Larger Scale Maps

[pegasus]

Any ideas on how to create maps of a larger scale? That it, not just using the zoom but having a map that at normal zoom level allows more detailed background graphics and more detailed movement of individual pieces. This would allow better modelling of MOUT operations, steets, individual houses etc.

[Deltapooh]

Any ideas on how to create maps of a larger scale? That it, not just using the zoom but having a map that at normal zoom level allows more detailed background graphics and more detailed movement of individual pieces. This would allow better modelling of MOUT operations, steets, individual houses etc.

I'm not sure that is possible, since I'm not certain just how high the detail can be. However, even if you develop a map, ATF really was not designed to simulate urban combat, in part because infantry is not modeled in detail. Air Assault Task Force will likely resolve all this. Until then, we'll struggle to make compromises.

[Pat Proctor]

DP hit this one on the nose. ATF is built to simulate MOUT in the macro sense, not the clearing of individual buildings. To get this level of detail, I am afraid you will have to wait for AATF. It just isn't appropriate to the subject matter ATF focuses on.

[Deltapooh]

We can make compromises. ATF doesn't monitor individual soldiers. Instead it tracks vehicles. Strength and survivability is not determined by size of the dismount force. Because of this, a single 3-round burst from an AK-47 can kill a friendly dismount team designed to simulate a platoon!

A possible solution might lie in altering the stats of infantry teams. One could increase speed of infantry to simulate a smaller map. The rate of fire for small teams can be slowed to improve surivivability of larger teams. While larger teams can have their weaponry increased to simulate their size. It is not a perfect solution. (Heck, I'm not certain it will all work). However, these are options available.

The fundamental ideal is to design databases around the scenario concept. This could mean three different versions of the AK-47 with rates of fire and pk set differently. So these are important.

The other problem is designing the map itself. That can be very difficult. I designed a map around a small area outside of Mosul. However, the actual size of the map in the game is many times larger than the satellite image. As Kbluck pointed out, there are mile wide mosque. Designing smaller maps, at least by hand, would be a monumental task to perform, especially of an urban environment.

The good news is that infantry will have some role in ATF, at least if I can help it. In the past week, I've added a host of new vehicles that will be combined with pieces donated by kbluck to design an air assault MOUT scenario. In fact, all that is left is for me to design somekind of dismount engineer piece. Things might be slow going, but they are moving forward.

While the ATF engine limits us, it is far better than I expected it to be. Some of the problems we face might be resolved through creative thinking and compromise. Fortunately, there are people, some working publically, others covertly, trying to improve the game.