Latest announcement: New version of WarplannerI’m facing a similar dilemma with the next generation of WP (the browser-based/Silverlight implementation) that I had with the current version: What to do with the maps. I need your input.
Instead of using the static scans of the map background, I would love to programmatically draw each hex on the map. Doing this would provide complete control over how the map is displayed, for example:
1. No “set” zoom levels; you could zoom to any degree you wanted and there would be zero loss of clarity at any level
2. Ability to turn off hex borders altogether
3. Ability to shade hexes (this could be useful for a number of reasons; to display isolated hexes, or slight shading to reflect coalition ownership, etc)
4. Ability to toggle hex indicators on and off, such as cities, ports, etc.
5. Smaller program – most of the current ~21MB size of WP are the 10 different map images
6. Crystal clear on-map lettering. I know even at 100% zoom the current maps have slightly fuzzy lettering
7. Customizable coloring/texturing. If someone out there really hated the default sand-colored land on the maps, they could change it
8. Others?
Some of the above are pretty ludicrous (like #7). Others have pretty decent justification to take this route. A great example of why dynamic rendering is better is with the units themselves. If I relied exclusively on scanned images of the counters you wouldn’t be able to combine AAF into 15 factors, create a British CVL called “Beefeater” or produce a German 5o6 armor with the initials of your son. When the Greek forcepool changed, it would have required a rescan of the units and overall just a hassle.
The biggest glaring reason to NOT programmatically render hexes on the map is that unlike counters, it is almost certain whatever I came up with wouldn’t look like the real maps. I’ve thought about ways to possibly create a tool that scans every single pixel in each map and store it digitally, so that when I programmatically render a hex I use this digital “database” to display the coastlines with the right kind of contours, mountains and forests etc to look as close as possible to the real thing. This I think would take a lot of work and possibly be a waste of time.
So my question to you all is: Would you prefer the limited zoom, static and somewhat blurry current map backgrounds, or does any of the above seem worthy enough to pursue? I've made this a vote on the left navbar - let me know your thoughts.To comment on this, click here. To see other forums, click here.Latest comment for Looking for an opponentHey All!
If anyone is looking for a game, I am ready to fight! I would prefer to play a global war game (though I'll play EuroScenaro too) and I want to play the Allies. Not team play (i.e... Bob (3/5/2010 6:03:42 PM)Latest roll: 1942 spring Russian counter air missions 2
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The average for this set of rolls is 6.16, rolled 8:24 PM 3/9/2010.
Sides per die: 6, Die per roll: 2
note - two die per roll
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Line 3: T37 1 SAF vs 2 Gr/HAF (+1/-1)
Line 1: 10, 3
Line 2: 11, 5
Line 3: 5, 3
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