Edit: Map-Making Theory Thread

['Scaper94]

Edit: I've decided to remake this thread into a map-making theory thread (hence the title). Just post different things that you've noticed about making maps, such as height, castle types, waterways, ect.

I've just realized a new (possibly) map-making technique. I'm testing it right now. What you do is you make different sections (ie, a mountain, a river, a castle, ect.), not thinking about what it will all look like in the end. It's still being tested by me, but I think it should work well. I know that there are variations of this, such as two people making a separate side of it, or taking turns adding a single piece, but this should work. I'm open to constructive critisism. Thanks!

[ProtoFury]

I think you need to elaborate more on this... Do you mean with multiple peopl, just give each person an assigned area to build and then fit them all together? Or just making different sections of a map to have unique physical featurs? If it's the latter, then many maps have that--all of them, if you ant to be nitpicky. You could check out Ormus's new map Slamdance Cosmopolis for an excellent example of this.

[Onacara]

Maybe it would make more sense if there was a poll

[tubafication]

If I understand right, MegaSilver thought of a similar thing with the half map contest. I've always wanted to try it, but someone may bring an uneven sided map. If you can make true rules for it, Ie. You can have it 20 spaces wide, 30 front to back, then you may disperse 15 spaces above ground, then add one object.

['Scaper94]

What I meant was just one person building a map, but not thinking about what the final product will look like. Just build separate physical features, then once you feel like you have enough, put them together to make one map. So, for example, you could make a castle part, a mountain, a swamp, a forest, and a lava field thing. Then find some way to combine each section.

[Onacara]

Originally Posted by 'Scaper94

What I meant was just one person building a map, but not thinking about what the final product will look like. Just build separate physical features, then once you feel like you have enough, put them together to make one map. So, for example, you could make a castle part, a mountain, a swamp, a forest, and a lava field thing. Then find some way to combine each section.

So basically you build a map.

[NecroBlade]

Originally Posted by Onacara

So basically you build a map.

Yeah but in order to build a map, first you have to build a map.

[Onacara]

Originally Posted by NecroBlade

Yeah but in order to build a map, first you have to build a map.

Hmmm...there's always a catch. So I can't build a map unless I can first build a map?

[Warlord Alpha]

Maybe he is thinking in terms of MOPs? It sounds to me like he is building various parts, like a MOP, and then assembling it to make the larger map, like a MOP.

[Onacara]

Originally Posted by Warlord Alpha

Maybe he is thinking in terms of MOPs? It sounds to me like he is building various parts, like a MOP, and then assembling it to make the larger map, like a MOP.

So you're saying it's like a mop..but its not a mop? Is it a Swifer Wet Jet?

[Warlord Alpha]

Originally Posted by Onacara

So you're saying it's like a mop..but its not a mop? Is it a Swifer Wet Jet?

No, I meant like, he is talking about MOPs without saying MOP. Or, that is how it seems to me. If you are right, which you very well might be, he is talking about cleaning products.

[White Noise]

Originally Posted by NecroBlade

Yeah but in order to build a map, first you have to build a map.

But in order to build a map from scratch, you must first create the universe...

If you want to get really technical, each piece is a map in its own right. Granted, they're not big enough to do much on their own, but playable maps are actually made up of lots of really small single hex maps connected and stacked together...

'Scaper 94, it's nice that you look for new ways of designing maps. I'm sure this one has been thought of by lots of people (great minds, huh?), but never really discussed. I myself have made maps in this manner before.