Map format

[Andux]

I couldn't find any existing documentation, so I've been looking into the map format over the past week or so.

I've uploaded my research notes--they're a little rough, but I think I have most of the important stuff figured out.

[Maniac]

Originally posted by Andux
I've uploaded my research notes

AAARGH!! I've suddenly forgotten how to understand English.


(Or in other words, could you please elaborate a bit what you have been doing? )

[binTravkin]

He has decoded SMAX maps, the actual code..

Great stuff buddy, but I don't really see any practical use.
What are you trying to make?

[Andux]

I was hoping that, with the proper info, something better than MapUtility could be written.

[binTravkin]

MapUtility?

Could you please refresh me on what it was doing?

[Darsnan]

Originally posted by binTravkin
MapUtility?

Could you please refresh me on what it was doing?

Darsnan hits binTravkin's "refresh" button repeatedly , each time repeating the mantra, "Just Google it".....

Its at CGN in the SMAC(X) Miscellaneous Section .


Anyways, nice work Andux. However, I guess I have to ask why play with a Bit converter program (or Hex, whatever) when you can just edit the map file yourself?


D

[binTravkin]

Darsnan hits binTravkin's "refresh" button repeatedly , each time repeating the mantra, "Just Google it".....

Its at CGN in the SMAC(X) Miscellaneous Section .

Ooops..

I guess I have to ask why play with a Bit converter program (or Hex, whatever) when you can just edit the map file yourself?

He probably wants to uncover more things about map. There might be some "hidden" terrain type or a possibility to compile your own terrain type without crushing SMAX.
Sid Meier knows what can be deduced from hex..

[Andux]

Mainly, I just wanted to document it for the sake of documenting it. We open-source types are weird like that.

[binTravkin]

Mainly, I just wanted to document it for the sake of documenting it.

Hmm, haven't you tried to enter "fake" terrain?
I could test it myself if had more time, by entering each fake hex possible - it could turn out to be a great discovery..

[gwillybj]

Three and a half years ago,

`way back on 11 and 16 August of 2001 purplemooseman presented quite a bit of information in Format of the AC map files, then asked, "Anybody here know anything?"
Apparently nobody did, and no one at Firaxis was willing to divulge such secrets.
As to one practical use for Andux's research, I have a complete elevation dataset from NASA's MOLA with which I could make a very nearly exact Mars map (albeit scaled to an elevation range of 5500 meters) if I could enter the data with a hex editor. The map editor lets you get each space within only the same approximate 1000-meter range.