15-11-2001 22:09									#1
	Map Making Utility And New Save Viewer Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

I have written a small program to facilitate in the creation of user created maps. Basically, what the program does is take input from a loaded bitmap and convert the information in the bitmap directly into a civ3 .bic file which can then be edited in civ3edit.

Some information about using the tool:
1) the bitmap is imported without any coast. This may seem like a pain at first, but once you have loaded the file into civ3edit. Changing any terrain square anywhere on the map will generate all of the coastline for you (call it a feature if you like).

2) The utility now supports terrain types. To change terrain values, use the included Palette file, or the bmp with the different colors and terrain values listed (both these files are included).

3) The bitmap must have the appropriate size for the map size you want to create (map sizes are stored with half the width)so for the maps, the following sizes apply:
*** Updated ***
The New terrain sizes are as follows:
Tiny=60X60
Small=80X80
Standard=100X100
Large=140X140
Huge=180X180
Giga=256x256
I haven't allowed free form sizes yet because I haven't been able to test them in the game, so I don't know if it works or not.

4) Using the program is simple.
-1st make your bitmap using a paint program, the saved bitmap can be any color depth, only the dimensions (see above) are important.
-run the program
-load the bitmap (from the file menu)
-generate the map (again, from the file menu)
-Output is written to the file "BMPToBIC Output.bic" which will be located in the same directory as the program is installed.

*** New features added in release 3 ***
5) You can now load in any .bmp, .bic or .sav file from civ3 and convert it into a map.

6) You can now zoom the view of the map to x2 or x4.

7) You can generate a 3D preview of the map to see what it would like on a globe. A few limitations apply to the 3d preview though, it currently only works in 24 bit color. 32 bit and 16 bit colors come out funny. It uses OpenGL, so if you have Windows 95 without the OpenGL drivers, install them. They are on the Civ3 CD.

8) If a save file is loaded, it is possible to view the different units and cities for each of the civilizations in that save file. You will notice that only the index of the CIV is displayed (i.e. 0 = Barbarians, 1 = Romans, 6 = Russians, etc.). This is because the save file does not store these strings. I plan to display the names in the future though.

9) Also with save files, holding the left mouse button down on a pixel where a unit or city is located will give some info about that city/unit.



I have included a huge (Its now a GIGA - 256x256) .bmp of earth which you can use as a basis to get you started (this image could use some tweaking however, as I noticed that Cuba comes out connected to Mexico, and the Aleutians have altogether disappeared.

This should make it real easy to overcome the limitation of having no small view with civ3edit, and should make it real easy to create super accurate maps of different geographys. If you would like to comment on it, please feel free.

For the next version I hope to address:

I have not implemented these features yet, basically they are pretty tough to figure out, and the results Iwas getting aren't as nice as the way that civ3edit does, hopefully I can come back to these in the future).

Rivers,
Coasts (Hopefully),
Free-form Map sizes


For the next release, I plan on giving you the ability to drag and drop things (units/cities) around in the map (without specifying coordinates like the other programs do. I also want to add additional things like FOW options, resources, etc.

Let me know what you think.

John

Attachment: bmptobic.zip
This has been downloaded 2822 time(s).

Last edited by LookANinja on 08-12-2001 at 05:27

	15-11-2001 22:38									#2
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Thanks!!!

	17-11-2001 03:11									#3
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Dude, that rocks! Thank you for creating this.

	17-11-2001 07:21									#4
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Hey, this is great!

I'm going to wait until different terrain types are represented though before starting on any maps. Any idea when that feature will be added?

Also, I've been away a while and am a bit out of the loop. Is it possible to make flat maps, or onlyl round maps (east and west connecting)? What about non-standard sizes - ie maps where the width is not half of the height?

	17-11-2001 12:54									#5
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Once I figure out the exact procedure that is used to compute the different land features, I will extend the functionality to include this. I have it working partially, but there is still some stuff that needs to be done. Count on there being a specific palette that you will have to use in order to build the different terrain types.

Another thing I am in the process of adding is the ability to get a small map preview of maps that are built with the editor. This seems to be working pretty well. (It pretty much works in reverse of the importing).

As for the different sizes. The limitation appears to be a max of 256x256. Initially I thought there was some significance to the size of the file, but that doesn't seem to be the case, so I may remove the restrictions on bitmap size, but I need to test this further.

I hope to have something ready a bit later this week.

	19-11-2001 18:54									#6
	Plumbean Get a bigger avatar today!

Good job keep up the great work

	20-11-2001 05:38									#7
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I have uploaded a new version of the utility. See the first post for more information. Suffice to say, this new version makes the program much more flexible and hopefully makes it even easier to build new maps.

	20-11-2001 07:46									#8
	Inflate your Upload Space

Hay thanks, but my bic keeps showing up in the civ edit program as a normal unedited water world...

I used your palette. Also when I go to preview it shows nothing but a white screen... I can still load my .bmp map though. Once I convert it seems that the output.bic file didnt get the info...

I am also using Windows 95 so this may be the problem... (Dont know why though). Should the program be installed in the same dir as the Civ3 edit?

I still have my bmp map. Its 180 x 180...

I could send it to you if ya want..

	20-11-2001 11:46									#9
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Try loading up the file that is included in the .zip, and see if that works. I tested that bitmap, so if it works, then the program should be working ok, and we can try and figure out where you went wrong with your bitmap. As for the preview. I should have noted that it only works with map files that were created with civ3edit, and it will not work if you turn the rules editor on (I suspect that is the reason for the white preview). Turning the rules editor on causes several sections to be added to the file, which my program doesn't know how to interpret yet, but I plan to support this in the future. (save games will also not work).

	20-11-2001 20:12									#10
	Full PM-box? Change here!

LookANinja: may I publish this utility on my site ( http://www.civguild.prv.pl )?
Thanks in advance for the reply.

LoD

	20-11-2001 21:45									#11
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quote: Originally posted by LoD LookANinja: may I publish this utility on my site ( http://www.civguild.prv.pl )? Thanks in advance for the reply. LoD

I have no problem with that, however if someone experiences problems etc. please refer them here.

	21-11-2001 00:07									#12
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

If I can get the handle on this... the ctp2 maps will be converted to civIII maps and I'll try my hand at some new maps... this rocks... long live bmp to anything convertors

	21-11-2001 06:41									#13
	Increase the size of your Attachments

quote: Originally posted by LookANinja Try loading up the file that is included in the .zip, and see if that works. I tested that bitmap, so if it works, then the program should be working ok, and we can try and figure out where you went wrong with your bitmap. As for the preview. I should have noted that it only works with map files that were created with civ3edit, and it will not work if you turn the rules editor on (I suspect that is the reason for the white preview). Turning the rules editor on causes several sections to be added to the file, which my program doesn't know how to interpret yet, but I plan to support this in the future. (save games will also not work).

Ok tried that, didnt work... Here is what I did step by step using your map...

1. Loaded .bmp file
2. Generated map, got the output.bic file
3. Tried to load it on the civ3edit program, noting but water world with polar caps.

I am using your latest version, with no success... And I am using the correct pallete... Both my map and the one in the zip have the same problems.... D/K I am only using coast and grassland colors, that way when I get into the edit program I can add the other info more accuratly...



NOTE to other users: Have any of you had these problems, or something simular.

	21-11-2001 07:19									#14
	same here Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

no work. ocean and desert only. same pallette. included world map bmp no worky, either.

good program in theory.

	21-11-2001 17:34									#15
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LookANinja: Of course, will do. Thanks for the authorization.

	21-11-2001 21:03									#16
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How would you go about adding say a 100 colour palatte to convert to a bic map? I'm only asking since there is no doubt to be new terrain out and the limited .act file is just not going to cut it... I would attempt it myself but have limited knowledge in the field... could you either show me or make that sort of change to 100 possible terrains...

	21-11-2001 21:32									#17
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The only problem is that there are only a limited number of terrain types that are represented in the game. The Palette that is included should accurately reflect the majority of them (at least 90%). So I don't know what additional colors would do (other then duplicating existing terrain).

Now, one thing I want to do is add additional colors to represent things other than terrain types (rivers, etc), however in order to do this, I will need to pick terrain colors from pixels that are near the river, so that I can compute the underlying terrain for the tile that the river is on. For example, if the river runs through an area of grassland, the river tiles should be based on grassland tiles, etc. etc.

Does that help to answer your question?

	21-11-2001 21:42									#18
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

quote: Originally posted by Avahz_D Ok tried that, didnt work... Here is what I did step by step using your map... 1. Loaded .bmp file 2. Generated map, got the output.bic file 3. Tried to load it on the civ3edit program, noting but water world with polar caps. I am using your latest version, with no success... And I am using the correct pallete... Both my map and the one in the zip have the same problems.... D/K I am only using coast and grassland colors, that way when I get into the edit program I can add the other info more accuratly... NOTE to other users: Have any of you had these problems, or something simular.

I think I found the problem. It works fine on my machine (win2k) when using 16 bit color, however cranking it up to 24 bit color causes problems with some of the palette colors not being recognized and the Map comes out Kevin Costner style (obscure movie reference). I also tested this on a win98 machine with similar results at 32bit color,

Changing to 16bit color seems to fix things (although let me know if it clears things up with regards to the preview), so that should be the workaround until I can get a proper fix posted.

	21-11-2001 22:26									#19
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it helps... but what I have is my bmp map from CTP2... and in the conversion I'd like to have the ability to use all the terrain types that were in the the original map.. 20 or so I believe... while the terrains aren't made yet for some of them... it would be beneficial to create colours for the future terrain types.

Something else I'd like to know, could you list out the colours and terrain types... while I'm having problems with the colour conversion (running XP with Adobe) I figure I can fix it by knowing which colours represent which without having to do the colour 0,0,0 maps to using the convertor and editor... thanks...

	21-11-2001 23:47									#20
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

quote: Originally posted by OmniGod it helps... but what I have is my bmp map from CTP2... and in the conversion I'd like to have the ability to use all the terrain types that were in the the original map.. 20 or so I believe... while the terrains aren't made yet for some of them... it would be beneficial to create colours for the future terrain types. Something else I'd like to know, could you list out the colours and terrain types... while I'm having problems with the colour conversion (running XP with Adobe) I figure I can fix it by knowing which colours represent which without having to do the colour 0,0,0 maps to using the convertor and editor... thanks...

The colors and there associated terrain type are listed in the file: BMPToBIC Palette.bmp which is included in the .zip. I am about to post a fix for the problems that other users were having, (described above), and one result of this is that you will be able to change the color associated with a specific terrain type in the palette, and that change will affect the type of terrain that gets outputed from your bitmap.

(This is because the program will now load in the BMPToBIC Palette.bmp file, and extract the RGB value for a certain terrain type from the color swatch), that way the program is assured of picking the correct RGB value that is compatible with their display).

This will also make the .pal file in the .zip file obsolete, as you in effect can define your own palette. If you want,

For colors that you are using that are not recognized by the program, I can change the default terrain type from ocean to something else (grassland perhaps?), but since most of the terrain types are covered currently, I would think it would be easier to just floodfill those sections of your bitmap to the terrain color that most closely approximates an existing terrain type. You would also get a better representation that way.

	21-11-2001 23:52									#21
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I was just thinking, you probably will want these until I can upload the modifications:

RGB(231,223,65); //Desert
RGB(206,166,74); //Plains
RGB(132,142,41); //Grassland
RGB(214,231,231); //Tundra
RGB(239,239,181); //Floodplain
RGB(171,99,33); //Hills
RGB(82,48,16); //Mountains
RGB(80,131,31); //Jungle
RGB(90,121,41); //ForestA
RGB(150,250,150); //Tundra Forest
RGB(61,101,61); //Forest B
RGB(16,121,132); //Coast
RGB(24,158,156); //Sea
RGB(0,65,82); //Ocean

	22-11-2001 00:02									#22
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quote: Originally posted by Avahz_D Ok tried that, didnt work... Here is what I did step by step using your map... 1. Loaded .bmp file 2. Generated map, got the output.bic file 3. Tried to load it on the civ3edit program, noting but water world with polar caps. I am using your latest version, with no success... And I am using the correct pallete... Both my map and the one in the zip have the same problems.... D/K I am only using coast and grassland colors, that way when I get into the edit program I can add the other info more accuratly... NOTE to other users: Have any of you had these problems, or something simular.

Allright, I uploaded a (hopefully) corrected version that pulls the precise color data out of the included BMPToBIC Palette.bmp file, instead of the values being predefined in the program. This should eliminate any problems with display compatabilities, I tested it at 256 colors, 16bit, and 24bit, and it worked fine.

However, since I was not able to reproduce the problems you were having with the map preview, that portion may not be fixed. Let me know what kind of results you get.

	22-11-2001 00:06									#23
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Thanks... one more thing... have you ever looked at the bmp2ctp2 program... it basically had it so that the 1st colour in the .act palette converted to grasslands or whatever, what you said above does that mean it will be the same concept? If so I think that's the easiest way to do this.

I'll see if I can get the map converted and start dropping a load of maps onto the market...

And the new file works perfectly, even under WinXP.

Last edited by OmniGod on 22-11-2001 at 00:19

	22-11-2001 01:17									#24
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quote: Originally posted by OmniGod Thanks... one more thing... have you ever looked at the bmp2ctp2 program... it basically had it so that the 1st colour in the .act palette converted to grasslands or whatever, what you said above does that mean it will be the same concept? If so I think that's the easiest way to do this. I'll see if I can get the map converted and start dropping a load of maps onto the market... And the new file works perfectly, even under WinXP.

No, I have not seen that program, I never played ctp.

but yes, basically if you change the swatch for desert in the palette, then the new color will be what represents desert in future bitmaps that you convert.

	22-11-2001 01:59									#25
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is it tough to remove the size requirement? The bic seems to stretch horizontally any maps I start off square... and I can't try a 256x128 map convert.

	22-11-2001 02:08									#26
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Just checked out Snoopy's post... and dam.... he's got the tiles I need and now I just need a way to integrate them... variety is the spice of life... I assume that the RGB codes would have to be added to the map.exe file, I lack that... soooo.. I have a map of India near complete, just need some more tiles to complete it to the way I want and have some free reign in the way the map creates itself.... any help would be appreciated... thanks.

Actually only need about 37 tiles since that is the present level of different style terrains out there.

	22-11-2001 02:47									#27
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I'm having no joy either. I load the file, convert it, get the output, and load it up...to see a blank map. I'm using an unusual map file, which might be the reason. It's based on a RPG I'm playing in on another forum, if anyone's curious.
Attached is the 256x256 version of the file. If something else is needed, please, tell me.

Attachment: seasofsteelmap2.bmp
This has been downloaded 75 time(s).

	22-11-2001 03:02									#28
	Increase the size of your Attachments

quote: Originally posted by Slacker I'm having no joy either. I load the file, convert it, get the output, and load it up...to see a blank map. I'm using an unusual map file, which might be the reason. It's based on a RPG I'm playing in on another forum, if anyone's curious. Attached is the 256x256 version of the file. If something else is needed, please, tell me.

Well, right off the bat, I can tell you that the reason that your bitmap is coming in all as water is because you are using the wrong colors in your palette. I converted the image over to the correct palette, and it imported fine. I have included the converted bitmap, and also the outputted .bic file in case you can't get it to work, but give it a shot with the new .bmp

Remember, it is imperative that you use the colors in the provided BMPtoBIC Palette.bmp file if you want the terrain types to be imported properly. Any other colors will automatically get converted into ocean tiles.

	22-11-2001 03:09									#29
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

quote: Originally posted by OmniGod Just checked out Snoopy's post... and dam.... he's got the tiles I need and now I just need a way to integrate them... variety is the spice of life... I assume that the RGB codes would have to be added to the map.exe file, I lack that... soooo.. I have a map of India near complete, just need some more tiles to complete it to the way I want and have some free reign in the way the map creates itself.... any help would be appreciated... thanks. Actually only need about 37 tiles since that is the present level of different style terrains out there.

Are we talking in the same terms here? are you asking for new terrain types (like arctic, or swamp), or do you just want to use different tile variations of the existing terrain (Grassland, etc). It is possible to vary the different grassland tiles (so that all of them are not the same), and I am working on that (it goes hand in hand with the coast problem). However the graphics for each terrain type are fixed. So I couldn't create arctic or swamp terrain without sacrificng an existing terrain type (like floodplain).

Snoopy's files are nice, but you have to sacrifice the exisitng terrain to use them, you can't have both types of grassland in the game at the same time. (As far as I know at least).

	22-11-2001 03:20									#30
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quote: Originally posted by OmniGod is it tough to remove the size requirement? The bic seems to stretch horizontally any maps I start off square... and I can't try a 256x128 map convert.

This is because of how the map data is stored in the .bic there are actually 1/2 as many columns (x positions) as there are rows (y positions). So what the utility does is actually read every other x position (0,2,4) and skips half the data.

Originally, I required that the .bmp be opened in the same size as the map (so for a huge map, the bitmap would be 90x180), but I dropped this requirement because I felt it was easier to work on a bitmap that wasn't skewed so much.

I can tell you that I have played around with freeform map sizes, and haven't noticed any wierd results yet, but I am still not 100% sure that they are a good idea. as I can really see it messing things up with regards to things like Pathfinding AI, Corruption seed values, etc.