Well, it seemed really easy, but it didn't work.
I have created a mod with ModBuddy that includes:
- the unchanged GTAS_PlotIterators.lua (I assume this is responsible for the calculations of the visibility fields, and shouldn't be touched)
- the second lua file consisting of the line: include("GTAS_PlotIterators"); and below the code you proposed (changing visibilityRange to 4, as 5 seemed to much)
- mod info with the properties of the mod
and clicked build.
Unfortunately when I played the game, nothing happened. I have checked the code vs both GTAS_StartGame.lua and GTAS_InitPlayers.lua and it all looks as it should, so I I have no clue what might have gone wrong.
After a few hours of trying to amend some things I thought might help, nothing helped, most probably due to my non existing knowledge of coding.
I have implemented a simpler workaround - added a one off starting settler (borrowed the idea from a different mod) with free promotion:
<PromotionType>PROMOTION_AIR_RECON</PromotionType>
that gives me 6 tiles visibility, including visibility over hills and mountains, which is key. It is annoying as hell, as I cannot modify the 6 tiles and it's not exactly what I wanted to do, but at least it's something.
Nevertheless - thank you for your time and encouraging to modding.
If you would have an idea on what went wrong though, I wouldn't mind hearing it