SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5 |
Log: http://www.telefonica.net/web/ergie/Log.txt
Actual version: 0.1.5
Download here: http://www.telefonica.net/web/ergie/SE5MapCreator.rar
ScreenShot: http://www.telefonica.net/web/ergie/ScreenShot.JPG
If the App doesn't work: This is the Vb6 runtime download web, it just install the basic support to run VB6 apps. If you can't make it work directly with the released rar, give a try installing this:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bf9a24f9-b5c5-48f4-8edd-cdf2d29a79d5&DisplayLang=en
SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts
Created & developed by ergie272
Thanks to
---------
This Map Creator couldn't have been written without the base put by Rick (rick@gibbed.us) and his map creator for Space Empires 5 ((c) Malfador Machinations 2006), and specially the classes in jewel (www.jewel.org) developed by him (more info on http://www.spaceempires5.com/en-US/project/rmg).
The scripts (*.jc) fall under the zlib license (as provided in the header of each script file).
The executable (rmg.exe) also falls under the zlib license. Watch \classes directory for more info on jc scripts.
And of course thanks to Malfador Machinations for making this marvellous game.
How it works? Purpose and Limitations
-------------------------------------
Purpose
*******
"SE5MapCreator" is visual GUI to create and edit (previously created by the same application) maps for SE5. It can't edit the maps generated by the game, as the encryption used by Malfador hasn't been released, or at least I don't know it.
How it works
************
"SE5MapCreator" creates two output files:
- an "AMAP" file, really a map in ascii with the structure used by SE5, or something similar at least. This file will be useful if the map compiler/decompiler is finally released.
- Two files ("ParsedObjects.txt and ParsedSystems.txt") created from the data of the "SE5MapCreator" GUI. This file is the input of Rick's Map Generator through a jewel script named "main.jc", rewritten by me. "RMG.exe" (called by SE5MapCreator) creates in the same directory a ".MAP" file ("TestGeneration.map"), that is renamed to the desired name written previously by the user.
Limitations
***********
- As stated before, "SE5MapCreator" can't edit maps generated by SE5
- There are many things the "SE5MapCreator" can't do by now, so I'll explain what it can do 
:
- Can create Normal systems in x,y coordinates in a Galaxy View
- Can create colored Stars in System View
- Can create Warp Points between Systems
- Can Create Storms in System View
- Can create Asteroid Belts (with Size and Minerals,Organic and Radiactive values) in System View
- Can create Planets (with Size,Type,Atmosphere,Minerals,Organic and Radiactive values, and some other
values as gravity, temperature, etc) in System View
- Can use different "StellarObjectsTypes.txt" and "StellarAbilityTypes.txt", files usually used by mods as FQM. The path to these files is in the "MapCreator.ini". By default, it uses the "standard" directory, that contains the stock game files. If you want to work in another mod, just write in that file the path where the mod files "StellarObjectsType.txt" and "StellarAbilitiesTypes.txt" are located.
So as you can see, no abilities, no blackholes, and a bunch of no's. Still researching on abilites (I can actually show them in the map, but can't get the effects working)
Use
---
Just use the mouse. (lol)
Some tips anyway:
- In the Galaxy View Right Click Call the Systems menu, to create and delete Systems. One click on a System will enable the system view, showing all the Objects in that System.
- In System View, Right Click Call the Objects menu, to Add and Remove them (Stars,Asteroids,Planets,Storms and Warps)
- Double clicking on an Object allows to edit it.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
Yay, that's correct
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
Awesome! Can't wait to fire it up. Will there be any problems using it with FQM?
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
Well, it creates a Map from nothing, so FQM isn't used at all, because FQM is an In-game mod, and this is a editor. It's used to before the game launches, and can't modify maps created by the game engine (as FQM maps are I think)
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
so I imagine the maps that will be created are kind of striped down interms of what variety you'll see.
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
It should be able to work with FQM (or any mod), though. It should be reading all of the stellarobject and xfile_class data to provide a list of objects that can be added, as well as systemtypes to see what kind of special systems are available. Where else would this data come from but the data files? Hard-coding stock data into your app is probably not the right approach.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
You're totally right Fyron, I have in my to do list use that files, but it's a 0.1 version. Give me some time, I have a RL to attend too lol 
. But if a map editor comes in the next versions of the game, nothing of this will be necesary anyway.
The real problem is: I can implement ANYTHING in the Windows GUI, reading that files (stellarobject and xfile_class data,etc ) as you stated, but the app that really makes the hard work compiling the map is "rmg.exe", and it's hardcoded. So if you add a new System Type, or a new Object, which would be the output? Rick know this...
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
In what language / development environment is your GUI written?
I've been working on some C# code to parse all the *.txt settings files and create maps. Most built-in galaxy types can already be produced pretty accurately:
Screenshot of Shell Spiral galaxy, from Balance Mod / Fyron's Quadrant Mod.
Obviously I don't have a real GUI yet, but it's soon on my list If you think any of this code might be useful to you then let me know. I do plan on releasing all the source.
(The galaxy type which has eluded me thus far is the Spiral type... they don't look anything like spirals to me, so I'm not exactly sure how the game decides to place systems. Still workin' on it...)
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
Am I crazy or is your install program in spanish? I'll keep trying to push buttons, not knowing what they are???
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
Feeling a little remedial... totally besides the language barrier, I can't get this to install... any help?
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
To RogerN: The App is written in Vb6, and any help will be welcome, never mind it's C, C++, or whatever
To Rilo57: Yes, it's spanish Sorry, but my compiler doesn't have more languajes to pack...
First Screen: Push "Aceptar" (Accept) Button
Second Screen: Push The Computer Icon button. If you want to install in other path, push "Cambiar Directorio" (Change Directory)
Third Screen: Push "Continuar" (Continue)
During The installation, it could ask to owerwrite some windows dll's that are from different version. If you are scary about this (as I am normally), push the button "Si" (Yes), so it maintains your own version. It should work anyway.
And that's all...
Btw, annyone knows which are the numeric equivalent to the Abilities Scopes? (Sector - Wide, SpaceObject, etc)
I hope soon will be a better version, that allows to create maps for any mod, parsing the StellarObjectsTypes.txt of each one, and maybe with abilities for planets, storms, stars, etc. I'm on it
Cheers
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
Nope, still getting an error (the same error as before).
1st screen aceptar
2nd push the computer icon
then I get an error message istalacion de semapcreator type mismatch Error inesperado de istalacion.
basically some type of type mismatch error. Is it possible to release your files in a formate that doesn't require an installation. Just an .exe file that we could put in any folder?
the unistall file make mention of a file "setup1.exe" file could this be the type mismatch error? This is a little over my head (as well as not in my laguage).
Has anyone else been able to install this?
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
OK, Rilo57, I'll try to do it (maybe only the files zipped and an InstallShield version), but with a new version (trying to add abilities right now and I've added support for mods as FQM). I hope wil be soon.
Btw, are you using Vista?? Some ppl have problems with it too 
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
I'm useing XP. If no one else is having problems with the install don't waste you time. I don't think i've moddified my system all that much, and thought it was likely that others were having problems with install also.
I would however really like to give your map creator a try...
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
I promise I'll do a new install ASAP, with another tool. But I don't undestand the problem... its a real simple program.
I've uploaded the compressed files now (without installation), just extract them in the folder you want, and try. Let me know what happens:
http://www.telefonica.net/web/ergie/SE5MapCreatorNoInstall0.1.4.rar
This is the Vb6 runtime download web, it just install the basic support to run VB6 apps. If you can't make it work directly, give a try installing this.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=bf9a24f9-b5c5-48f4-8edd-cdf2d29a79d5&DisplayLang=en
Anyway, have in mind that the uploaded version is 0.1.4. there's no support for abilities (yet) 
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.4 (UPDATED)
The 1.3 version, restarted my pc. Windows XP Pro with sp2. Didn't even get to the Aceptar screen.
The 1.4 non install version works. Nice work so far. One note- on the Create Planet pop-up, Gavity should be Gravity. Will keep experimenting.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.4 (UPDATED)
I've tried the non install version, You can export the .amap files but when you try to generate a map it locks up and generates a #1238 fatal error when it appears to comunicate with ricks program.
Can anyone else create a map?
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.4 (UPDATED)
I've just noticed today that if you put lots of objects in the GUI, and the main.jc file generated is more than 300 lines long, (thats aprox more than 3 systems) the "RMG.exe" generates a fatal error. I think is some kind of hardcoded limit for the jc scripts... Rick should answer this. So I have decided that until a proper map compiler is released, I won't upload new versions. But then I'll finish the Map editor...
Thank you for your support, and sorry, but I don't know much of JC scripts...
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.4 (UPDATED)
YAY!
I've found a way to make the GUI work. A heavy modification of the main.jc script can make it work. Working on preliminar tests now. I'll upload 0.1.5 with this modification probably this afternoon (CET). The maps created with prior versions are compatible.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
New version Uploaded, 0.1.5. No install, just unrar and if it doesnt work, download the VB6 runtime form the link posted.
Cheers!
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
can this do more that 3 systems?
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
Yes, can do all the systems you want
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
cool, it seems to be working now. I've created a 5 systems and then started a game with it. I'm going to create a spoke and hub set up.
Here's a question for someone in the know... Where should we upload map files?
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
But have in mind there're no abilities... I can't find the way to make them work. (that's no ruins, no unstable stars, etc). When the map compiler is released, I'll finish the work.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
What will the map compiler do?
Also, is it possible to access some sort of system random generator maybe even use the data files (systemtypes.txt file).
As a suggestion, The reason I'd use a map editor is to create the warp points. Then Let a random generator create the planets. Maybe pointing where a planet will be, but let the program create the specifics of the planet.
There may be other locations where I would want to have a specify a planet type. Currently it takes a long time to create all the systems in a quadrant.
SEV, more than a feeling.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
Can this version load the ASCII maps created by the earlier version?
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
to Rilo57:
The map compiler takes an ASCII map file, and encrypts it to the game. So the GUI only generates the ASCII file, and call the complier. But the difference is that I'm using numeric values for everything instead of using an ASCII string.
Let's take the Data Field "PLAYERS CAN START IN SYSTEM" . I store it as a number, being 1->yes, 0->No; but the map complier allows to store this data as "TRUE" or "FALSE"... and it will transform it in the correct numeric values. Repeat this for Data Fields that have 255 possible values ie. The only way to know them all is test test test and lose lots of time.
Random? Yes, it's possible (I will do I hope). It's possible to use a built in random generation, or use the systemtypes.txt file (much better IMHO, so it's possible to generate a map with FQM specs, ie). But for the moment, until I can create complete functional map (with abilities), I won't add it.
Yes, you're right. The process is completely manual atm. But I hope with the next patch I can make something about this. Of course, the best thing that can happen is Malfador releases a complete stock map editor...
To Noble713: Check your PM's
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
I should point out that Rick's map generator is now officially obsolete. All future map generation programs should probably use the officially supported map compiler, which uses .txt data files for an easy to work with format.
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
Whoa! Thank you for the info. Time to work...
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.5
hey...when i click your link, it says''pagina non encontra'' or something,i can't downlaod it. you've got a new page for it or something?
Re: SE5 Map creator GUI and Scripts 0.1.3 (UPDATED)
I'm downloading this right now. Am I correct in that you can place various objects and then the program will create a map using your location for things?
SEV, more than a feeling.