True Tactical Map

[goldorak]

It would be nice if we could have a true vector map display with NTDS symbols in ComSubSim.
Not only at the tactical level (the equivalent of the navmap of Dangerous Waters) but also at the global level.
Right now in ComSubSim we have a 3d textured earth if I'm not mistaken. Why don't we discard this and go 100% with a vector display ?
It would make the simulation feel more realistic, more like being in CIC.
Something like this

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6237/wargames1.png :biggrin:

[Dr.Sid]

This look interesting, but maps like this are not used on subs (IMHO).
Any information how tactical maps on subs look are welcome anyway.

As for the map, it has to show depth and shoreline. The public data are in bitmap format. I'd like to have vector map, but it's not so simple to convert, I'd like to try anyway.

[Theta Sigma]

Defcon has it. So does another naval tactical game (blanking on the name now).

[goldorak]

Defcon has it. So does another naval tactical game (blanking on the name now).

Harpoon 3 :biggrin:

[Blacklight]

I personally LOVE the vector graphic look like Harpoon 3 over other types of maps. Maybe you can put an option in there for what kind of map the player wants displayed ?
The way that Harpoon 3 handles depth with the vector map is by using crosses at regular intervals and of different colors to signify different depths.
A vector graphic map really gives you the feel of looking at some kind of command screen and sets the mood better than any other kind of map in my opinion.

[Theta Sigma]

Yup, that's it.

DefCon has it too, but the color scheme is mostly green. For me, due to WarGames, The Hunt For Red October, and DefCon (Haven't played Harpoon), vector graphics are far more serious looking, and a little frightening in a way.

[Dr.Sid]

I made some progress in tracing the height rasters into fathom-lines. So I'm closer to vector map. However there are still questions (amount of data needed for store the lines for example).

But some form of vector map will be possible, for sure.

[Dr.Sid]

Here is picture of my tracer .. it converts the raster height data to vector fathom-lines. I have to improve the small 'islands' a bit, but the main functionality works. Generally the height data are split to binary image by some limit, then the border is converted to line (very dense line copying the borders of the pixels), then this line is simplified by some distance criteria.
Note that this is not how I want the map to look, it's just a step which was needed.

[D1g1talDragon]

As an ex-FT on one particular Ohio class, I can tell ya the stock maps in DW are WAY closer to the actual plots in use today then vector maps. The cool factor defiantly goes to vector based screens though.

[SpookyMuFu]

I'm ignorant about this, whats a vector map?

[Dr.Sid]

Vector here means 'made from lines'.

At the moment I plan 2 modes. One which will look like paper map. White background, black contour lines, with fathom depth readings . Something like this:
Nautical Chart 19004 - Hawaiian Islands - SailVector.com (http://sailvector.com/2763/Hawaiian-Islands)

Then there will be other mode intended for computer screens. It will have bright lines on black background, most probably with shoreline only.

[goldorak]

Excellent Dr Sid. In the image you just posted, we see a compass over the map.
Can we have the ability to trace lines (just as in dw) and mesure distances, but also a compass so as to trace bearing lines very precisely ?
You know how its done in SH 3.
Oh one thing, if you have different stations that access the "map" can they all be synchronized ? In dw if you add certain markers on the navmap, they don't appear in the astac station, or weapons coordinator station or even fire control station which is quite a hassle because you have to continuosly swith between the different screens (even if in theory they sould display the exact same type of information).

[Dr.Sid]

As for the drawing tools, sure, it should be something like SH and better.
As for information sharing between stations, sure there is no technical limit. I want this to be controlled by realism (ie experts comments) as much as possible.
Also this could be thing which could differentiate old subs (little information exchange, all infromation only visible at main tactical plot, and only updated when requested) to modern subs (everything available everywhere, updated automatically).

[Dr.Sid]

Here is little preview ..

[goldorak]

Great job Dr. Sid. Nice Tactical display. :arms: :you_rock: http://www.hwupgrade.it/forum/images_hwu/smilies/23.gif http://www.hwupgrade.it/forum/images_hwu/smilies/23.gif

Is it possibile to include depth information next to the contour lines (something to consider for a next version perhaps) ? :redface:

[Dr.Sid]

I want to put depth reading all over the map, as in the Hawaii chart linked above, except with a bit more regular placing.
As for depths for each contour line, that could be problem for the moment. I'm creating the contour maps automatically from raster data, placing of contour map height/depth usually needs to be done manually so it looks good. Since there will be depths everywhere and also you can read depth at any mouse location, I think there is no need for that.

[Bartolomeus]

Yeah, nice looking tactical map. Great work.

[Hitman]

Wow....I mean...WOW. That is a truly good looking map, and something that will make a difference in the sim. Good job!