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Map Generator

Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 3:25 am
by Heathen
Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone knows any good methods for generating natural looking random continents using tiles?

Here is an example (civilization series)

http://s87790814.onlinehome.us/temp/150 ... nt_Map.jpg

I've had lots of ideas, but none of them have ended up looking natural. I'm thinking of trying a sort of fractal next

Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:25 am
by Num3
This kind of maps is done in two or three passes..

1st pass, place masses in random order
2nd pass, do some sort 'blur' on the masses, so they don't look square.
3rd pass, assign the tiles to each square according to the surrounding squares

Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:12 pm
by Brice Manuel
Would this help?

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:57 am
by Heathen
Brice Manuel wrote:Would this help?
Thanks Brice. I'll check it out :).

edit: After more reading and think a fractal+threshold seems to be the best option. Generate a heightmap using a fractal and use a cutoff, above it is land, below it is water, since it's a strategy game, I can go even further and make mountains and hills on a higher cutoff.

I'll post an example when I'm done for those who are also interested :)