Math and Mapping

[L4m3r]

I'm noticing that when I'm mapping, I do a lot of it with a piece of paper and my TI-83+. I use it to calculate values for size and coordinates, particularly when doing meshes... I use trig for angled boxes and such.

So, just out of curiousity, how much math do you use when making maps?

[A Meteorite]

It's really hard. Mostly subtract and add. Still haven't figured out how position and size interact with each other. Once I do, I can push out maps much faster.

[Guest]

Sizes and Positions do seem to interact funny...
The important thing to remember is that when you position an object, you are positioning the center of the base of the object.
So, if you have a box like this:

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size 10 10 10

Then the edge of the box is 10 units out from the center of the base in every direction except downwards. That means the distance from the base center to the east wall is 10 units, the same to the west, north and south.
So therefore, the box is actually 20 units squared. But, because the box is only 10 units from the base center to the top, and not towards the ground, it is only 10 high.
Therefore, to position this box touching the edge of the map, you would need it to be 10 units away, right?
Like this:

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position 390 390 0

Hope that helps you Meteorite!

And, sorry for deviating. I voted for "a little bit" because I guess I use maths like the above, but no trig or anything.

[Spazzy McGee]

ye. i don't use trig and stuff too much. if i can help it.

what i do sometimes to is plan my maps to scale on graph paper.

[Kill Joy]

who knew what you learn in school can actually be applied in the real world?

[A Meteorite]

who knew what you learn in school can actually be applied in the real world?

Yet I don't know if you want to call playing bzflag "the real world." It is fun, though and interesting to say the least.

Thanks for the help CBG! I will have to keep that in mind.

[zoly]

i've written a program which does the calculation, and world file creation for me. basically, script in, world out.

[Brennen The Great]

I voted the third option cause i always need my maps to be perfect or I will go nuts. just ask meteorite.