Civ.Map.Gen

Introduction

CivMapGen is a map file generator for Civilization II that facilitates harsher terrain and climate.

Getting Started

Hit the [New Layout] button, and in a few seconds, a thumbnail image of a new CIV II map will appear. An analysis of the terrain as percentages of the whole is listed on the top right of the first tab page. Also shown is an estimate of the number or usable city sites on this map. The map can be saved via the [Save] button, and used in CIV II via it's 'Start on Premade World' option. The [Templates] tab page can be used to quickly generate typical worlds. Select one of the options here, and then hit [New layout].

Common Controls

New Layout

Randomise and regenerate a new or different map.

Same Layout

Retain the current land shape. Useful if you just wish to fine-tune the map via the [Climate] and [Temperature] pages. Use of [Same Layout] will clear the [Random] button if set on the [LandMass] page.

Defaults

Restore the settings on the page to the original defaults.

Random

A random selection of the settings on this page will be used the next time a map is generated. A random setting on the [LandMass] page is only applicable with use of [New Layout]

[Control]

Map Shape

Choose between Round and Flat worlds. The round world connects via the East/West edges, and can be scrolled in the thumbnail view. The default for the flat world aspect ration is square. The round world default is twice as wide as high.

Map Size

This is similar to the options within the game. Maximum allows the largest permitted map size.

Customise Map Size

This allows fine adjustment of the map size. Note that the CIV II game and map editor double count on the vertical axis to allow for the diamond structure. This double count is shown beneath the height box. The area is computed from the double count. The area cannot exceed 10,922. (32767 for gigantic maps)

Gigantic

This allows gigantic maps which can only be used with Multiplayer & 'Test of Time' versions of Civilization II. The area box will show yellow as a warning that these maps will not work in earlier versions of Civilization II.

Map Files

Hit [SAVE] to preserve the current map as a file. A dialog opens to allow section of the directory and file name. Previously used path and name are saved. Hit [LOAD] to view an existing map file, and to show the terrain analysis and city estimates.

Thumbnail View

The display can be sized to 1 to 4 pixels per square. Round worlds can be scrolled horizontally to see the connection clearly. Rightclick on the thumbnail image to save it as a Jpeg. Selecting 0 hides the display, so that the layout of a new map remains a surprise. The analysis can still be checked.

Terrain Analysis (top right)

Shows each terrain type as a percentage of the total. The 'River' count is not exclusive to the other land types.

City Squares

Provides a rough estimate of the number of good city cites available on the map. You can use this to control the length of the game. Suggestions might be ~25 cities for a short game, >150 for a long one.

Separate Bodies

The map editor reports that maps with more that 64 separate landmasses or bodies of water may result in the intelligence of the computer opponents being at times be slightly impaired. It is not recommended to use maps that break this limit. To avoid it, try hitting [New Layout] for another attempt. If persistent, try reducing the map size, increasing the landform or reducing the planet's age.

Generate New Map

See 'Common Controls'

[LandMass]

Note; the controls on this page indicate only a probability that a new map with match the settings given. The nature of the map generator is that each map will differ, sometimes considerably. Use the thumbnail view, or the analysis data on the [Control] page to check the map before saving.

Land Mass

This controls the amount of land overall compared to the amount of Ocean. Selecting an option changes the sea level display. The sea level can be adjusted further if required.

Land Form

This represents the approximate size of islands, continents and lakes. However, most maps will contain a variety of shapes and sizes.

Mountains

This controls the amount of land that becomes mountains. Selecting an option changes the mountain level display. The mountain level can be adjusted further if required.

Age

Increasing the planets age introduces more varied terrain over shorter distances, and tends to break up long distance features.

[Climate]

Rainfall is randomly distributed with a bias toward higher altitude terrain. It then drains downhill, maybe forming a river that might drain into the sea or a lake.

Main Rainfall Controls

This controls the amount of rain, allowing for separate levels for the Poles and the Equator on round maps, and North & South edges of flat maps.

Fine Tuning

'Distance' represents the approximate number of squares over which the rainfall pattern varies. 'Variability' describes how much the random pattern of rain varies.

Rivers

This controls the probability of the formation of rivers. The 'Trigger level' represents very approximately, the number of mountain or high altitude squares draining onto a given square that are required to turn that square into a river.

[Temp.]

Temperature is randomly distributed with a bias toward higher temperatures at the equator on round maps, and North & South edges of flat maps.

Main Temperature Controls

This controls the temperature, allowing for separate levels for the Poles and the Equator.

Fine Tuning

'Distance' represents the approximate number of squares over which the temperature pattern varies. 'Variability' describes how much the random pattern of temperature varies.

[Templates]

Example worlds available for instant use. Selecting a template will set the controls on the preceding pages. These controls can be further adjusted if required. Use [Restore Defaults] to reset everything to an average world.

[About]

Please note the full four-part version number if you wish to contact the author about this program.