[Stwa]

[Stwa]

[Stwa]

Just because I have the elements file covered, and assuming that I will not encounter any issue adding maps beyond 30 with a GTC mod, doesn't mean I am out of the woods yet.

If the developers came up with a new map format I could be really screwed. Of course, there are still assumptions concerning the other data txt files, like teams, soldiers, weapons, vehicles, etc.

But to test the map formats, I did come up with an idea for that, even though I do not have GTC. But before I explain what I have done, I would like to caution Firefox:

Firefox: DO NOT try this at home    

OK, what I have done is taken a map from TIKs small map mod for GTC, and I used 5CC to downscale it from 8 pixels per meter to 5 pixels per meter (the scale CCMT uses).

Now most of TIKs maps are VERY small, even smaller than CCMT will allow, so I had to add "out of bounds borders" on this example. But this should tell us if the GTC map file formats are the same as legacy CC maps.

[Stwa]

Here are some important details about this conversion.

5CC was able to downscale the BGM and RFM file with a single mouse click.

GTC BGM background images come with a tree shadow layer merged onto the background image.

5CC was able to show the tree layer I use for CCMT over-layed on the BGM background image.

Element coding seemed to imply that GTC encapsulates CCMT element codes, since even code 323 (Out of Bounds) seems to be working.

The maps in TIK's mod use numbers in their name, instead of place names.

Where I expected a tree to be encoded, I got element code 91 = leaves and brush. Therefore, I had to manually code element 94 = Big Tree.

I was able to export the new background image with tree layer included. This allowed me to scale (using MS Photo Manager) an OVM and MMM picture.

I was able to import the new OVM and MMM picture (image) files into the map OVM and MMM files.

I was able to use 5CC to generate a new LOS file. It took just a few seconds.

I was able to save the map using the map name GTC Map 27 into CCMTs MAP folder.

I was able to create a battle using the map with CCMT. And I was able to view the map as others in CCMT.

I was able to fight this battle, which seemed to run perfectly using CCMT.

All these items lead me to believe that GTC map formats are the same as legacy CC maps, with the caveat that GTC maps use the scale of 8 pixels per meter.

[Drizzt]

To Nomada: I always modding CC in an old PC that has office 2007. I’ don’t Know if the different version is the problem, but I want to tell to you this thing: some years ago, the graphic program I used to save and convert 24-bit to 16-bit tga has stopped to work suddenly (about this specific option) without any reason: it was an original program, not expired, no association file problems etc. I had finally opted for a freeware alternative that I used only for this kind of conversion. It’s just an example to say that sometimes “strange software” related issues they can happens.


Speaking in general, in this thread I have discovered the fixed elements positions issue (that I don’t knew) to let the exe to work properly (many thanks to Michael to have reported Steve words).
SDK has almost all the fixed elements in a wrong position and I have found a good quantity (not a “kill-game” quantity, but anyway not few) of “can’t reach target” messages from the tanks into the game: in CC5, with identical SDK  elements and clicking in the same map positions, it doesn’t happens. It will be necessary a deep work for all .txt maps (using a peculiar translation table and a reworked elements txt file). I suspect that the exe uses fixed elements for game situations connected to the path-finding and the IA (movement issues).
More important, for the Stalingrad mod it’s the same thing: here no problem about tanks movement, probably because fortunately in this mod only 3 elements must be reworked about their position (3 it’s like 6: after have moved the 3 involved, it’s necessary to relocate the 3 earlier). I think that a quick “change elements” work map by map in 5CC will be sufficient after have created the new elements file for TLD Stalingrad.
Kharkov mod doesn’t need this kind of work, thanks to a “pre re-translation elements work” done by me at the time on the maps to make them fully compatible with TLD (about the maps position of both CC5 and CC3 elements towards org TLD elements file*).
About GtC, I have checked (very quickly..) GtC elements and, towards TLD, I have found very few different elements. In this moment I don’t remember if part of them are located in “surplus” TLD elements towards CC5 elements or not,  anyway it’s probable  that also between CC5 and GtC elements there are these small differences. Of course, to keep in mind fixed elements issue it’s absolutely necessary also modding GtC.

Drizzt

*Edit: Kharkov maps were cc3 custom maps translated for CC5, but they had been also reworked. A re-translation element work has permitted to take advange of all cc3 elements (they are more than CC5 elements) without to lose my corrections.

[Stwa]

[Nomada_Firefox]

[Stwa]

[Drizzt]

I have finished the work about fixed elements issue putting them in right position (Stalingrad and SDK). 5CC it’s a really powerful and flexible tool: after have created the new 5CC elements files and peculiar translation tables it has been a really quick work.
I want to report here something to keep in mind modding GtC (and all other re-releases): “can’t reach target” issue about tanks (I have mentioned it in my previous post) it wasn’t due to elements that were in the wrong position. The problem was the vehicular size “tolerance” crossing the bridges: the re-releases have minor “tolerance” towards CC5 (and SDK mod has really many bridges). Enlarging a bit the bridges, medium and heavy tanks can reach every point of a map like in CC5 (it’s something already done by me for Kharkov mod, but on my mod bridges are very few so I had forgotten this issue).
In conclusion, creating a new mod for the re-releases or porting a mod on them, it’s important to check the vehicle/tanks bridge crossing (considering also the fact that, in some maps, bridges are the only way to reach another part of the map).

Drizzt

[Stwa]

But if you don't modify GTC elements.txt file, then the elements are in the correct order. Nest pa, oui?

Of the few bridge issues I have encountered, the bridge usually just needed to be made wider.

But in some CC3 cases I have seen bridges coded as "wooden bridge" to perhaps keep some (or all?) tanks from crossing.

[DAK_Legion]

And are you interested in finished CC5 Kursk by Waldganger to port for TLD Drizzt????

As player and modder WALDGANGER NO EXIST...only give.the credits for your hard work

[Drizzt]

Hi Dak Legion,

I have checked the files in past: considering this is not a finished mod, in my opinion “porting it” it means also to take advantage of all re-releases features (64 maps, 64 Bgs etc.).
I don’t’ remember about stratmap work (it has be done? Only in part?). For sure we have Data (hoping it’s a finished work even if for CC5) and tanks/vehicle Graphic (an excellent work).
I had checked all aspects, and CC3 kursk style custom maps at our disposal are probably something like 20-24 (of course they must be translated) considering also the CC3 original ones.
As you see, it’s a really long task even finding a map maker: during Kharkov mod work I have created/reworked all map files except Los file: in theory I can learn, but the point is that new maps should be created with a minimal cartographic-military history research for every map and it means other time to spend.
In another words, I prefer don’t begin something that I’m not sure to finish (and a “basic” porting work it’s useless in my opinion).

To Stwa: wood bridges can be crossed by tanks (or anyway in TLD for sure).
About elements: As I have said, TLD/WAR and GtC elements are not identical, even if they are really very similar (only something like 8 in 358 are different: in theory, a small translation it’s necessary porting a mod, for example, from TLD to GtC, even if it can be that the few different elements were not used in TLD maps and so the maps are already ready for GtC. It’s a really favourable calculation of probability).
Anyway, in this specific case, I spoke about peculiar elements created by modders that needed a partial secondary translate work caused by fixed elements issue (that I don’t knew). The main translation work it has been a classic translation work between different versions (CC3/5 to TLD for kharkov mod; no main traslation work done for Stalingrad and SDK maps); this secondary work it has been done into the same version (TLD was, TLD is) to put fixed elements in the right position: to do it, I have reworked elements file for TLD and created the 5CC version of it, then I have created the new translation table (in a “careful” way: to don’t obtain to rewrite elements before have moved them). Finally, to use data bulk replacement option on every map in 5CC it has been a very quick work.

Drizzt

[Stwa]

For what it is worth, I am not sure if the heavier tanks, like Tigers can use wooden bridges in CCMT. But the more important point is element rules can change from one CC title to another. So, that is one reason why I stuck with CCMT, and just converted maps to CCMT element codes. And as one can see above, I was able to use GTC maps and elements in CCMT. Over time I have done maps from CC2 - WAR, and a few from BO.

Well, if TLD maps need a translation table for just a few elements, then so be it. But, I do not think the ordering of elements within the translation table matter at all. The Bulk Translator is just converting (translating) index values into the Map.txt file. And I would not modify the GTC Elements.txt file at all, becuase it would not be necessary.

This topic has been good in the sense that I imported a GTC map to CCMT. Me thinks I did it before when TIK first did his small map mod. In so doing, I now realize I will not be purchasing PitF or GTC. And I had decided against TLD and LSA long ago. So that leaves BF. And since no one will be able to dynamically add objects using its 3D engine, me thinks I am at the end of the road with additional CC material. Whats really funny is Destineer has a nice 3D engine that does allow an application to dynamically add models during program execution.

And yes, 5CC makes short work of even resizing maps, and bulk translating element codes. And notice even reading in map files goes very quickly with v 1.22. You just cant thank Mafi enough for this tool.

[CloseCombatRob]

Would love to see a CC2 mod for Gateway to Caen if it's possible, I had the idea to do that some time back, but i'm new to modding so i really couldn't figure out how to do it, i managed to replace one of the gateway to caen maps with the background of a cc2 map, had to slightly stretch it so it worked properly, but thats the most i could figure out, im a noob though without any modding experience for close combat

[Nomada_Firefox]

[johnsilver]

[Stwa]

[DAK_Legion]

Hi!!

I think that YES...it's mod would be finished..only is nrccesary select 44 maps CCIII

My mod is a port of CCIII kursk camp by scenarios.single by.sabot and fusion of databaae and graphics of CC5 Kursk
I only need 7 maps for.complete this short mod type CC2CCMT.

Maybe you can help me Stwa with your Stock Maps for CCMT

Please can i help me?
I can give the list of maps if.you want;)

[Stwa]

[DAK_Legion]

Check PM Stwa;)