Official Mapp Squad Discussion

[krillin1501 0]

If you could make a map of Indianapolis to scale, that would be great! 

[the_new_simman 5]

Date: 4/3/2005 7:35:47 PM Author: krillin1501 If you could make a map of Indianapolis to scale, that would be great!

quote>

Sorry, but as we said in the request thread. We are too overwhelmed with requests at the moment. Please try back in about a week and we should be ready to take your requests again.

[RadioheadFan 1]

Alright, looks like we're back on track. Thanks for posting your opinions and helping each other out, and remember, the Mapp Squad is for the betterment of the Simtrop community, and we always have to keep that in mind.

RHF, your official PR Guy.

[comdude21 6]

Date: 4/3/2005 7:23:31 PM
Author: the_new_simman

Mapp Squad Update

Hey everyone, with recent problems and threads regarding too many maps on the exchange, I have come up with a few solutions. I will state the solutions below:

- Limit 5 Requests per week

- Release all maps on Fridays, no other days

- Use zip downloads if it requires more than one map set.

quote>

Good suggestions. The first one is the best one. The second one I don't agree with, because it would absolutely flood the STEX every Friday. Plus, all of the maps would bury each other on the STEX and it would be tough to find them.

My plan is this. Each Mapp Squad member has their own assigned day, when that member can choose to upload a map. For example, my day could be Monday, your day could be Tuesday, Mallow's could be Wednesday, etc. That member may only upload one map on their day, which means that the highest number of maps that will be released during a week would be seven. This would not only prevent flooding of the STEX, but it would also give others more time to view each map.

We have 11 members so far, but only five have uploaded, and I'm not sure if everyone will be going to be able to make maps. Plus, RHF won't upload maps because he's the PR Guy. We'll see. But I think everyone's day to upload a map should be delegated ASAP if you want to use that plan, if you have something else planned, then institute that ASAP as well. I think we can be really successful if we have organized uploading, and it would make the Mapp Squad look more professional. Just some things to consider.

BTW, I just made an accurate map of my hometown and the surrounding area (Using a DEM), and it turned out great! Sorry, I won't release that one because it's for my private collection.

I will release the Minneapolis-St. Paul map if it is accurate enough. It was my first map, so it's not very good, but it gave me valuable learning experience. Now I think mapping using DEMs is fun.

[bobinator 0]

Wow! so many new maps on the exchange! And grand ones too! I'm very impressed, great job guys!

[Big_Baazzoo 0]

I like the idea of limiting requests.

I like the idea of each of us only doing one a week, on a certain day.  one a week is enough, well maybe even more than enough, for me.

I like the idea of each of us having a specialty  I, for one, am not interested in real world maps...I mean that's cool and all, alot of people like them, but I really like the fantasy picture maps such as the ones you have seen from me already.  I will take requests...if somebody wants a map of their girlfriend, send me a .JPG.  okay, that request would be a narrow one, but what if it made a really cool mapp?  out of 67,000 members of Simtropolis...and you have to have a map to play at all, what if 100 people enjoyed the game better because of the map made from a photo of somebody or something from halfway around the world?  (oh, by the way I would like Straight no Chaser and Buddyland to be included in Mapp Squad mapps.  Try as I might, I cannot change the Titles on these mapps, but this was before we were so professional as to label our mapps with Mapp Squad Straight no Chaser or Mapp Squad Buddyland)

and, oh, if the custom logos work or don't work for you, tell me how.  I watched this morning as Radiohead recieved his and made it into his avatar, but it didn't really look that good so small, so he put back the mapp squad avatar he is using now, last time I checked.  Perhaps I will be able to make a version that works that small...I'm learning...cut me some slack...and if they are any good, tell me, and I will make ones for our new members, too.  to those of you who haven't gotten theirs yet, it's on the way...I started with the most active folks, mallow and radiohead, and New Simman, cuz he's our leader, and I got all you guys in my comp...'cept the new guys, maybe tommorrow or the next day, so if they are just stupid let me know so I can not waste my time, but if they are okay, I'd like to do them.

James

p.s. I need the Landscape designer...none of the links in the dead threads works...

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Hey, I love those logos! They're great, and as I don't have PhotoShop and am not a good artist, I could never make something like that.

Plus, I love those fantasy maps of yours.


I also like the idea of one map per person on a given day.

If that turns out to be the case, I think I'll take whatever day nobody else wants...

Plus, I think I'll specialize in international realistic maps, if we do end up doing the specialist thingy.


What I'd really hate to see is the MAPP Squad come to an end. We have come too far, and it would just be too sad.

So, I hope we can get organized and keep up this great work. Everybody here has done a great job, and I don't want anybody to forget that!


Once again, GOOD WORK EVERYONE!

[Big_Baazzoo 0]

TY mallow, I think the same thing...this is potentially very cool...just because some butthead flames us, so what?

[the_new_simman 5]

Here is the final version of our Offical Release List:

Because of people saying there were too many Mapps being released in one day and week. I thought I would post an official map release schedule so BATters and other people will no when to not release there projects so they don't get bumped down. More information reguarding map releases is below:

- There should be a maximum of 2 Maps per day.

- Map Squaders will only release 3 maps a week at max

- 3 Requests per week will be taken


These actions had to be taken due to flooding of the STEX with maps. Any members of the Mapp Squad that would like to release a map on a different day other than Friday please PM me.

Any comments reguarding release dates and such please post here.

We will be taking requests again on Friday, April 8, 2005

To also keep under control each Mapp Squader will have a day to upload his maps to the exchange. This list will be revised as moremembers come.

Monday - MallowTheCloud, Comdude21
Tuesday - Big_Baazzoo, airmale007
Wedensday - your_adress_here, gundamdude
Thursday - scipio, BarbulaM1
Friday - the_new_simman, kvasir
Saturday - Requests Only!
Sunday - Day Off

[Big_Baazzoo 0]

Excellent.  Tuesday is good for me.

[jacqulina 162]

is there any chance of getting a map in the shape of a horse that would be so great thankyou

[comdude21 6]

Today's my day to upload! This is what I plan on releasing (I'm keeping it mostly secret, except for a few details):

1. An islands region, with several islands on a standard sized config file. The islands will be flat, and large enough for relatively easy development.

2. An accurate real-world region. I've been doing a lot of work on these and will most likely either release a map from Alaska (Great mapping from there), or you may see Atlantic City, NJ or some other coastal city. We'll see.

jacqulina: I think somebody could jump on that request, but post it first in the Mapp Squad request thread. Thanks.

[RadioheadFan 1]

Very nice guys! Now that we're organized, maybe we won't be the recipients of so much flaming. List out tonight, but that's the last one for a while, I leave Wednesday out of town and come back Friday. Just wanted to let you all know. Keep up the great work!

RHF, your official PR Guy.

[Big_Baazzoo 0]

I accept jacqulina's request.  Sounds right up my alley.

and, Oh, the guys over at the Moose Factory asked me to invite you all to drop in anytime, you can shoot the breeze about any topic and enjoy a nice virtual meal or a drink there...it's pretty much fun, and the guys are pretty level headed and smart.  Just drop in anytime.

[your_adress_here 11]

Hey guys. I now have my sig image up and running, but can you please tell me if you can see it? Thanks!

[comdude21 6]

YAH: Yes I can see the sig image.

To All: My newest map is uploaded and will appear soon! It is called Palmetto Islands, a ficticious island region consisting of several realistic islands, located between the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

I may also have another map out tonight, as my day to upload maps is Monday. It will be a real-world terrain, if I decide to release one right now.

[RadioheadFan 1]

Sounds great comdude! I have an idea for something...why don't we make a thread that shows how we use Mapp Squad maps, kind of like the NDEX thread that showcases how users utilize NDEX buildings? I myself would like to show what I've done with Kingsport...just something for you guys to think about.

RHF, the official Mapp Squad PR Guy.

[comdude21 6]

Date: 4/4/2005 6:01:42 PM
Author: RadioheadFan
Sounds great comdude! I have an idea for something...why don't we make a thread that shows how we use Mapp Squad maps, kind of like the NDEX thread that showcases how users utilize NDEX buildings? I myself would like to show what I've done with Kingsport...just something for you guys to think about.


RHF, the official Mapp Squad PR Guy.

quote>

Great idea! I think you should make the thread ASAP, but maybe you should wait for the heads up from TNS first.

comdude

[your_adress_here 11]

Awesome! I would love to see what happens to our maps!

[mentarman 14]

Hey, finally tracked down this thread (one of the map posts said this thread was in Simtropolis Related; was it moved?).

In any case, I just wanted to thank you guys. It's great to have a bunch of new maps showing up. My last city is dead and I've been waiting for inspiration to start on a new one, but none of the maps inspired me. Now there's a whole cornucopia of maps to choose from. I like coastal areas and bays and such with a little hilliness, and a lot of your maps have that.

 

So anyway, just a hearty thank you for your work.

[the_new_simman 5]

Thanks. I am glad to see that someone else is happy with our work. Please be one the look out for more maps.

[RadioheadFan 1]

MAPP SQUAD UPDATE!

Alrighty guys, it's list time! All these stats were collected at 7:29 tonight, so they may have changed by the time this is posted. So far, the Mapp Squad has released 21 maps for a total of 1031 downloads! (Note: I combined all the Singapore quadrants released by Mallow into one map, because individually, they didn't garner as much attention as they did combined. If you were to count the quadrants individually, we would have 24 maps instead of 21, but the same number of downloads. I won't count the quadrants in the list, because they don't have enough downloads individually.)

TOP 10 MAPS

T1. Duthford, by MallowTheCloud; Tokyo, by MallowTheCloud-103 downloads

3. Buddyland, by Big_Baazzoo-100 downloads

4. Newark/New York City, by the_new_simman-96 downloads

5. Kingsport, by airmale007-87 downloads

6. Evans Valley, by airmale007-81 downloads

7. Northern Central Valley, by the_new_simman-66 downloads

8. North Sydney, by MallowTheCloud-57 downloads

9. Netherlands Delta, by MallowTheCloud-46 downloads

10. Singapore, by MallowTheCloud-42 downloads

TOP MEMBERS

1. MallowTheCloud-519 downloads

2. airmale007-198 downloads

3. the_new_simman-162 downloads

4. Big_Baazzoo-121 downloads

5. comdude21-31 downloads

TOP UPLOADERS

1. MallowTheCloud-15 maps

T2. airmale007, Big_Baazzoo-3 maps each

T4. the_new_simman, comdude21-2 maps each

-----------------------------------------------------------

And that's the stats as of 7:29 tonight for the Mapp Squad! Give yourselves a pat on the back, we've got some excellent mapmakers here and these stats will only get bigger and bigger numbers. Keep up the good work.

RHF, your official PR Guy.

[comdude21 6]

Good job on the list RHF. You're doing a great job as the PR Guy, you've really helped organize and proffesionalize the Mapp Squad.

Palmetto Islands is now uploaded. I'm now working on a real world terrain. Not all of them take too terribly long to make (At least if they're not exactly to scale), but it's tough to get a really good representation. I just made a map of Lake Koocanusa, MT, which is a large lake in extreme northwestern Montana. It has a rugged surrounding terrain. The elevations are high, and even though I got the water to work right, the game can't handle the highest elevations and makes them plateaus. I've gotten good now at these real world maps, and I made a really accurate one of my hometown and its surrouding area for my private collection. If the Lake Koocanusa map doesn't work out, I'll make a different map. I'm thinking the eastern coast of the U.S. I may also work with some Alaskan DEMs, although I doubt I'll make anything near as good as what Flamesrock can make out of Alaskan DEMS, but it's worth a try.

EDIT: I've decided I'm going to go out and make a new map. It'll be good, trust me.

comdude

[RadioheadFan 1]

Thanks for the nice compliments! Your new map sounds awesome, can't wait to see more from you!

RHF

[MallowTheCloud 41]

Alright!!! The Palmetto Island region is great, and good luck with your next region!

Also, I agree RHF has been doing a great job with the PR job. And, in fact, I am very impressed by the amount of activity that many on the MAPP Squad are keeping up!

I love all this bustling activity, the fact that we are now organized, and the wonderful job everybody on the MAPP Squad is doing with their tasks.


Anyways, I updated Guadalajara with more accurate data, and I am going to release a large, to-scale map of NYC tonight.

EDIT: Actually, I'll wait 'til Saturday to do the NYC (since it was a request)... and besides, I still have a lot of work to do on it.

Instead, I'll find somewhere around the world that looks interesting, and upload that tonight...

And one last thing.... I am honoured to be the MAPP Squad Assistant Leader, and would be pleased to answer any questions regarding map making and MAPP Squad activity.

[the_new_simman 5]

Just ot let everyone know, MallowTheCloud is promoted to the Assistant Leader. So, if you need any help, and I'm not around. Go to him.

 

In other news, we may be getting even more organized in the future. Just thought I'd tell you that.

[RadioheadFan 1]

Wow, can we get anymore organized! I think we're the pinnacle of organization already!

RHF

THIS IS MY 1000TH POST!!!!! I'm really happy to make it here, my favorite place on Simtrop.

[MallowTheCloud 41]

YAY!!! Congratulations on your 1000th post, RHF! I saw you were getting close, and was wondering whether you'd post it here, in Thistlewood, or in SCR.... ALL very deserving places for a 1000th post...

[comdude21 6]

Congrats RHF on reaching your 1,000th post! Also congrats to Mallow for becoming the assistant leader.

The next map I'll upload tonight, and the last map I'll make for a week (Probably, unless I take up a request on Saturday), will be Burlington, VT. It seems like a really interesting terrain, with a large lake (Lake Champlain), and quite a few mountains.

[the_new_simman 5]

Date: 4/4/2005 10:05:48 PM
Author: comdude21
Congrats RHF on reaching your 1,000th post! Also congrats to Mallow for becoming the assistant leader.


The next map I'll upload tonight, and the last map I'll make for a week (Probably, unless I take up a request on Saturday), will be Burlington, VT. It seems like a really interesting terrain, with a large lake (Lake Champlain), and quite a few mountains.

quote>

I'll be looking forward to seeing this map and will download it. I have a few that I want to upload, but they'll have ot wait till Friday.

Also, congrats RHF for hitting your 1000th post. I remember that was a milestone for me.