SpaceWeasel
Chieftain
I've heard some vague rumblings about amazing new map utilities that can parse maps from other games, and even one that can instantly generate a super-realistic map of any selected bit of terrain in the world. Well, here's my idea for a really really handy map utiltity: a simple utility that allows you re-scale an existing map. For example, suppose I wanted to turn one or two continents on a Huge world map into their own map. Or, I wanted to expand a map of a small area to cover more ground. This utility could also patch together multiple maps to form one big map. I think the map format of the *.bic file is pretty well understand, and it wouldn't be too terribly hard to program (though well beyond my capabilities). Could anyone look into this? I think it would benefit the mod/map community quite a bit, and it would allow end users more flexibility with maps they download. This would also be great flexibility to have in a more general purpose map utility.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I'll reveal my hidden bias: I carefully mapped out a good North America map on grid paper using an ingenious technique of turning the map black and white, cranking up the contrast, and printing it on the back of the paper and then tracing out the coasts and such on the front (since the ink shows through). However, I didn't anticipate the effects of the 45 degree tile system in transfering the map to the editor and I have somehow eaten up nearly half of my map space, and I've only just finished mexico (going from bottom to top). This is a map that I definately want to include Alaska and maybe the bit of Russia that sticks onto my map. So, a re-scaling utility would definately be in order, if only to salvage the work I've put into it so far =).
So, thanks in advance, programmers!
In the spirit of full disclosure, I'll reveal my hidden bias: I carefully mapped out a good North America map on grid paper using an ingenious technique of turning the map black and white, cranking up the contrast, and printing it on the back of the paper and then tracing out the coasts and such on the front (since the ink shows through). However, I didn't anticipate the effects of the 45 degree tile system in transfering the map to the editor and I have somehow eaten up nearly half of my map space, and I've only just finished mexico (going from bottom to top). This is a map that I definately want to include Alaska and maybe the bit of Russia that sticks onto my map. So, a re-scaling utility would definately be in order, if only to salvage the work I've put into it so far =).
So, thanks in advance, programmers!
