it. Just turn that number of iterations down to 15 or 30 to see what happen.

I have 1GB memory on all my systems, so that isnt the problem...
All 3 machines have Athlon64 cpus, so perhaps that cause problems, dunno.. 2 runs XP Pro and one runs Server 2003, so the OS isnt common... thou I mainly run mapfinder on a laptop with XP.

Did a test now to see what happens.. it appears that c3c actually used most memory at the menu screens.. each one adds about 5 MB extra memory usage when you go to them.. so when you use quick start game consumed about 5MB more memory at the screen where you clock quick start than when you have a finished generated map.. but.. this memory isnt freed untill 5-10 secs after you can start moving your units.

After every restart the game used about 0.5 MB more memory, so that was not the problem.

I tried to see how far I could go.. and after 115 interactions, the game was still only using 150MB memory vs the 92MB it used when I started...

At iteration 116 C3C crashed.. all the menuoptions was NIL (the new game, quick start and so on)...

I am guessing here, since I didnt check properly, that the problem isnt the memory leak, but instead that the game isnt closing some filehandlers properly, and eventually runs out, and this would eventually make it fail to open some game files and cause the crash.

I also noticed that all memory from the memory leak was swapped out, so was not in the physical memory at all (thou this would cause the game the take longer to clean up memory at a restart if you have more iterations)


Wow, you are good! :goodjob: I think you are right...C3C probably didn't close some filehandlers.

...The bottom line C3C won't run for a long period of time!...Just wanted to let you know that I've returned home to Miami and one of my dedicated MF notebook computers is still running after 16 days straight..........on Conquests too!! (Is that a Record? :lol: )

I have it going at a pretty slow speed but it has generated 52600 maps so far and accepted 222. (Funnily enough the number of Accepted + Rejected maps doesn't equal the number of maps Generated!...it's about 1000 off!? :confused: )

But Oh Boy!, what a pleasant homecoming surprise! :)

I'm running out of idea. I don't really know why it doesn't work on your system. I just check the code...even if something is wrong with the rule file, it would still run (it won't find any map but it would still run). The fact that it couldn't even locate the rule folder does sound exactly the problem we encountered a few months ago (also it was also WinXP pro SP2 too). Denniz figured that problem out on page #31 of this thread.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=75992&page=31&pp=20

Post related to that matter:

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=2618961&postcount=611
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=2619400&postcount=615

Btw, have you try the older version (6.3) of MapFinder? It doesn't care about the rule directory at all; therefore, it was totally different than version 6.4. If that one does work, then we can go back to figure out why the new one won't recognize the rule directory on your system. There must be something special about that folder in your system. May be Microsoft just introduced another brand new "future tech" that we aren't aware of. Please note that I have stopped using the term "ancient tech", from now on, I will refer to it as "future tech".;) Anyway, may be you could try to move that folder out in "c:\mapfinder" or something out in the root directory to see if it makes any different. It it works out on root but not else where, it could be file permission problem....another space age tech from Microsoft to help protect your system.

The bottom line, I just don't know much about all these new feature in WinXP. I'm currently using WinXP Pro-sp2 too, but I haven't yet run into any problem.

thx for the info :)

Edit: I just installed the version 6.3 and it works!! :goodjob:
The "generate report" thingie comes up empty, but I don't mind.

Since 6.3 works, any idea now on 6.4?

I have it going at a pretty slow speed but it has generated 52600 maps so far and accepted 222. (Funnily enough the number of Accepted + Rejected maps doesn't equal the number of maps Generated!...it's about 1000 off!? :confused: )

I believe that everytime MapFinder restart C3C, you get a freebie...well, since the Restart subroutine isn't part of the normal process, it forget to increase the counter of the first map or something like that. I could update the counter in the next version. Anyway, since it's 1000 off, you could say that it had restarted C3C successfully 1000 times...isn't that an extra bonus counter or what?;)

thx for the info :)

Edit: I just installed the version 6.3 and it works!! :goodjob:
The "generate report" thingie comes up empty, but I don't mind.

Since 6.3 works, any idea now on 6.4?

Since 6.3 works and the report is empty, it has proven that your file system atributes aren't normal. Would you check the property of the Map output folder as follows:

1. Select folder property
2. Select Advance
3. What does your "Advance Atrributes" say? Here is what it said on my WinXP Pro with SP2 system (see attachment). Does it says "compress" or "secure" on your system?

@Jachyra: I just remember something...when you use Window Explorer to browse the MapFinder folder or the Map Output folder, what color does it display in? If it's blue, it is compressed. If it's green, it's secured. If it's pink, it's whatever. Basically, if the color of your file system color isn't in black and white, it either compressed or secured or whatever.

@Jachyra: I just remember something...when you use Window Explorer to browse the MapFinder folder or the Map Output folder, what color does it display in? If it's blue, it is compressed. If it's green, it's secured. If it's pink, it's whatever. Basically, if the color of your file system color isn't in black and white, it either compressed or secured or whatever.

Hi Moonsigner. :)

Nope, nothing blue or pink in windows Explorer, a normal folder if I remember correctly. Since i'm currently at work, I can't verify, but i'll be able to give you a definite answer tonight.

One thing, tho. My default browser is Firefox, not IE. I haven't read all through the 36 pages, but can this be the reason for it showing empty? Just an idea...

nope.. works fine in firefox for me

I'm assuming you're using version 6.4. Was it also the case with version 6.3 before that?

yes, that is what I meant.. tested and firefox works fine with 6.3

Ok, thx for the info...

I'm still lost here about the "generate report" thingie. I even tried using the *.exe (MapReport, IIRC coming with 6.4) with the version 6.3, but of course that didn't work :)

hnmmm... the plot thickens :)

Hi Moonsigner. :)

Nope, nothing blue or pink in windows Explorer, a normal folder if I remember correctly. Since i'm currently at work, I can't verify, but i'll be able to give you a definite answer tonight.

Also check to make sure that folder isn't hidden either. Basically, when MapFinder tries to locate the list of files (the list of files to report as in version 6.3 or a list of rule files as in version 6.4), it found none. Something in your system preventing its from scanning those two directories. My Delphi code for grapping the file list is as follows:



var
sr: TSearchRec;
FileAttrs: Integer;
sDirPath: string;
begin
FileAttrs := faAnyFile;
sDirPath := ....whatever map output folder or rule folder....

if FindFirst(sDirPath, FileAttrs, sr) = 0 then
begin
repeat
//Add sr.Name filename to the list of files found

until FindNext(sr) <> 0;
FindClose(sr);
end;
end;


Here is the documentation of FindFirst and FindNext:

FindFirst searches the directory specified by Path for the first file that matches the file name implied by Path and the attributes specified by the Attr parameter. The result is returned in the F parameter. Use the fields of this search record to extract the information needed. FindFirst returns 0 if a file was successfully located, otherwise, it returns an error code.

The Path constant parameter is the directory and file name mask, including wildcard characters. For example, '.\test\*.*' specifies all files in the current directory).

For some reason, the FindFirst and FindNext won't work on compressed/secured directory. I will have to talk to the expert at Borland to see if there is a workaround or a better API to grab the file list.

Btw Gyathaar or any programmers here, how do you get the list of files? Is there another way without using FindFirst and FindNext?

One thing, tho. My default browser is Firefox, not IE. I haven't read all through the 36 pages, but can this be the reason for it showing empty? Just an idea...

It's not browser related!

I'm still lost here about the "generate report" thingie. I even tried using the *.exe (MapReport, IIRC coming with 6.4) with the version 6.3, but of course that didn't work :)

Of course, it won't work! The Report program that come with version 6.4 will work only with anything coming from 6.4 or later.

Btw Gyathaar or any programmers here, how do you get the list of files? Is there another way without using FindFirst and FindNext?
I havent programmed in Delphi in ages..
Tried using the FindFirstFile and FindNextFile WinSDK calls?
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/fileio/fs/findfirstfile.asp
The return structure returns info if the file is compressed or not, so I assume it should return compressed files..

Also check to make sure that folder isn't hidden either. Basically, when MapFinder tries to locate the list of files (the list of files to report as in version 6.3 or a list of rule files as in version 6.4), it found none. Something in your system preventing its from scanning those two directories.

I don't think that's the problem (preventing the scanning). I'm talking 6.3 here:

The dir where I installed mapfinder: c:\civ3map
The dir where the maps are saved: c:\civ3map\maps

Right after I stop mapfinder (usually manually by pressing the stop button), the program opens Firefox and there's the title, the little resource thumbnails on top, but the rest is empty. Also, there is a file created "index.htm" in the maps folder. IIRC, the file is like 177 bytes only (I'll have to check tonight to make sure).

That's why I think the program can access the folders (civ3map and maps) just fine...

I don't think that's the problem (preventing the scanning). I'm talking 6.3 here:

The dir where I installed mapfinder: c:\civ3map
The dir where the maps are saved: c:\civ3map\maps

Right after I stop mapfinder (usually manually by pressing the stop button), the program opens Firefox and there's the title, the little resource thumbnails on top, but the rest is empty. Also, there is a file created "index.htm" in the maps folder. IIRC, the file is like 177 bytes only (I'll have to check tonight to make sure).

That's why I think the program can access the folders (civ3map and maps) just fine...

Trust me! It's the root of the problem. The reason you have an empty report is because the scan for the filelist return empty. Here is what the program is doing:

Step #1: Get a file list
Step #2: Read each file on the file list and generate the report
Step #3: Show the report to the user

As you see, if you get no file list on step #1, you would have a blank/empty report on step #3. That's exactly how the program work...it's the same as the spaceship project:

Step #1: Design and build your spaceship
Step #2: Launch your spaceship
Step #3: Set destination to Alpha Whatever

Although the problem is that we can't set the destination or can't get to the destination, but the root of the problem is that there was no spaceship to begin with. No spaceship = can't set destination to Alpha Whatever.;)

Btw, creating a new file isn't the same as scanning for a file. When you create a file, you already know in advance the property of the file that you are going to create. When you scan for file, you are at the mercy of your file system. Therefore, the "index.htm" got created even when it failed to scan that folder.

I havent programmed in Delphi in ages..
Tried using the FindFirstFile and FindNextFile WinSDK calls?
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/fileio/fs/findfirstfile.asp
The return structure returns info if the file is compressed or not, so I assume it should return compressed files..

Thanks!:) I knew exactly what to do. I have coded with those functions back in the old days. I'm going to test those functions on a compressed folder when I get home tonight. Like I said, my programming skill is a little bit rusty.;)

@Moonsinger...

Ahhh, I see what you mean now.
Can't wait to get home to check the dir properties...

Cheers! :)

@Moonsinger

Ok, I checked the properties of both the mapfinder dir and maps dir and both are like your screenshot, nothing ticked :(

Eu-re-ka!! :bounce:

I found it. For speed and disk space, I have turned off indexing on all my drives.

In order for mapfinder to scan the folder (read the rules and generate non empty reports), the indexing needs to be activated on the mapfinder folder and its subfolders (rules, maps, etc.). No need to allow indexing on your whole drive (which affect the performance) only on the mapfinder dir and subdirs.

Everything works now... i'm a happy puppy :D

Thanx again for all your help Moonsinger, it's REALLY appreciated... :goodjob:

New update version 6.5:

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads9/MapFinder_v65.zip

This baby will work with compressed folder, compressed disk, secured folder, and unindexed file system. You can thank Gyathaar for his suggestion with the FindFirstFile function. Believe it or not, the FindFirst function that I used before was classiffied as more "advance" than the FindFirstFile function. I also added the bi-directional sort to the report. Other than the first two columns, if you clicking on the column that has already sorted in one direction, it will reverse its sort direction (either ascending or descending). Enjoy!


@Jachyra: Great discovery!:) At least now we know why it didn't work. It has been very educational. I'm sure version 6.5 will work for you now. You should upgrade to the latest version...it's always going to be better with the newer and later version.

One of the old versions of this worked but now :cry: :cry: :wallbash:

Instead of starting a new game, it just loads up an old one and then dies. Any ideas why?

Yours hopefully,
Offa.

One of the old versions of this worked but now :cry: :cry: :wallbash:

Instead of starting a new game, it just loads up an old one and then dies. Any ideas why?

Yours hopefully,
Offa.

The correct procedure for running MapFinder is as follows:

#1. Startup Civ3
#2. Start "New Game", select your map size, etc...to get to 4000BC
#3. Startup MapFinder
#4. Go to the setup menu of MapFinder to make sure you have picked the correct autosave directory. If you miss this step, it may load up the game or whatever.....the bottom line it won't work if you do this step wrong. Keep in mind that there is a separate autosave directory for each version of Civ3. Be sure to pick the right one. Also check on the "QuickStart" option in the MapFinder setup screen if you are using C3C.
#5. Start finding map.

That's it! It should work!

Instead of starting a new game, it just loads up an old one and then dies. Any ideas why?

I had the same problem. As MS says the issue is with the autosave directory. The new version defaults to the vanilla autosave directory, rather than the C3C autosave directory. Once the directory is fixed Mapfinder works like a dream.

Dear me. I really was that dumb . :smoke: Thanks for your advice Sandman2003/Moonsinger. It's working now. :goodjob: I can't believe I didn't check the autosave directory.

I just downloaded MapFinder last night. It seemed to run fine during the 8 hours I left it on last night, BUT it rejected 588 maps and saved none.

Maybe I don't understand the AND/OR functions well enough. How do you tell it you want a river and either 2 cows, or 2 wheat (food bonuses?), or 1 cow and 1 wheat, and at least one lux and more than 2 bonus grasslands.

Also, there are choices for both generic lux or specific ones. How do you ask for a specific one, but be willing to settle of one of the others?

The utility is wonderful, but I guess I'm just dense, but I don't know how to tell it what to look for. :blush:

I just downloaded MapFinder last night. It seemed to run fine during the 8 hours I left it on last night, BUT it rejected 588 maps and saved none.

Maybe I don't understand the AND/OR functions well enough. How do you tell it you want a river and either 2 cows, or 2 wheat (food bonuses?), or 1 cow and 1 wheat, and at least one lux and more than 2 bonus grasslands.

I believe this would be:
1st rule:
AND river > 0
OR cow > 1
OR wheat > 1

2nd rule:
AND cow > 0
AND wheat > 0
AND lux > 0
AND bonus grass > 2


Also, there are choices for both generic lux or specific ones. How do you ask for a specific one, but be willing to settle of one of the others?

This would be the same as asking for the presence of any generic lux since you are willing to settle for any lux :p

Thank you, Gyathaar!!! :) Both rules make sense now, but would I need to set up 2 separate "rule files" or would they both go in the same file with one just above the other?

Afraid I'm seriously computer challenged. :(

Yes, 2 Rule Files.

After entering the parameters for the first Rule Set, hit Save (bottom right)......and give it a meaningful filename [to you] when prompted.

Then enter the parameters for the second Rule Set and Save it as a different filename.

Mapfinder will look at the Rule sets in the Rules folder, when it's running. :)

Yeah, that Moonsinger is a pretty sharp cookie! :hatsoff: :hatsoff: :hatsoff:

Yes, 2 Rule Files.

After entering the parameters for the first Rule Set, hit Save (bottom right)......and give it a meaningful filename [to you] when prompted.

Then enter the parameters for the second Rule Set and Save it as a different filename.

Mapfinder will look at the Rule sets in the Rules folder, when it's running. :)

Yeah, that Moonsinger is a pretty sharp cookie! :hatsoff: :hatsoff: :hatsoff:
Thanks, Eman! :) And I totally agree about Moonsinger...this is an amazing program. Even with my lack of knowledge on rules, this program really delivers. :goodjob:

Thank you for your kind words.:) I couldn't have done it without you guys' inputs and inspiration.

I'll add my :hatsoff: :goodjob: :thumbsup: :dance: :beer: :worship: :clap: to the growing admiration for this program.

I'd like to be the first to wish you a happy and brief respite from Civ.

Just a tip for n00bs like me who have trouble with the AND/OR rules... Start with something simple and work your way up.

I started with AND rivers >1 AND food bonus >0...I got 210 saved maps in 8 hours...about 40% saved. (Yeah, like I'll play them all in THIS lifetime :D ) Last night I added to the rules luxuries >0 and got 30 maps in 15 hours.

I am SO pleased with this utility. It's hard enough to find time to play the game and I hate spending my time generating maps by hand. Thank you, Moonsinger!!! :goodjob:

I never really understood what the domination limit was. So I played a map with a low domination limit on Regent. I've never won on regent. At this point, I've got double the score of my nearest competitor. It's the early to mid 1900's I can easily win by, domination, conquest, score, possibly even culture. Haven't started the space race, yet. But I could win with that too.

So domination limit means less land. Right? Cause that sure seems to be the case here.

Thanks to mapfinder for helping me find a map on Regent that I can win.

The domination limit is the number of tiles (land and coast.. not sea or ocean) you need to control to get 66% (66.67% in vanilla/ptw) of the total area and win by domination.
So lower domination limit usually means less land (usually since coast is part of it too)

Hmm... I'm having some difficulties.
Aside from taking ages to work out how to change my keyboard layout to US (thanks Windows for making is sooooooooo easy, NOT!), I now keep getting an odd error:

"Cannot create C:\Civ3Map\<long string of strange characters>.jpg"

with MapFinder closing down. This always happens on the first game I start up. I'm not 100% convinced I'm running it correctly... but anyway, here's what I do:

Start C3C, New Game, pick settings, go to 4000BC, get the "You are etc. etc.", and close that dialog.
Start up MapFinder, confirm my rules, then start it.

Am I missing something?

This is WinXP Pro, SP1, with C3C 1.22. The C:\Civ3Map directory exists and is not read-only.