RockinHarry
Posts: 2963
Joined: 1/18/2001
From: Germany
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by challenge
[B]While I have seen a lot of good comments about the various map editors and about some of the images available, I haven't been able to find all the information in one location, and much of it I can't find at all. So, for the sake of those such as myself who want to play in the maps both generally and for the contest, may I ask a few questions of the map gurus (guri)?
[list=1]
Where can I find the latest updates to the editors? I started on the map as soon as the contest was announced and, while really pleased with myself over it, I'd like to work with the latest tools available.
Is there some way to view my options for map pieces and select the one I want in a particular place? There's a wide selection of buildings for example and rather than just click until I see one I like, it would be nice to see what all my options are at one time and make a choice from that.
Is there a way to rotate a building that goes on the map at an angle I don't want?
This is probably under the first number, but is there a new bunch of icons I can play with to make the map prettier?
Is there a piece of software for making your own images that works better or is preferred over any other? What are the available options for designing your own buildings and such?
[/list=1]
I realize this is a tall order to ask for at the start of a contest. I like making maps for other games I play, and this is the first time I've had the incentive to make one for SPWaW that I want to keep or share.
Thanks in advance for any help, information, great truths and wisdom imparted to this lowly novice. [/B][/QUOTE]
I try answering some:
1: Freds Editors are found here:
http://blake.prohosting.com/fchlanda/
2: In Freds Map Editor you can use the "Tile transfer" command to view contents of a particular terrain shape file. It also is used to select and place shapes/tiles directly on the map with a "right mouse click". In SPWAW ingame map editor you can use "SHIFT-1" to access a particular shape from a shape file. Works for all buildings in the game f.e. Just try. You can´t view the shapes before accessing them (as in freds Editor) though!:(
IIRC SPWAW basic install has some example maps showing available buildings onmap with appropiate index numbers. Check map folder.
3: No! You´re limited to what is available in the shape files. If you need a particular angle, try editing (rotating) an exported building in a graphic application of your choice and reimport it into a shape file by use of Freds Shape Editor. Check Shape Editor help files on how to do this!;)
4: I would recommend you browse all available shape files with the "Transfer Tiles" command in Freds Map Editor. I´m quite certain you´ll find lots of stuff that you don´t know about yet and help you improving your maps. You also could find valuable general map designing info in my Map Edit Document file. Check my Sig below!;)
AFAIK there´s not much new building graphics made for SPWAW so far.:( I made some winterized buildings some time ago, but they are just variations of already existing building graphics. (Ter027).
5: Oompf...:eek: not easy to answer! I think you could render building graphics in 3D (top view) with any 3D application and import them into a shape file of your choice with Freds shape Editor. If you´re a skilled artist, you also can work with 2D applications like Photoshop or Paintshop Pro.
Generally there´s no rule other than you need to check for appropiate shape sizes (check originals or my Documnet) and that your graphics need to be saved in BMP format, so they can be imported with Freds Shape Editor. Off course there´s much more about it, but you should start reading all available help files from Freds Programs and my Document and you´re on the right way to start.
Good luck
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Harry
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