Terrain Clipboard map Question

[Dawger]

Can players access and modify the base image for the terrain clipboard map for use in game?

Specifically I want to add  overlays of planning information directly to the image layer so it will display on the clipboard map.

[Bizman]

Yes.

There's at least four player made versions available at the moment, also instructions about how to make them. Search.

[Dawger]

Yes.

There's at least four player made versions available at the moment, also instructions about how to make them. Search.

Gee, that was helpful.

I never would have thought to search all on my own.

I am so glad you clued me in.

Anyone have any other input, perhaps something slightly more useful than "Search"?

[Bizman]

Wasn't going to be snappy, I just didn't know you want someone do the job for you.

The four clipboard map makers and their products have been widely mentioned on several forums here during the last few months. There's a search box in the upper right corner of this screen. Don't type anything into it, simply click "Search" and from the opening window choose "Advanced Search". Apply the words "Clipboard maps" and limit the Message Age to 100 days. #2, #8 etc. contain the information you're looking for.

I can't put a direct link to the search result here since it looks too generic to work.

[The Fugitive]

Gee, that was helpful.

I never would have thought to search all on my own.

I am so glad you clued me in.

Anyone have any other input, perhaps something slightly more useful than "Search"?

The maps are easily adjusted. You can find the one in game, if you installed at the default, C:\Hitech Creations\Aces High III\maps. Using any art program you can adjust the maps how you like them, save them in the same spot (suggest you save them as a different name to keep the originals).

When you start the game, bring up the clipboard maps and select the ones you want. You could make copies of each map with different versions, small field with ack run layouts, small field with bomb run layouts and so on sving them all in that same folder to use as needed.

[ImADot]

Are you talking about the terrain world map, or the clipboard maps of the base layouts? To my knowledge, you cannot change the terrain map because it is part of the actual terrain file.

[1ijac]

Clipboard maps need to be 512 x 512 pixel size, 256 color and in bitmap format.  If they are in those parameters, you can simply open the image in Microsoft paint and make your alterations and save the image as a bitmap image, in 256 color, and sized 512 x 512 pixels.  *Note that if you are trying to use images that are saved in greater than 256 color, some of the color will change when you reduce it to 256 color.  Attached is the same bitmap image, clipboard size in both 24-bit color and reduced to 256 color for comparison.  8thJinx has some wonderful blue-line clipboard maps that HTC is using for the in-game clipboard maps.  Those are located in your map folder in AHIII.  He is finishing up the rest of the clipboard maps and I'm sure they will be implemented as he completes them.  It's a lot of work. 

1i

 

   

[Dawger]

Are you talking about the terrain world map, or the clipboard maps of the base layouts? To my knowledge, you cannot change the terrain map because it is part of the actual terrain file.

Thank you, Imadot.

I am indeed talking about the terrain world map itself. I suspected that it was not a player editable item as I could not find an image file in any of the file structure.

Thats too bad. The ability to customize the inflight navigation map would be a fun feature.

[The Fugitive]

If you run a mission for the arena you can place waypoints for each wing

[1ijac]

Here is an attached map of a global picture of CraterMa.  It is the best I could do from the clipboard map.  I removed base names, spawns, elevations, etc. so you could see the bases.  Clarity has suffered some, but it is the correct size, but in jpeg.  Just open it in Paint or another program and save it as a bitmap image, making sure it is 512 x 512 pixel size and 256 color.  You can then do your routes, etc. with the program and save it in the parameters mentioned.  You can then put it in your map folder within the AHIII folder.  Then bring up your clipboard maps in game and look for the image in the add a map section in the drop down menu.  Name the image and then add the map.  If this will work, let me know.  I can put together something similar of the other maps for you.  You have to remove a lot of the clutter just to see the bases and items get a bit small due to taking images of the whole map.  What the heck, I just did all three available.

1i

[hitech]

Note to self to change restrictions on clip board maps. They were made for a much earlier time.

HiTech

[1ijac]

Thank you Hitech,  Images could be so much more vibrant.  Much appreciated.

1i

[Dawger]

Here is an attached map of a global picture of CraterMa.  It is the best I could do from the clipboard map.  I removed base names, spawns, elevations, etc. so you could see the bases.  Clarity has suffered some, but it is the correct size, but in jpeg.  Just open it in Paint or another program and save it as a bitmap image, making sure it is 512 x 512 pixel size and 256 color.  You can then do your routes, etc. with the program and save it in the parameters mentioned.  You can then put it in your map folder within the AHIII folder.  Then bring up your clipboard maps in game and look for the image in the add a map section in the drop down menu.  Name the image and then add the map.  If this will work, let me know.  I can put together something similar of the other maps for you.  You have to remove a lot of the clutter just to see the bases and items get a bit small due to taking images of the whole map.  What the heck, I just did all three available.

1i

Thanks Ijac. I do appreciate that.

What I am looking to do is have the ability to modify the map image for the terrain so when I pull up the clipboard map I see my base layer instead of stock base layer.

I was able to do it in another game and was hoping for the same capability here.

Does not appear likely if the image is part of the terrain.res itself.

I will look at your stuff to see if I can make it work as a substitute.

I wonder if HTC has image files of the base layer available for editing to be used in the player maps?

[Dawger]

As an example of what I am trying to do here are two images from another game that allows access to the base terrain map image layer.

First is stock game.

Second is my modifications for an event frame.

[ImADot]

If you ask, and the terrain's maker is willing, they could publish the map file they used as the CBM for the terrain when they built it. With Hitech's comment, that would make for some cool customizations for a personal map.