How are starting locations determined?

[clocknova]

Can anyone tell me how SMACX assigns starting locations on maps? I've got a custom map I've been tweaking for a while, and I've created a small continent that is perfectly made for two factions to develop on with a mineral rich area in the middle for them to fight over. At one time I wasn't having a problem getting the game to start my faction (or any faction) on one side and another faction on the other. But now, after some recent tweaking, the game refuses to start any factions there. Sometimes the entire continent goes without any starting locations, which is odd since that contintent is about a third of the entire map.

What I want is to consistently get starting locations on either side of that contintent, but I cannot figure out how the game is determining them. Any help?

[livid imp]

Fairly random far as I can determine.

I have had it land me on a two tile island before

[Commy]

I think it is random, however, an interesting thought here...

If you look at the original map of planet, you had a set of starting locations...

Some were more common than others...you were more likely to appear by the Fresh water sea than on Mt. Planet...

When Crossfire was installed, however, most of the starting locations were the same, however a few newer ones were added...perhaps it is because the map changed, perhaps because of Crossfire...

Chances are you will have to have each faction build a base where you want it as a scenario...then you play the scenario with factions wherever you want them...unlike Civ 3, you can't edit starting locations...