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height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 2:21:34 AM

gbem

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hi... currently ingame one has to switch to height map in order to get an idea on the height and possible LOS of the units being deployed... which nullifies terrain features like forests or buildings... i propose that an overlay option be available where a semi transparent height map is overlayed over the terrain map... that ways one can see both the terrain and the height without having to cycle through the two.... thoughts?

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 3:13:19 AM

22sec

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From: Jackson, MS
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One thing I would recommend is to change the Hill Shader in the mapcolor.xml file to 1.5 or so. I think the slopes will be easier to see then. If you can find the right setting for you, you can eventually get where you can read the elevation without having to constantly look at the height map.

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 6:31:37 AM

gbem

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which mapcolor.xml? there are 2... and which hillshader values there are 3...

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 10:36:21 AM

Phoenix100

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I'd like to know that too, to try it. 22 sec?

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 11:40:44 AM

Red2112

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quote:

ORIGINAL: gbem

hi... currently ingame one has to switch to height map in order to get an idea on the height and possible LOS of the units being deployed... which nullifies terrain features like forests or buildings... i propose that an overlay option be available where a semi transparent height map is overlayed over the terrain map... that ways one can see both the terrain and the height without having to cycle through the two.... thoughts?

My thought is that what you suggest is alot of work! 15,000 sq/km of maps to redo contour lines, and in what spacing/scale (?) is more then I would want to tackle at this point as a dev.

Maybe someone will want to do that as a mod if he/she has the time and will in the fuuture.

A more practical approach would be to have the ability to "see and place" markers in the ISO view, then check LOS in your normal view as I mentioned in the post below...

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4557500

That might be a faster and easier solution to do (as a dev) at least for now. We do see our OOB in the ISO view, so it�s just a matter of adding the "markers" to be seen.

After all most modern trekking GPS can do that now days. Maps are used as back-ups and for light weight travel in most cases.

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 12:20:28 PM

Issue8

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I think it is a good idea to make the colored height semi transparent. It is a pain to switch between the normal and height. It would be nice if the height colors were not starkly solid, but rather a slight overlay.

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 12:35:20 PM

gbem

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quote:

My thought is that what you suggest is alot of work! 15,000 sq/km of maps to redo contour lines, and in what spacing/scale (?) is more then I would want to tackle at this point as a dev.

its a simple semi transparent overlay of an already existing height map into an already existing terrain map.... how in the name of stalin`s mustache is that too much work?

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 2:32:33 PM

22sec

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quote:

ORIGINAL: gbem

which mapcolor.xml? there are 2... and which hillshader values there are 3...

I do all of them.

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 3:09:57 PM

Red2112

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quote:

ORIGINAL: gbem

quote:

My thought is that what you suggest is alot of work! 15,000 sq/km of maps to redo contour lines, and in what spacing/scale (?) is more then I would want to tackle at this point as a dev.

its a simple semi transparent overlay of an already existing height map into an already existing terrain map.... how in the name of stalin`s mustache is that too much work?

Well, what are you waiting for if it�s that easy? Then add it to the mod section. Iam also surprised to see that hitting a key is a pain?

Oh, and my bad! I thought that what you wanted was contour lines in the HGT view, which make more sense then what your asking.

But still, this is just cherry picking, because you already have the ISO view which gives you what your asking for...

--

< Message edited by Red2112 -- 12/1/2018 3:34:45 PM >

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 4:41:20 PM

gbem

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quote:

Well, what are you waiting for if it�s that easy? Then add it to the mod section. Iam also surprised to see that hitting a key is a pain?

because this cant be modded but rather programmed in... and its a nuisance to switch to height map just to "estimate" whether or not ill have LOS over the target over simple eyeballing

quote:

Oh, and my bad! I thought that what you wanted was contour lines in the HGT view, which make more sense then what your asking.

thats your opinion... but imo a height map overlay into the terrain map is a useful feature as i dont have to transition between the two modes...

quote:

But still, this is just cherry picking, because you already have the ISO view which gives you what your asking for...

idk about ISO view... its good but the top down view provides better control over the battlefield situation imo...

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Post #: 10

RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 4:46:02 PM

Red2112

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quote:

ORIGINAL: gbem

quote:

Well, what are you waiting for if it�s that easy? Then add it to the mod section. Iam also surprised to see that hitting a key is a pain?

because this cant be modded but rather programmed in... and its a nuisance to switch to height map just to "estimate" whether or not ill have LOS over the target over simple eyeballing

quote:

Oh, and my bad! I thought that what you wanted was contour lines in the HGT view, which make more sense then what your asking.

thats your opinion... but imo a height map overlay into the terrain map is a useful feature as i dont have to transition between the two modes...

quote:

But still, this is just cherry picking, because you already have the ISO view which gives you what your asking for...

idk about ISO view... its good but the top down view provides better control over the battlefield situation imo...

Seems that what you want to play is a Steel Beast clone. Play SB from the map view

Red

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Post #: 11

RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 6:00:02 PM

gbem

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quote:

Seems that what you want to play is a Steel Beast clone. Play SB from the map view

seriously what the ****? that statement is ridiculous... i simply want to not to have to switch between terrain map and height map with a combined overlay option... that one change DOES NOT convert the game into a steel beasts clone... you seem to have either lost it or are trolling...

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Post #: 12

RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 6:27:03 PM

thewood1

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Looking at gbem's complaints, I was thinking exactly the same thing.

I am not sure why he even plays it. Its seems he thinks its broken.

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Post #: 13

RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 6:57:36 PM

Veitikka

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Rendering the transparent elevation map on top of the standard map is an interesting idea...

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Post #: 14

RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 7:01:53 PM

Issue8

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Yes, something like that is a good idea. Perhaps it could be tweaked a bit less or more transparent or with less saturation. It is a hassle to click it on and lose all the trees and details.

< Message edited by Issue8 -- 12/1/2018 7:02:22 PM >

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 7:04:54 PM

Veitikka

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I don't see this as extremely useful though.

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 7:09:03 PM

Red2112

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@gbem...

Then whats the use of having three map views!!!!

Iam not the one whos looking for options here! If you don�t want thoughts, then don�t ask! In other words, you want everything in one view, which defeats the purpose of having three different map views. I havent lost anything, your just want ppl to agree with you, NOT WHAT THEY THINK!

So calme down, and show some respect!

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/1/2018 7:15:12 PM

Red2112

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Veitikka

I don't see this as extremely useful though.

I feel the same, but It looks pretty though

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Post #: 18

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 1:20:40 AM

gbem

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well at least let us players try it out as an option... there is never a harm in giving options

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Post #: 19

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 4:35:51 AM

gbem

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quote:

Yes, something like that is a good idea. Perhaps it could be tweaked a bit less or more transparent or with less saturation. It is a hassle to click it on and lose all the trees and details.

he gets the idea

quote:

Iam not the one whos looking for options here! If you don�t want thoughts, then don�t ask! In other words, you want everything in one view, which defeats the purpose of having three different map views. I havent lost anything, your just want ppl to agree with you, NOT WHAT THEY THINK!

quote:

Looking at gbem's complaints, I was thinking exactly the same thing.

I am not sure why he even plays it. Its seems he thinks its broken.

look mate im not saying anything is broken... i just want the OPTION to have a new map view added to allow people like me to eyeball LOS without having to switch between 2 mapmodes... would it kill you to give us the option to have another mapmode to those of us who wish to eyeball LOS?

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Post #: 20

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 4:37:18 AM

gbem

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quote:

So calme down, and show some respect!

because you stated i want a steel beasts clone based on a simple request to have an extra map option... thats a bit of a wild conclusion dont you think?

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Post #: 21

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 4:39:24 AM

gbem

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Veitikka

I don't see this as extremely useful though.

hmmm how about a third button that says height/terrain overlay or something like that to allow us to use that option for those who wish to use it? that ways everyone is happy... some people can use the normal height map... some people can use ISO... some people can use the overlay option... everyone wins

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Post #: 22

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 5:09:35 AM

Mousehold

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I actually think that map looks very useful.

My primary issue when playing Armored Brigade is figuring out elevation and line of sight. This is not unique to AB, and it's a significant interface issue for any wargame presented in 2D. As things are now, I'm constantly pressing H to check the height map. I also have to press L again to get the LOS tool back. My fingers are always on these two keys because I want to be able to understand the terrain thoroughly. To do that most easily, I need to be able to see both elevation and terrain detail at the same time.

The map you've posted very easily allows me to understand the terrain around Gersfeld. I will still need to use the line of sight tool to confirm my estimations, but I won't have to alternately mash H and L to find good positions for observation and defense, or possible routes for attack that I may want to take or plan artillery on.

It becomes particularly tedious because I have to fiddle with whatever I'm doing (like setting a waypoint), checking the height map, and using the line of sight tool.

I accept that AB is a 2D wargame--one I very much enjoy--but a lot of a my less-fun time with the game comes down to building my awareness of the terrain. I would welcome any improvements to usability in that area.

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 5:13:16 AM

gbem

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^thank you

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 10:28:51 AM

Red2112

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quote:

ORIGINAL: gbem

quote:

So calme down, and show some respect!

because you stated i want a steel beasts clone based on a simple request to have an extra map option... thats a bit of a wild conclusion dont you think?

I said it "seems" like you want a SB clone, which isn�t saying anything bad of you, SB or AB. But you think otherwise! After all, they have admitted that AB feeds from other games like SB among others. If everytime someone mentions these games of that AB has feed from you are going to call them "trolls" or that they have lost something, then there�s not much to say to you. AGAIN, you asked for others thoughts!

Whats a "wild conclusion" is saying like you have done about SB and AB what is wrong, be it data or what YOU think it should be or be added.

Give your Ideas and be done. There�s no need to have 3-4 pages of your point of views on every thread you come up with. Veitikka has come up with this game, and it�s HIS child. If you don�t like it as it is, then play something else, or play it but live with whats there and/or wait for better things to come.

Sure we can all give our feedback, but pushing it is not going anywhere, and it�s not the first time someone wants a "clone" of another game he/she has played but is tierd of and just dosen�t make up it�s mind on what to play.

I much very like how AB is, and sure I would like "some" little things worked on or changed, but I also respect what the devs have decided on. Iam not going to "insit" on having it may way.

Now your asking for a "third button", but then say it�s a hassel to be switching between views so everyone is happy? Really?

I�ll leave it here as this goes no where...

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 10:52:38 AM

gbem

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quote:

I said it "seems" like you want a SB clone, which isn�t saying anything bad of you, SB or AB. But you think otherwise! After all, they have admitted that AB feeds from other games like SB among others. If everytime someone mentions these games of that AB has feed from you are going to call them "trolls" or that they have lost something, then there�s not much to say to you. AGAIN, you asked for others thoughts!

it seems like an odd conclusion to make....
extra map option =/= steel beasts clone
maybe the words i used have been inappropriate regardless... yet the conclusion of extra map options = steel beasts clone seemed more like something coming out of 4chan than an actual thought or opinion come to think of it...

quote:

Whats a "wild conclusion" is saying like you have done about SB and AB what is wrong, be it data or what YOU think it should be or be added.

you mean those on penetration values? ive made alot of references beyond SB and AB and backed them up with the odermatt equation + actual data... they are anything but wild

quote:

Give your Ideas and be done. There�s no need to have 3-4 pages of your point of views on every thread you come up with. Veitikka has come up with this game, and it�s HIS child. If you don�t like it as it is, then play something else, or play it but live with whats there and/or wait for better things to come.

Sure we can all give our feedback, but pushing it is not going anywhere, and it�s not the first time someone wants a "clone" of another game he/she has played but is tierd of and just dosen�t make up it�s mind on what to play.

i dont want a clone do you understand me? i seek a third button that allows transparent height maps... i dont see how that turns the game into an SB clone

quote:

Now your asking for a "third button", but then say it�s a hassel to be switching between views so everyone is happy? Really?

this statement doesnt even make sense... facepalm* alright ill make it as simple as possible for you
you are satisfied with 2 options... ISO and heightmap
i want to have a third one where heightmap is overlayed over terrainmap
devs add a third button
you can still play with ISO and heightmap
i get to play with terrainmap/heightmap overlay

there you win... i win... everyone wins...

quote:

I�ll leave it here as this goes no where...

whatever kiddo

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 11:30:07 AM

Issue8

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Veitikka

I don't see this as extremely useful though.

Maybe we need a new setting in the mapcolors.xml allowing the player to set the opacity, like now how we can set the strength of the hillshade.

(in reply to Veitikka)

Post #: 27

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 11:50:13 AM

Red2112

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@GBEM

eSim should contract you, hell even Veitikka should contract you! Your God sent to the community in every way, you know more then any of them! Armys should not be buying from eSim, they should buy direct from you. "FACEPALM"

Simple, as long as you have your way (now four view options), then your happy and we can all carry on!

No, Iam not a kid. You just made a big issue because I said that what your asking seems like a SB clone (minus the grid)....

Red out...

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< Message edited by Red2112 -- 12/2/2018 11:51:32 AM >

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RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 12:09:26 PM

gbem

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quote:

@GBEM

eSim should contract you, hell even Veitikka should contract you! Your God sent to the community in every way, you know more then any of them! Armys should not be buying from eSim, they should buy direct from you. "FACEPALM"

what an immature response...

quote:

Simple, as long as you have your way (now four view options), then your happy and we can all carry on!

well then fine by me...

quote:

No, Iam not a kid. You just made a big issue because I said that what your asking seems like a SB clone (minus the grid)....

do you even know the definition of a clone? ill enlighten you on that with merriam webster

quote:

Definition of clone

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the aggregate of genetically identical cells or organisms asexually produced by or from a single progenitor cell or organism

b : an individual grown from a single somatic cell or cell nucleus and genetically identical to it

c : a group of replicas of all or part of a macromolecule and especially DNA clones of identical recombinant DNA sequences

2 : one that appears to be a copy of an original form : duplicate a clone of a personal computer

clone verb
cloned; cloning

Definition of clone (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to propagate a clone from

2 : to make a copy of

adding the terrain overlay feature doesnt make it a clone as AB is not a copy nor duplicate of SB... sure one or more features may be similar but that DOESNT make it a clone

now if you say "SB also features a terrain overlay option therefore its a clone" then every game with a gun is a clone of GTA san andreas... or every game with an armor penetration system a clone of steel beasts... or every game with a human being in it a clone of sims... do you see how flawed your logic is?

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Post #: 29

RE: height map overlay option - 12/2/2018 1:38:27 PM

Red2112

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Oh excuse me I should have said "similar" instead of clone, which would have received a "similar" reaction from you.

Immature is saying your data/info resource is better then what eSim (and any other) has and of which world armies buy and exchange since eSim sold them there sim platforms. Now this has alot of logic to me, the same way that I rather have the ability to check my LOS in the ISO view, as well as being able to add a marker in the ISO view because tacticaly I can benefit from a 3D map view better then from a overlay on a exsisting map. But do you see me pushing this and/or making a big deal of a simple statment? NO!

And PLEASE, let�s leave this as it is. If you want to proof yourself right, then keep on posting, I wont!

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< Message edited by Red2112 -- 12/2/2018 1:40:50 PM >

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