BMP-2-MAP help file
version 1.21


note: this file is best seen in MS Line Draw font, with word wrap on


Forward
------------

MicroProse took a step in the right direction when they added an editor with Civilization II to create maps.  However, this editor is somewhat lacking.  Tools that are missing are included with even the most basic graphics editor.  Tools like a fill brush or line draw are not included.  Also, creating realistic looking maps are cumbersome.  My maps never "looked" quite right.  Now, with my application, you may use your favorite graphics editor to create maps, or convert existing bitmap graphics (like cartoons) to Civ2 format.


What's New
--------------

Version 1.21

- Fixed bug that didn't allow bmp files with a width greater than 127




What you need
----------------------

You will need a graphics editor (I recommend Paint Shop Pro) that can create BMP files.  BMP-2-MAP only works with 16 and 256 colour bitmaps.  Anything greater than this will produce unexpected results.  Your BMP file must have:

1 - an image area (width * height) no less than 1000 pixels
2 - an image area no greater than 10,922 pixels
3 - a width or height no less than 20 pixels
4 - a width or height no greater than 250 pixels

Note: These are the same dimensions quoted when making a custom map in Civ2.

BMP-2-MAP works well in Win95 and NT.  I have not tested it yet however in WIN 3.x, though it may work.  You will also need the file vb40032.dll for this program to run.


Palette Index Chart
----------------------------

Each colour in a BMP has an index number.  BMP-2-MAP uses these numbers when generating the *.mp file.  Using Paint Shop Pro, you can easily find out what each color's index is, or you may assign an color to an index of your choice.  In a future version of BMP-2-MAP, you will be able to customize which terrain-type is allocated to which palette index.  But for now here is the current configuration:

PALETTE      WINDOWS           TERRAIN
INDEX        COLOR             TYPE

  0          Black             Ocean
  1          Dark Red          Jungle
  2          Dark Green        Forest
  3          Dark Yellow       Plains
  4          Dark Blue         Ocean
  5          Dark Purple       River through Jungle
  6          Dark Cyan         Tundra
  7          Gray              Hills
  8          Dark Gray         Mountains
  9          Red               Swamp
  10         Green             Grassland
  11         Yellow            Dessert
  12         Blue              River through Grassland
  13         Purple            River through Swamp
  14         Light Blue        River through Plains
  15         White             Glacier
  16         N/A               River through Forest
  17         N/A               River through Tundra
  18         N/A               River through Hills
  19         N/A               River through Mountains
  20         N/A               River through Dessert
  21         N/A               River through Glacier
  22 & up    N/A               Ocean

Notes:
- Indexes 16 and above are not available to 16 colour bitmaps (duh!)
- Index 0 (Black) is matched with ocean for the simple fact that most outlines on a geographical map (i.e. the shore) are outlined in this colour.


Creating a Civ2 map
-----------------------

1> Run bmp2map.exe
2> Select the bmp file
3> click the "Make Civ2 map" button

Simple, isn't it?



Tips
------

Most image files that you will want to convert are much larger than dimensions allowed.  With Paint Shop Pro you can easily resize these images to the correct size.  I recommend using "windows colors" when decreasing the colour depth from 16 million to 256 or 16.  If you use a standard windows 16 colours BMP file, it will be easier to determine what terrain each color represents.  Paint Shop Pro also has a color replacer tool than can be used on your graphics file so that you can properly assign the correct colour to each area of your map.  (Yeesh!  You might think I was trying to sell you a copy of Paint Shop Pro!!)


Limitations
----------------
I do not recommend starting a Civ2 game with one of these generated maps, without first checking it with the Civ2 map editor.  You will undoubtedly need to make a few adjustments.  For example, BMP-2-MAP has a difficult time with rivers.  Rivers drawn straight across or up and down in the BMP file, will produce a series of unconnected pools in the Civ2 map.



Disclaimers Etc.
------------------------

This software is freeware and may be used without any payment to the author.  However I do request that you ask permission, if you wish to post this file on your ftp, bbs, or web site.  This software is presented "as is" and the author shall not be held responsible for any damage caused by using it.  Civilization II is a MicroProse registered product.  Paint Shop Pro is a JASC Inc. registered product.  Neither company is associated with the BMP-2-MAP application.




Have Fun!


GigantiByte
Email    : GigantiByte@hotmail.com
Internet : http://www.storm.ca/~gigantb/ 
