Question about modifying terrains

[Foug84]

Hello ! 

I'd like to ask what are the prerequisites to modify maps, like adding air bases, target points, etc...

I've downloaded Wrench's Iberian Peninsula terrain packs, and i'd like to add french bases in southern France (In addition to Toulouse, so Cazaux, Orange, Nimes, Istres and the Capiteux shooting range for RP purposes)

I did not find with the search feature ways to add those features. I'd like to know if there would be tips ?

[Wrench]

You can't. unless something is DIRECTLY west of Toulouse, on the same latitude, or south of it (to the Spanish border), there's no more room on the map. There's an 80km 'dead zone' (called "The Wall") around ALL edges (N,E,S,W) and vertically on all the terrains. Toulouse is already a bit too close. It's only there because it was on the original version.

Also, unless you're doing the mod for you OWN self, my policy is clearly stated in the read me 'no mods on my terrains withOUT explicit permission'.

Having said that, you will need the SF terrain editor (use the 2nd version, the one for WoE it's works better-- and that ain't saying much). The thing is a fucking nightmare to set up and work with. It crashes if you look at it sideways. That's why there's so few us that actually build terrains.

 

edit:

the image below illustrates what I'm saying --- anything outside the box is beyond The Wall and inaccessable to players

 

[Foug84]

54 minutes ago, Wrench said:

You can't. unless something is DIRECTLY west of Toulouse, on the same latitude, or south of it (to the Spanish border), there's no more room on the map. There's an 80km 'dead zone' (called "The Wall") around ALL edges (N,E,S,W) and vertically on all the terrains. Toulouse is already a bit too close. It's only there because it was on the original version.

Also, unless you're doing the mod for you OWN self, my policy is clearly stated in the read me 'no mods on my terrains withOUT explicit permission'.

Having said that, you will need the SF terrain editor (use the 2nd version, the one for WoE it's works better-- and that ain't saying much). The thing is a fucking nightmare to set up and work with. It crashes if you look at it sideways. That's why there's so few us that actually build terrains.

 

edit:

the image below illustrates what I'm saying --- anything outside the box is beyond The Wall and inaccessable to players

 

Thank you very much for the answer. First i completly forgot there was a terrain editor, even if it seems to be tricky. Secondly, Cazaux AB and the Capiteux shooting range would just be at the limit but probably doable, maybe by tweaking the emplacement to get more room. Orange, Nîmes Garons and Istres are sadly not an option (too sad because they are in my area of interest)

For the mod, i reassure you, it's for my own consumption only. Given that SF2 doesn't have multiplayer, i don't intend to share it with people. I just wanted to mess with the files for my own RP purposes

[Wrench]

Cazaux can probably be added, as you'd be heading south to any engagement zones. You'll have to, of course, add the 'clear zone' tile for the airbase, the airbase itself (duh!), and maybe any nearby city, even if just for a navigational marker.

Let me make it easy, and see where I archived the Espana only Terrain Editor. If I can find it, you'll just have to install it and start fiddling.

For personal use, you have my permission to repave Southern Europe!! (hahaha)

[Wrench]

This section in the Knowledge Base should have some info you can use, too.

https://combatace.com/forums/forum/368-modding-terrainsenvironments/

 

I also forgot the mention, that adding Cazaux airport/airbase, you'll need to "flatten" that zone as well.

Might want to pick up the TFD tool, it should be here someplace. It's exceptional in finding the X/Y coordinates for a target area a billion times easier then the TE (which sucks, as I said before). It's zoom capabilities are much better, down to a single tile if need be. Just quickly looking at it, it seems the airbase could be placed at 604001,881015 (ish). I'll have to cross check Google Earth and a nav charts for the region

[Wrench]

Foug84, message with attachments inbound!

I"m sending you the TE and the TFD tool. Just unzip, and drop both into your C:\Users\****\Saved Games\ThirdWire directory. This makes in easier to move files back and forth.

The TFD is a little confusing, as you have to 'drill down' folder-wise, to find the files you want.

MOST IMPORTANT WHEN USING THE TERRAIN EDITOR!!!!

SAVE AND SAVE OFTEN!!!!!

 

Before transfering/copying any new TFD and HFD files from the Terrain Editor to you terrain folder, always back up the originals!!!! There is NO undo in the TE (further showing how it wasn't really a well thought out program)

If you need an help, just shout. I'll do what I can!!

 

 

[daddyairplanes]

other Kevin, how hard would it be to start a new terrain? something like the East Coast of the US? easy to start, pain to refine or simply a punishment legally not allowed to be used on folks in Gitmo?

[Coupi]

Very interesting ! 

@ Foug84...  You should talk about the BA 118 Mont-de-Marsan the AAE air base where we have here the 3 escadrons

("Côte d'Argent", "Lorraine", "Normandie Niemen") de chasse of the 33ème Escadre with around 40 Rafales. 

P. 

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/mieux-nous-connaitre/carte-bases-aeriennes

Edited yesterday at 06:24 PM by Coupi

[Foug84]

1 hour ago, Coupi said:

Very interesting ! 

@ Foug84...  You should talk about the BA 118 Mont-de-Marsan the AAE air base where we have here the 3 escadrons

("Côte d'Argent", "Lorraine", "Normandie Niemen") de chasse of the 33ème Escadre with around 40 Rafales. 

P. 

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/mieux-nous-connaitre/carte-bases-aeriennes

I completly forgot about MDM, which would maybe be a better contender given the limits of the map. 

[Wrench]

to DA:

somewhere around here I DO have an Eastern America map ... don't remember who gave it to me. Looks like is more of eastern Canada, then the US eastern seaboard. all i know is it hasn't been touched since 2011

[daddyairplanes]

2 hours ago, Wrench said:

 all i know is it hasn't been touched since 2011

and why not? 

northeastern part of that could do nice for a Hunt for Red October campaign.  the part of the  Carolinas could do for a WW2 uboat campaign

and it would be nice to fly over Ft Bragg, Raleigh or Wilson NC. just sayin.......