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[asheshouse]

Since I've not done much map work for a while I may be a bit out of date regarding tools.

To make map_c I have some old java tools  --  CMap which has the function transform, compose and disect.

The process of creating the game files map_c.tga and map_c.tga_table was:

Start with your Mymap_c.tga - a greyscale bitmap image.
Run transform.bat which introduced a pixel "blur" at 32 pixel intervals and saved as MWmap_c.tga
Then run compose.bat which creates the game files.

The current Map_c Toolbox by Redwolf (I have v1.02) does not seem to have the transform function, so the game files do not have the required pixel offset at 32 pix intervals.

Am I missing something?

[SAS~Malone]

i'm also using the older version...where's the newer one to be found? ???

[asheshouse]

In Boomers thread about Map Tools.
Latest version is 1.1. I've not tested that one yet.  (I have now. Problem still seems to exist)
http://www.eagles-lair.dk/downloads/mapc-toolbox

[Uzin]

Sorry for interrupting, but from the Help of Map_c Toolbox v. 1.1.0 we can read :

"Map_c Toolbox 1.1.0
By Redwulf__32

Contents
    Introduction
    Using Map_c Toolbox
        Creating an IL2 Formatted File Pair (xxx.tga and xxx.tga_table)
        Assembling a Targa Image from an IL2 Formatted map_c File Pair
        Cropping of a source image to fit on a 32 x 32 pixel grid "

[asheshouse]

Uzin -- That is a different function.
All map_c originals must be of a size in pixels which is a multiple of 32.
That function of the toolbox crops maps down to a 32 pixel multiple.

The transform function of CMap introduces a "blur" at 32 pixel intervals in the original image prior to converting to the game files. When I look at the river and coastline details in the game using files created by the Toolbox there is a visual defect at 32 pixel interval. It is this defect that the transform function minimises.

[Uzin]

Thank you for explaining the difference, asheshouse.
I am using both pgms, untill the result is near  to satisfactory .

[Redwulf__32]

The need to blur the original tga file is new to me.

I originally made the Map_c toolbox because I found the original tools too frustrating, all my map_c conversions have been done exclusively using the Map_c Toolbox.

I've attached a few screenshots from the FMB of my WIP 7 Denmark map (map_c files are unchanged from the WIP 6 that was prematurely included in the HSFX pack  ). The screenshots are of some rather complex coastlines and zoomed in so at least 4 or 5 defects should show up. I cannot see any defects.

I'm not stating that other maps may not show defects, it's just that I've never encountered the issue myself. One thing to consider though is that fact that all my coastlines are essentially blurred due to the scaling done to the original Google Maps screen captures done to get the coastlines "just right"    This might explain why I see no defects - a raw Microdem map just might but, as mentioned, I don't know.

[asheshouse]

Thanks for the comments RedWulf -- The problem is just down to me, nothing to do with the ToolBox.
I was using some old files that were created by extracting using the old CMap utility, so they were not suitable for use with MapC Toolbox.

ToolBox looks like a great utility. I was wrong to doubt it.
I'll delete this thread later.

[asheshouse]

Ok --- Turns out I may have been right after all.
This is a sample from a map_c processed through MapC Toolbox.
Note the visual defect at 1600m centres.  -- equivalent to 32 pixels on map_c
This is the effect which the transform function in CMap deals with.

The river is drawn with a 3px paintbrush tool in Photoshop Elements

[Uzin]

I do not want to change the topic, but I think the following problem  might be  connected with it.
Namely, I redone  ed_m0X.tga files by beginning with map_t manual decomposition, using Gimp.
These files are either 24 bit or 8 bit ones, in both cases   very sharp even at largest enlarging.
But when using them in the map, the highways, railroads and roads on Il2 minimap becomes blurred at maximal enlargement.
Any advice, please ?
EDIT: The same blurring  was observed now also on stock NWEurope map.

[Skunk]

This is something that was discovered early on in the map making tools that were given out to modders, hence the transform tool that came with it.

The problem of the 32 pixel grid is only really apparent when the map is viewed in anything lower than perfect mode. Perfect mode smooths the grid and blends it in so you cant see it. But in Excellent mode, the grid is apparent if the transform tool isnt applied, and will appear as tearing along coast lines and rivers.

This is from the original Slot thread that I had started at AAA:




You clearly see the tearing there.