Smirk said:
Of course, that will be included! There will be a picklist of variables for each type of recources, terrains, etc...
- Thread starter Moonsinger
- Start date
Of course, that will be included! There will be a picklist of variables for each type of recources, terrains, etc...
DaveMcW
Deity
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- 6,489
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
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;}} )
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;}} )
DaveMcW said:Expressions are nice, but someone will always want bigger and better expressions that you didn't plan for.
That's true!
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
). Anyway, are volunteering for that job, Dave?
Gyathaar said:
Yes, I have envisioned something like that!
denyd
Emperor
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.
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.
DaveMcW said: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)!
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.
denyd
Emperor
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.
DaveMcW
Deity
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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.
"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.
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.
Daghdha
Absent Minded
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
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
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\
rogram 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)
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
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\
rogram 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. )
Very cool utility.
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
)Very cool utility.
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
Good to see you in the HOF, Daghdha.Daghdha said:....Box says: "Unable to write to C\
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.
Daghdha
Absent Minded
@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!
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!
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.Denniz said:
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.Dianthus said:
Daghdha said:"Unable to write to C\
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.
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...
Denniz said:
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).
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