[Nomada_Firefox]

[schrecken]

Thanks Firefox... made the colours but couldn't see what the use was..


copy of an earlier post by oddball
"
Work done in prep to use StratEdit previously that still needs done:
 
Create the strat image first.  My method is very similar to drawing tac maps.  Layer upon layer until  it looks like you want.  For TLD I used a background texture overlayed with fields, hedgerows, roads, towns(created small buildings) and assorted other details (compass, naval ships, clouds, etc.)  Basic background image of the size you want to use.  The recommendation I've been giving is no bigger than WaR strat map area(=file size) if you want to make something that is playable without taxing slower computers.  

Once you have the strat image I used mask layer to make the boundaries between the map areas.  The shape of the map areas can be whatever you like.  The best method is to use distinct colors for each map area.  64 different colors.  This aids in the selection process and ensures each time you select a map area it'll be the exact same pixels every time.  Saving as paths aids in the selection process and action saving process if you choose to save actions but I noticed that even perfectly matching paths won't always save the same pixel pattern.  Frustrating because using paths would easier but accuacy is very important here to make sure the edges match.  I keep all components on separate layers for easy editing just like making tactical maps.  I create a mask layer, border layer, out of bounds layer and that's more or less it.

The mask layer is similar to the one required for CplFilths StratEdit.  White in the out of bounds areas and 64 individual colors for each map area.  If you are saving actions 64 separate colors allows automatic color selection which can be saved as it's own action step.  The magic wand cannot because it will only use the co-ordinates, not the colors.  One advantage here is that you do not need to worry about how the corners match up to the same level of concern that StratEdit required.  It's still important to communicate the proper connections between maps but the saving process is not dependent upon it like it was with StratEdit.

The border layer is purely for cosmetics and communication to the player what the tactical areas are without having to over over the map area.  Can be whatever suits you.

The out of bounds layer is nothing more than a means of identifying what is not part of the tactical map areas.  Can be whatever works for you.  Stripes, darkened area, whatever.  As long as it's clearly identifieable as out of bounds.

The final prep stage that is not part of prepping for StratEdit is drawing the movement arrows.  I did these as paths for easy saving.  Photshop has premade arrows you can drop in and modify then copy and paste for each connection.

I'll re-read it to be sure I got everything.   Next post is saving.


2

Extraction/Saving process (Part StratEdit used to do)

Attached is the list of actions needed for one mask area. Needs to be repeated 64 times. I copied and pasted each set then re-recorded the save functions. Pretty simple in concept. The saves 16bitTGA's as incrementing numbers for each mask starting with 0. This allows you to use the batch rename process in Photoshop to convert naming to game format and allows you to use the same actions for saving debrief screen parts which is what I did. FYI the flip action is a stock "flip vertical" action required for repacking into the scrngadg.

Saving arrows next.


3.

Saving arrows

See attached actions for saving arrows. One of these needs to be created for each direction arrows are travelling. FYI - I drew in paths for each arrow set. i.e. for connection 0 there is a bounding box that is just big enough to encompass the arrows with shadows, an arrow path for leaving the point of origin and one arrow path for returning to the point of origin. I numbered consecutively from 0 to 127 for each bounding box and labeled the arrow paths with a consecutively growing first number and second number of _000 (leaving) and _001 (returning) for each arrow set so that batch renaming in Photoshop could be used. Once you become proficient with saving actions it should only take you about 10 to 12 hours to save the actions provided you save them correctly the first time around.

This whole process is abbreviated somewhat and I may have missed details. Feel free to pass along questions.

Feel free to share the text portions of the above posts
"

[schrecken]

So two people involved in making the three Strat maps for WaR/tLD/LSA made the masks set layer.

At this point it seems like a waste of time as it is not used and this saving a lot of time.

more research to follow....

[CSO_Talorgan]

This question is a bit "off at a tangent" but do you think this technique will allow the 64 map limit to be broken?

[schrecken]

No

[CSO_Talorgan]

Damn!

[DAK_Legion]

Hi All!

I have problems transferring BoBerlin in TLD.

This is a test pilot for my consumption;) and I'm trying to learn how to do it properly but I have several questions........


I have trouble focusing BGIcons, fuel tanks within the Stratmap........how do I get the coordinates correctly????


after..maps connections....from where to where, exactly which map prier???FROM....TO.I'm lost in this topic

[southern_land]

Sorry can't help with the topic at hand but very pleased you're porting berlin to tLD.  Any chance of a 64 map version?

[Tejszd]

Are you using BED9 v1.09 in its strat mode?

[DAK_Legion]

Hi All!

More thanks!

@ southern_land.The Stratmap is the original for BoB,contain 44 original maps.

@ Tejszd. DAK_Legion is a Shit Mooder;),obsolete using Mafi tools;)Sorry.I'm more archaic;)

No use BED9.I copy the original data of .exe

Please view....for my it´s very easy.



Any suggestion for  continue with the conversion???

[Cathartes]

[DAK_Legion]

More Thanks Cathartes!

I was thinking and I put the same coordinates as for the strategic map

after i come to the conclusion that:

Special offset x=26 y=15

In the Stratmap said.....

# x = center_x - 86 + special gadget offset_x (see below). y = center_y - 44 + special offset_y.

But NO.

# X= Center_x+86-special offset_x(total +60). y= center_y+44- special offset_y(total +29)

now all work Fine!



Now I just need to work hard in the connections....any suggestions???

More thanks All!!

[papa_whisky]

Brings me out in a cold sweat reading this thread at the thought of ever having to attempt it. Good luck Dak-Legion.

[DAK_Legion]

Hi All!

Could someone enlighten me with the connections??

the guide said................

Each connection is given as 'Start map','End map' and applies both ways.

the BoB stratmap contain 84 STRARROWS

any suggestions?...I'm lost

[platoon_michael]

You mentioned that this is for tLD but in your screen shot you have the RTBTool set at using the CCV.EXE?
Based on that photo I can help with #3 and #8 if you still need it.
#5 shouldn't be that hard but I don't now the answer off the top of my head.
Have a look at the strat_connections.PDF inside your tLD support folder,for start map/end map info.
For WAR the first line is 0,39
0=Ramschied
39=Krinklet


You can also have a look at this unofficial double top secret your not allowed to have this file done by I can't tell you his name Lets not talk about "HIM" (<-funny line from a movie,can you guess which one?)

I haven't edited the strat map in WAR yet but I hope to one day.
I did however do one for CCIV

Best case scenario is to load the images you need help with in Photoshop and then use the ruler set at pixel and put the images where the current #'s say too.
It becomes much clearer then.

Strat Map Editing

[schrecken]

That is exactly the file used to begin the creation of the web page linked to in the first post in this thread.

reposted here  How to make a Strat map

[DAK_Legion]

[Sapa]

Thankyou for your effort in converting this! I wish i had the same energy because im sure of that my southern friend would be keen of putting the mod up to 64 maps  

Are you removing the smoke bug to? its because of the changed effects file with the airplanes i think...

Mats

[DAK_Legion]

Thanks Sapa;)!

this weekend(hope) I will send the download direct link to manufacture the battles and ops.

You can then test!

[DAK_Legion]

Hi All!

This "shit mooder" could with OKINAWA....now in TLD

CCTLD Okinawa is in its final road;)

The Next Battle of Berlin