Map Mod

[Agent Smith]

Cheers Don.
I use modding as a way of learning the software.
I've only recently started using inkscape, as I got sick of pencilling in individual pixels.
Despite the overlap error, I have imported into inkscape, traced some vector shapes over the map.
Exporting back out into GIMP should be straightforward enough.
It's interesting to compare work flows.
Modifying each individual tile... I don't know how you can do it.
I've had this game for a while, but considered modding it nigh on impossible. (Until I discovered batch changes).
The only other game I've found impossible is Advanced Tactics, the folder structure there leaves me scratching my head.
As for this one, I think I may have a suitable workflow.
Put it's going to take some time.
This may well be a modding AAR.
Attached is a really basic trace of the tile map.
But first it's about putting together all the low level tiles onto a single page.
Then into inkscape for some serious learning.
(Ron if you're reading this a dropbox link for Don and I would be most welcome!)

[Agent Smith]

As far as resources go, I will use cooper's site for this one.
http://www.jrcooper.com/gaming.htm
Specifically for the terrain tiles.
Refer image.

My driving aim is simplicity and clarity.
D-Day is one theme I intend to recreate.

(One thing I love about this game is seeing the hex coordinates when playing).
Not familiar with the specific title, but compass games produce some good graphic work.

[Agent Smith]

I'm also working on the notion, that if I can create a low level map, I should be able to generate the mid and high level tiles, by rescaling exports and using guides in Gimp to create the tiles.
We'll see.
At least this gives me something to do over the Christmas Holidays.

[Zovs]

A couple of notes, I have always been ore into SPI wargames then the Avalon Hill ones, so I tend to aim for SPI type of graphics.

Second of all, my research indicates your best bet is to use Inkscape for the scaling and not Gimp. Gimp and Paint.net (both of which I use) are raster (or pixel) graphics and scaling really sucks in them. Inkscape is vectors or math and this is ideal for scaling.

Once you get base Inkscape image with all the default 1,395 images in it can you share with me the Inkscape version prior to you modding it?

I'd like to use that as a basis to really learn Inkscape well. And to recolor and repaint the original files.

I have had to spend countless hours modifying each of the 1,395 files, its tedious to say the least.

I have a paid for Dropbox account and you can contact me off list if you were able to share your files for Inkscape there.

Don

[Agent Smith]

Was hoping Ron may take pity on us, and email or PM us a dropbox link to the original low level map. (please Ron).

[Agent Smith]

I think putting in all the tiles in to try and create a low level map, may be a dead end.
The pixel count I've got for the image is just odd.
12 rows in, (out of 45), and the machine is starting to grind.
Rethinking the strategy here.

[Agent Smith]

The low level map has run into a snag.
At about Column 18 East of Brest-Litovsk at Kobryn. The registration of the tiles slips.
There are also some tiles out (by a couple of pixels), at the far east side of the map.
The flow on effect may be significant.
Compiling this into a single graphic has ground to a halt for the moment.
Re-evaluating the workflow on this.

[Agent Smith]

Maybe.
Going to be a long journey.