Multiple Layers of Maps in CC3/CC3+

Ray VonWolf

I bought CC3 to make a detailed map of the Earth-sized world I'm writing books about. That right there should tell you I'm somewhat on the crazy side. Now, I've got my continents mapped out, but if I zoom in close enough to work on details (such as placing cities) the program starts to freeze up while loading (coincidentally, the exact opposite of the problem I had with my previous mapping software which couldn't handle loading the full world).

The best solution I've been able to find is the Export Multiple Files option in Fractal Terrains demonstrated in Joe Sweeny's tutorial videos. Unfortunately, I used up my Fractal Terrains demo prior to purchasing CC3 and I can't afford to buy the entire program simply to use it once.

So, is there a way to achieve the same thing in CC3 itself? Or is there better solution to my problem?

JimP

In CC3 you can create a hemisphere, which I have done. On the continents and islands, draw major mountain ranges, large bays, things like that using bitmap fills to show forests, mountains, swamps, etc.

For details, draw smaller maps of part of a continent, and put symbols on it.

Just look around these forums for my posts within the past 30-40 days, ad you can see what I have done with this method.

Symbols shouldn't be used for large areas, it slows down not only CC3, but your computer, while they attempt to draw the map.

sdavies2720

If you're getting freezes when you zoom in, my guess is your shorelines have too many nodes in them. If you fractalized them, it's pretty easy to get a lot of nodes -- often you don't need them.

Try making a copy of the map (so you don't screw anything up on your original) and look at the nodes on the continents (INFO will tell you). If you have numbers above 1,000 you probably have too many nodes. You can used REDN (REDuce Nodes) (or right-click fractalize and select REMOVE NODES) to simplify them.

Does that help?

I think it's better to create multiple separate maps. On the world map you can put the general shape of things, major mountains, major rivers, world capitals, etc. Then in a continental map you get more details (e.g. inlets on the coastline), secondary items (smaller mountains, hills, smaller rivers, etc.). I think it's a better way to go even if it seems at the start like it's more work.

Steve

jslayton

Posted By: sdavies2720If you're getting freezes when you zoom in, my guess is your shorelines have too many nodes in them. If you fractalized them, it's pretty easy to get a lot of nodes -- often you don't need them.

If only there were some way to have the system generate more detail as the zoom level goes up (or even drop out detail that's not contributing to the current zoom level display). A dynamic sort of process would make it virtually impossible to ever have too many nodes.

sdavies2720

Posted By: jslayton

Posted By: sdavies2720If you're getting freezes when you zoom in, my guess is your shorelines have too many nodes in them. If you fractalized them, it's pretty easy to get a lot of nodes -- often you don't need them.

If only there were some way to have the system generate more detail as the zoom level goes up (or even drop out detail that's not contributing to the current zoom level display). A dynamic sort of process would make it virtually impossible to ever have too many nodes.

You know, I wish I could tell when you are just idling expressing a wish, versus the times that you're channeling the collective consciousness of the FT programming team.

jslayton

Posted By: sdavies2720You know, I wish I could tell when you are just idling expressing a wish, versus the times that you're channeling the collective consciousness of the FT programming team.

Me too.