Terrain contour lines toggle ?

[39battalion]

I still find it difficult to readily see the elevation changes on the map, especially in the many instances where forested terrain is present.

Would it be possible in a future iteration of the game to introduce a toggle switch for contour lines ? This would greatly assist these tired old eyes.

I think this topic has been raised in the past, but I can't remember if it was thought to be technically too difficult or impossible.

Still enjoying this great game though.

[MarkShot]

It's been discussed. I like SBPPE where you can set the scale of the contour lines.

COTA had quite a few map pattern mods when it was released; some of which did improve contrast of various features. It guess no one has monkeyed with BFTB up to now.

[Marshal Villars]

I used to post extensively on this. And posted suggestions on how these contour lines should look.

Arjuna says adding layers it not possible technologically with the engine in use (correct me if I am wrong).

I really do think that the contour lines need to be added and that they are essential--even in (especially in) the wooded areas.

I am disappointed there was no solution to this implemented. Let me see if I still have my old graphics examples I did.

[Marshal Villars]

Here is one example...

This was done in photoshop by adding a layer of light blue at about 60% opacity if I remember correctly. I don't think it clutters the map or detracts from the look, and makes reading elevation a snap.

I tested other colors, but due to the heavy use of browns, red simply didn't work.

[AKCLIMBER]

That looks great, Marshal. They'd be a great addition to the map, especially if the were "toggleable." Here's another vote for the addition of elevation lines, if at all possible.

Cheers!

[johndoesecond]

Yeah, I like it too.

To me personally, it's not so important in the open terrain, but it really makes ALL the difference in the woods.

[BigDuke66]

I like it too but more lines can be distracting so if we would see such a feature it should just like the grid have the option to toggle it on and off, maybe also range of color from which to choose.

[Arjuna]

Currently the graphics engine doesn't support transparency effects. So any contour line would have to be a bold 100% line. I fear this would be too dominant an effect on the visuals. Drawing contour lines would also slow down the graphics drawing process - not sure by how much. We are reviewing options for the graphics engine. If we can get transparency effects then we'll consider the contour lines.

[Marshal Villars]

Ajuna, this elevation lines issue is certainly not to detract from the achievement that BFTB is. Rome was not built in a day. I think you are 80% there and it has only taken you 8 years, possibly raising the hackles of Romulus and Remus (pardon the play on words).

I think actually thin blue lines would work as well.

Perhaps there could be two maps held at the ready for use at any given time and players could switch back and forth with the click of a button. This could take a second perhaps as the hard drive was accessed and the new map was loaded (so it would make live PvP not possible, unless both games were paused simultaneously as players loaded back and forth between maps. I wouldn't mind that I suppose).

But even in the open, the very slight changes in colors can make reading elevation very difficult. When I was doing the example above about two years ago, I had a really hard time tracing some of the elevation lines even while not in the heat of battle.

I would strongly recommend that two files of maps be kept. One with elevation lines and one without. And players be allowed to swich between them both on command. Even without transparency, if thin enough, they would be useful. And I think a light blue would be the best color. I would also support making every third line or so thicker, to make it easier to read as well. When I added this feature to my test maps, it really improved readability and the over all look (so it didn't just look like a jumbled mess of spaghetti anymore). By doing making every third line thicker, it makes reading relative elevations across a valley very easy.

[39battalion]

I really like your contour lines, Marshal. Very well done.

If Dave can find a way to implement something like this, especially as an option, it would certainly enhance this wonderful game.

[Plodder]

Why not, as a stop-gap solution, have another filter button which removes all terrain layers except elevations?

For example: a screenshot of a normal map:

[Plodder]

and the same shot with terrain only:

[Marshal Villars]

Interesting.

I think I would rather play with lines on the regular map so I can see the terrain features though. But of course, this is an option!

[Plodder]

Here's another example with units using an animated gif:

[Fred98]

The animated GIOF needs to have the rivers remain on the map.

Seeing the river helps to see the lay of the land.

-

[Plodder]

You could probably get away with leaving the road network on as well. But this is mainly so you get a clear unobstructed view of the elevations.All you have to do is click the toggle to get the terrain features back.

[Marshal Villars]

I would rather add and subtract contour lines to the image as is. And have the main map file swapped out at the click of a button.

But that is just my preference. I would really like to see everything at once.

HOWEVER! I CAN see having three options:

1) The map as is in the game now.
2) The addition of contour lines over it
3) Your version without terrain features

The player gets to choose which version of the map to load at the click of a button.