If you have not done that, look for the posting, Scenario Design 101 #3, Map Making, Part 2. Check that out and then come back here.
In our last session we put in the natural terrain, streams, hills, grass and trees. Now we are going to add man-made terrain, such as buildings, roads, crops, walls, etc.
Same procedure as always. Start SPWAW, go to Solitaire Play, Editor, Load (map) and load in your map.
And Remember to SAVE after each step! Take the time to do it. It is worth it!
First we are going to build a road. Let's make it a dirt one. By now you know which button to choose. After clicking on it, click on hex 0,18. Then click on hex 6,18. Voila! A section of road! Now we cross the stream by clicking first on 6,18, then on 8,22. Notice that the editor put in a bridge for you in hex 6,19.
Continue with your road in hexes 8,22-18,22, then 18,22-19,25, next 19,25-37,25, then 37,25-42,15 and finally 42,15 to 49,15. Now you have a road that crosses your map. Remember you can add a roadbed of rough terrain or rocks, but in most cases I would leave it as is.
Now some farms since this is open country would be nice. First click on the "wooden building" button, then click in hex 35,27. Keep clicking there till you find a building that looks "farm-like." Then put another one in 37,27. To get two buildings that are identical when you find one you like, hit the "z" key. Then your building is locked. You can put in as many as you like.
Now we need some crops since this is a farm. Click on the "yellow field" button, type "0" and click on hex 35,20. Then do it four times straight across. Now go to 35,20 click, and do it three more times, straight across.
And do it one more time in hex 34,31 and click five times straight across. Now you should have a nice crop setting behind your buildings.
Now, why not put a hedge around this farm. Go ahead, you are on your own now. Give it a shot!
And that is your farm. I want you to make 2 more farms, one centered on hex 44,13, and another at 9,24. Go ahead. Trial and error. Keep saving.
Finally, you should have a map that looks like this.
Now if wish to add other terrain features, such as marsh or mud, or whatever you think would fit the situation, go ahead. Again, continue to save periodically.
Remember too, that we have a ton of ready made maps and more to come in the Map Depot: http://www.matrixgames.com/depot/gamedepot.asp
Make sure you have that text file ready and hold on to your map. We're going to put some soldiers on it next week.
Wild Bill
Just a thought - would it be possible to have the terrain & buldings cycle through as opposed to appearing randomly?
