Map This! - Cartography Services

[Vandy 110]

   Map This!- Cartography Services

---

Hello, Everyone!

Welcome to the Map This! - Cartography Services (MTCS) thread.

I do have a number of projects I'm currently working on such as a new fantasy map in production (Okeanides) as well as a region map commissioned by Schulmantor for use in his Schulmania City Journal.

As soon as I have a chance to get some "teaser" screen shot uploaded, I will do so.

If you are looking for a fantasy map (at this time -- other types of map offerings will come available as I learn more), please feel free to request them in this thread.  I certainly am more than willing and able to chat with you about your requests.

Take good care and I do look forward to chatting with you.

Regards,

Vandy

[dirk_h 0]

Hallo Vandy

do you happen to have a map of the rhein-main region with frankfurt (germany)?

[Vandy 110]

Hi, Dirk_H.

Sorry, at this point in my map-making career, I am only producing fantasy maps.  I would suggest you post a request for this map in the NHP - New Horizons Productions Map Thread for some of our other map makers to consider.

Thank you for your interest in Map This! - Cartography Services and in the New Horizons Productions team.

Regards,

Vandy

[Vandy 110]

   Map This!- Cartography Services

---

Hello, Everyone.

Map This! - Cartography Services, is pleased to announce a new map available for download from the STEX.

Heartland, a new region presented by Map This! - Cartography Services

"Sing a song about the heartland,

The only place I feel at home.

Sing about the way a good man

Works until the daylight's gone.

Sing the rain on the roof on a summer night

Where they still know wrong from right.

Sing a song about the heartland.

Sing a song about my life."

Chorus from the song "Heartland" by George Strait © 1992.  The song is from the movie "Pure Country".

Map This! - Cartography Services is please to present "Heartland".  This map was commissioned by Schulmanator (of SimTropolis) for use in a future update in his Schulmania City Journal.

Heartland covers four (4) large city tiles and has a very nice  mix of waterways, coastlines, coastal plains, rolling hills and gentle mountains.  A large river delta feeds a number of branching rivers which meander through a number of lakes as they flow through the region.  There are barrier islands off the coast and a large bay just waiting for development.

Heartland.  Develop it and sing a song about YOUR life.

© January, 2007

Vandy

Map This! - Cartography Services

Map Information

Map Type:  Fantasy

Region Map Size:  512 x 512 pixels

config.bmp Size:  8 x 8 pixels

Dependencies:  Either the SC4Terraformer or the SC4Mapper applications are required.

For installation instructions, please read the included ReadMe file.

When unzipping the archive, ensure you use the "Use Folder Names" option.

Region Pictures

In-Game Original Region (from Region Census)

In-Game Modded Region (from Region Census)

2D Overview (from SC4TF)

3D Overview (from SC4TF)

Southwest Corner (from SC4TF)

Northwest Corner (from SC4TF)

Northeast Corner (from SC4TF)

Southeast Corner (from SC4TF)

You can download the Heartland region from the STEX.

Map This! - Cartography Services hope you'll this new region.  As always, if you have any questions concerning this or any of Map This! - Cartography Services maps, feel free to post a comment in this thread.

Regards,

Vandy

[Brenden304 0]

Hey sorry if this has been answer but eveytime i downlaod your map Dovons Reach it says map cannot be uploaded bitmap file is to small should be 961x961? is there any way to correct this?

[jplumbley 5]

Hi Brenden304,

Thanks for your interest in the NHP maps. I dont have an answer for you at the moment. But, Vandy has taken a hitatus for personal reasons. I can take a look at the map but will have to do so tomorrow when I have time.

JPlumbley

[Brenden304 0]

oo alright thank you..

[jplumbley 5]

Hi Brenden304,

Sorry, it took me 2 days to get to this RLS...

Anyways, best thing to do IMO:

1. Get SC4Terraformer if you dont already have it. https://www.simtropolis.com/modding/index.cfm?page=1&view=all

2. Now, download the config.bmp of Vandy's map and save it in your My Documents/SC4/Plugins/Regions/Donovans Reach folder.  Make sure this is the only file within the folder.

3. Now download the map jpg file (save it somewhere accessible like your desktop)

4. Open SC4Terraformer and open the Donovans Reach region. (it will come up as blank terrain)

5. Under Global Tools -> Import Image browse to the jpg file you downloaded from STEX.  This should import the terrain hieght data.

6. Click File -> Save in SC4Terraformer.  (this will save the data to SC4)

7. Close SC4Terraformer and open SC4.  Open the region Donovans Reach.  The terrain should now show as it looked in SC4Terraformer colors, this is OK, because when you enter a city tile it will revert back to SC4 colors.  Beware though, until you enter all city tiles and save them do not use the reconcile edge button.... It will mess up your city edges.

I hope this has helped you.  Good luck.  If there are any issues with SC4Terraformer look through the SC4Terraformer thread in Modding Research and Develpoment Forum.  If there are any questions on the procedure above, just ask them here.  I will check in from time to time.

[Brenden304 0]

oo man lol i forgot all about SC4Terraformer ....than you very much got the map up and working now!

[Vandy 110]

   Map This - Cartography Services

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Hello, Everyone.

After an extended period of absence because of health issues, I'd like to announce that I'm "Back in Action" and creating maps once again.  I've missed you all very much and am looking forward to chatting, sharing and working with you again.

Map This - Cartography Services[/b] is pleased to announce a new map available for download from the STEX.

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Okeanides - A Greek word that can be translated as "The Daughters of Oceanus".

© September, 2007

Map This! - Cartography Services

... a division of VAN Enterprises

Draw near to me, my children, and hear of the tale I have to tell – the Wonders of the Okeanides, from whom our crystal clear and sweet waters spring forth.Draw near to me, dear ones, and listen to how it all began.

The great god of fresh water, the earth-encircling stream-giver Okeanos and his beautiful wife Tethys gave birth to a multitude of children who became known as The Okeanides.To them was given the responsibility of presiding over the earth’s fresh-water – the clouds that bring sweet rain, the rivers that flow slow and fast, the hidden waters beneath the earth and all manner of lakes and streams, fountains and falls.

Of the three thousand goddesses birthed by Tethys, eight came to call our fair land home – one for each of the great rivers that run through Okeanides and one for The Three Lakes:

 Admete

Her of the wild mountain stream – became the river flowing from the Northwest into Lake Trichonis.

Zeuxo

Her sister and goddess of marriage – flowed broad and strong from the south through Lake Petron to the northwest.

Eudora

Her of the generously flowing spring – connected the two together on her east to northwest journey.

Hyale

Her being clear like crystal – flowed out of Lake Trichonis southward and joined Zeuxo.

Kallirhoe

Her of fair-flowing and good downpours – flowed southwest out of Lake Trichonis and joined Amphiro.

Amphiro

Her of the surrounding flow – flowed from the west into Lake Kerkini.

Plouto

Her of the fertile rains – flowed out of Lake Kerkini to the south.

Prymno

Her of the groundwaters, deep and clear – inhabits The Three Lakes we hold so dear. 

Even today, as you attend to your business on the rivers, you can hear the goddess nymphs at work and at play on their rivers, streams and lakes.If you be very still and listen, you can hear them laughing and talking in the waters.Pray that they continue to be happy and that through their happiness Okeanides continues to prosper.

Keep watch from the heights of Mount Giona in the northwest, from Mount Taygetos in the west and from Mount Lakmos in the southeast.Be ready to sound the alarm lest the goddess Styx should appear for she will attempt to spread her poisoned ill will into the waters.Keep watch and sound the alarm lest the goddess Perseis should appear for she will attempt to destroy the waters with her witchcraft.Keep watch and sound the alarm lest the goddess Akaste should appear for she will attempt to spread her instability over the land causing the waters to erratically flow and the rainfall to become unpredictable.Sound the alarm and alert the fair goddesses that inhabit our waters and our land that they may make battle with their errant sisters and forbid them entry into Okeanides.

Listen, my people, and learn of your history, your beginnings and pass this message on to your children and your children’s children that all may know of Okeanides and to whom you should pay homage, respect and thankfulness.Heed these words that you may never forget how this fair Okeanides came into our care and may you always give thanks to our fair goddesses for the bounty they have shared with us.

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The region is 768 x 768 pixels in size with a 12 x 12 pixel city configuration made up of a mix of large, medium and small city tiles.

Dependencies:  Either the SC4Terraformer or the SC4Mapper applications are required.

For installation instructions, please read the included ReadMe file.

When unzipping the archive, ensure you use the "Use Folder Names" option.

Okeanides is an inland map featuring seven rivers flowing in and around three lakes with three smaller lakes to the north of the river complex.There are three large mountain ranges – one in the northwest corner, one in the west and one in the southeast corner.

There is ample opportunity to develop a wide mix of rural, small villages and towns and large cities within its landscape.The river complex will afford a great deal of development – both industrial and commercial – as well as offer many opportunities for recreational development.

Okeanides – come and develop in a land that overflows with opportunity.Who knows, if you quietly listen, you may hear the goddesses speaking to you.

===============

Okeanides started out as a "brain map".  That is, I created it as an image in my brain then transfered a rough copy of it to paper as shown below:

I scanned in the hand-drawn map and, using Paint Shop Pro, converted it to a straight grayscale image (without concern for the abrupt changes in elevations) as shown below:

Finally, using SC4Terraformer (thanks, wouanagaine, for this great application), I terraformed the landscape until satisfied as seen in the two below pictures of Okeanides in SC4Terraformer:

Region Overview -- SC4Terraformer, 3D

Region Overview - SC4Terraformer, 2D

Finally, I rendered the map in SC4 both unmodded and modded as shown in the below two pictures:

Region Overview -- SC4 Unmodded

Region Overview - SC4 Modded

I certainly hope you'll enjoy this new map.  If you have any questions, comments or support issues, please feel free to post them in this thread.

Regards,

Vandy

Map This - Cartography Services

[Vandy 110]

Hi, Folks.

Well, not to let any grass grow under my feet, I want to share with you what will be my next mapping project.  You can consider this to be another "brain" map -- that is, I worked on it the past few nights in bed before going to sleep and was finally able to commit it to paper today.

The image map is 1024 by 768 pixels with a config.bmp file size of 16 x 12 pixels.  Yes, folks, Vandy's finally gonna make a BIG map!

Here's what I've dreamed up for this yet-to-be-named map:

I'll keep you posted on my progress,

Regards,

Gary

[Vandy 110]

HI, All.

I thought I'd update you on the progress I've made on my new yet-to-be-named map.  I've finished the grayscale map image created from my hand drawn map.

I've decided to approach the creation of this map a bit differently this time.  Rather than create a number of different grayscale values/elevations, I put the water at the grayscale value of 70 and the land at the grayscale value of 89,  I'll use SC4Terraformer to create all the other features of the map.

Here is the grayscale image I'm using as the base of the new map:

Here is the initial two dimentional view of the map in SC4Terraformer:

Here is the inital three dimentional view of the map in SC4Terraformer:

I plan on really taking my time on this new map as I want to make the map features (mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, beaches, etc.) as realistic and nice looking as possible.

As always, I'll keep you posted as to my progress.

Regards,

Gary

[HabLeUrG 32]

wow excellent work! if you want a joint project i could make the mountains realistic for you

[Vandy 110]

Hi, All.

Just a quick update for you on my newest map that I'm currently developing.  (This is the large (16 x 12) map with two continents separated by a narrow isthmus.)  It is coming along nicely.  I'm not ready to share any pictures quite yet, though.

I got a bit sidetracked as I was reading an article on how to create a grayscale image by hand using Paint Shop Pro and thought to myself, "Self, that really sounds interesting."  So, I put aside my new map and have created a new map from a hand-made grayscale image.  I'd like to present that map to you now.

   Map This - Cartography Services
Map This - Cartography Services is pleased to announce a new map available for download from the STEX. 

O'Shawnasee's Crossing

© October, 2007
Map This! - Cartography Services
... a division of VAN Enterprises


In the early 1800s, Patrick O'Shawnasee left Boston, Massachusetts on his way west to seek his fortune.  After a few weeks  of hard traveling, he found himself at the conflux of four mighty rivers.  Rightly determining this would be an ideal spot to start a trading post, Mr. O'Shawnasee declared his journey was finished.

Within five years, he had a thriving trading post running through which The People (indigenous to the land) as well as pioneers and travelers traded or purchased pelts and handicrafts for food and supplies.  Life had turned a wonderful corner for Mr. O'Shawnasee, his wife and their chidren and the years were good to them; however; their luck would not hold.

As the 1860s decade opened, the government decided that O'Shawnasee's Crossing (as it was known by then) was a strategic area which needed to be protected from both marauding members of The People tired of being usurped from their land and an insurgent population bent on creating their own nation.  Consequently, the government decreed the trading post be made federal property and the O'Shawnasee's be made to give up title to their property and land.  No amount of pleading, haranguing or refusal on their part did any good.

It was mid-summer of 1861 when the government completed their fort that incorporated the original trading post and a good portion of the river valley around the crossing.  The O'Shawnasee's determined it would be in their best interest to go along with the inevitable and were kept on to run the post.  This would prove to be a decision that sealed their fate.

O'Shawnasee's Crossing saw many a hard-fought and bloody battle through the 1860s between both The People and the insurgent nation but continued to act as a secure gateway to all points on the compass.  However, late in the decade, a man arose amongst The People who decreed no man not native to the land had a right to occupy it.  His determination and steely grip upon The People was the undoing of the fort and all its occupants.

Entrance to the fort was gained by using a native guide whose loyalties were to The People and not the soldiers.  By morning, not a man woman or child was left alive and everything of value was stolen, destroyed or burned.  Over the next ten years, many skirmishes and battles took place in and around O'Shanasee's Crossing.  In spite of its inviting landscape, mountain ranges and beautiful rivers, no one dared challenge the Chief and The People.

Time has a way of making even the fiercest enemies temper or forget their differences.  Such was the case between The People and the government.  Once again united as one nation, the government sat with the aging Chief and promised peace and a place in which The People would always be able to live.  Weary and wary but sensing he had no choice, the Chief signed the peace treaty between The People and the government and the peace pipe was passed around the table.

It remains to be seen as to whether or not the treaty will be honored and The People will be able to continue to occupy a portion of their land.  It is up to you as the developer of this region to determine your ending to this historical part of the SimNation.

---

The region is 768 x 768 pixels in size with a 12 x 12 pixel city configuration made up of a mix of large, medium and small city tiles.

O’Shawnasee’s Crossing is the result of a hand-drawn (using Paint Shop Pro) grayscale image imported into SC4Terraformer and completed within that application.  It is an inland map featuring four rivers flowing into a large lake.  There is another lake through which the northeast river flows.  Surround the four river valleys are four large mountain ranges – one in the northwest corner, one in the north central area, one in the southeast corner and one in the southwest corner.

There is ample opportunity to develop a wide mix of rural, small villages and towns and large cities within its landscape.  The river complex will afford a great deal of development – both industrial and commercial – as well as offer many opportunities for recreational development.

O’Shawnasee’s Crossing awaits its final chapter.  Come visit its alluring beauty and determine by your development how its final chapter will be written.

Please consult the Read Me file included in the zip archive on the STEX for instructions on how to install this map using the SC4Terraformer application.

O'Shawnasee's Crossing can be downloaded from the STEX by clicking on the name link at the beginning of this sentence.

Here is a SC4 rendered region view:

 

 

 

Here is a SC4 rendered region view with the default terrain mods I use when uploading maps:




The idea of creating a "from scratch" grayscale image map caught my fancy and that is exactly what I've been working on.  Here is the original grayscale image I created: 





Using Paint Shop Pro, I created a "water" layer and a "land" layer.  I then used various grayscale values to build up the mountains.  Finally, I used a variety of added noise, blur, sharpen, softening and dodging techniques to finalize the map.  As you can tell, the high areas are all pretty equal and ended up looking like four mesas once I imported the image into SC4TF.

I finalized the map by using SC4TF to create more and higher mountains, rough up the lowland terrain and overall smooth things out a bit.

Here is the 2D SC4TF Overview:





Here is the 3D SC4TF Overview:





Here is a view looking from the Central part of the map to the Northeast:





Here is a view looking to the Central Northwest:





Here is a view looking to the Northwest:




Here is a view looking to the Southeast:




Here is a view looking to the Southwest:




Here is a view looking from the North Central part of the map to the West:




Here is a view looking from the South Central part of the map to the West:




Here is a view looking from the North to the Central part of the map beyond to the East:




Here is a view looking from the North to the Central part of the map beyond to the West:




Here is a view looking from the South to the East and beyond to the West:




Here is a view looking from the South to the West and Beyond to the East:




Here is a view looking from the Central part of the map to the Northeast River Valley:




Here is a view looking from the East to the West River Valley:




Here is a view looking from the North to the South River Valley:




Finally, here is a view looking from the South to the North River Valley:




I certainly hope you'll enjoy O'Shawnasee's Crossing.

Regards,

Vandy

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[Zwabberaar 18]

One thing is absolutely sure: Before even playing the map, I have seen every single pixel of it in detail. I have never seen a more elaborate presentation of a simcity4 map, and for that I congratulate you. Whenever I run across O'Shawnasee I will certainly remember where he is coming from.

[SIMplMn9 0]

I just have to ask... do you do requests for fantasy ideas?

[beskhu3epnm 8]

Vandy is famous for his elaborate presentations. As you can no doubt see, this map has countless hours of details from one of the greatest and most detailed minds in the community. I mean seriously, come on, look at those mountains! I challenge anyone in the SC4 community to create something as realistic as that from scratch.

I suggest sending Vandy a PM regarding requests, he will likely ask for a detailed outline, etc.

[Vandy 110]

Hello, SiMplMn9.

Originally posted by: SIMplMn9 I just have to ask... do you do requests for fantasy ideas?quote>

 

My apologies for not answering your post before now.  I've no good excuse to offer you other than being busy with work and life.

Yes, I do entertain fantasy map requests and would be more than glad to discuss a project for you.  Please either post her or send me a PM and we can start discussing what you'd like done.

Regards,

Vandy

[SIMplMn9 0]

Will do later.. I have to plan this out...

[Vandy 110]

Hi, All.

Yes, believe it or not, VANDY is still around.  Sorry about being so "quiet" when it comes to updates in the Map This! -- Cartography Services thread. It just seems like I have such trouble finding time to do the things I have to let alone the things I want to do.  If I may quote my dear Mother:

"The hurry-i-der I go, the behind-der I get!"

I haven't finished my newest and yet to be named map but I have made some progress on it.  If you'll remember, when I first announced my new map, I mentioned that it may take some time to complete it as I wanted to make it as realistic as possible.

Well, I cannot begin to tell you the number of times I started and deleted, started and deleted in trying to create this map.  I suffer from the disease of perfectionism.  Yes, I am constantly trying to get to the top of that greased flagpole and constantly sliding back down...

I've come to the realization that if I continue to attempt to create this map with this goal in mind, it will never get done.  Consequently, I've (as hard as it has been -- and, believe me, it has been VERY HARD) decided that I'm going to create the map and be satisfied with (this is my perfectionism talking...) the so-so results.

So, I wanted to give you a progress report.  Below are some SC4TF pictures of the southwest area and the western central area of the map.  In the southwest, i was going for a somewhat mountainous area that ends at the ocean in a very tall plateau with ocean-facing cliffs.  In the western central area, I was going for more of a rolling hills terrain.  Y'all be the judge of whether or not I met those goals.

Here are the pictures (all taken VERY LATE (or, early morning depending upon your point of view) on the 21st of November):

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3D overview of the region from SC4Terraformer with the two areas shown

The southwestern area "head-on" looking at the plateau and surrounding islands.

Another picture of the plateau and surrounding islands.

The middle of the southwest area

The upper part of the southwest area

The western central area

The northern part of the western central area

The southern part of the western central area

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Well, that's the update for now.  As I get more areas terraformed, I'll share them with you in another update.

As always, any comments, suggestions, etc. are always appreciated.

Regards,

Gary

[beskhu3epnm 8]

One of the best things in life is to stop by and see what Vandy is cooking.

In this case, a full course meal!

They say that transferring from pen to paper can be a great challenge. Well, they've never transferred idea to SC4TF then. Way to go, glad to see you are running stronger than ever, Vandy...

I got my eye on the STEX....

[SIMplMn9 0]

Nice, I will send you a PM in a minute, do what you can, when you can.

[PuppetMaster 0]

Can you guys make a map for either Warsaw, Poland or Gdansk, Poland? Please....I really have looked everywhere and even tried to make a map of it...didn't work out.

[Vandy 110]

Hi, All.

Vandy here (Yes, I really am still around...).  I've pretty much not been around since the end of November.  I had acute appendicitis and had surgey on 29 November 2007.  Then, there was one complication after another.  I spent most of December in and out of the hospital.  Currently, I'm home recovering with a drain hanging off my side.  I go back for a repeat CAT scan on 28 January and see my surgeon in the afternoon.  Hopefully, I'll have the drain removed then.  When that happens, I'll FINALLY be on my road to getting completely better!

I've had some time to work more on my latest map and wanted to share my results with you.  Below is a series of sixteen (16) pictures that will take you on a tour of those parts of the map that I've recently created.  All pictures were taken on 16 January, 2008.

Enjoy.

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Region Overview

Northwest Corner

Northwest Corner Close Up 01

Northwest Corner Close Up 02

Northwest Corner Close Up 03

Northwest Corner Close Up 04

Northwest Corner Close Up 05

Upper Mid-Continent

Upper Mid-Continent Close-Up 01

Upper Mid-Continent Close-Up 02

Upper Mid-Continent Close-Up 03

Upper Mid-Continent Close-Up 04

Upper Mid-Continent Close-Up 05

North Central Island Group

[mkaustin 1]

Vandy,

I am glad you are hangin' in there. The map looks great and I look forward to being able to download and play it! I hope you feel better soon and have a speedy recovery.

[kingofblades 1]

heyas,

I would like to make a request for a fantasy map that I could use for a cityjournal.

Story:

Sim Nation acquires a Small Island (10x10 large Cities) just before its coastline and puts General Koyama in charge of development.

The centre of the island features a small mountain with hillside surrounding it.

Slightly south to the centre is a forest preserve dotted with lakes and a river.

To the south the coastline is high and steep.

Mayor development areas are marked in bluegreenish (mostly flat, not to many hills here please).

High rise and $$$ development will be at the bay.

Harbour and Dirt Industries at the west coast.

Gaps will be filled with small farming communities.

Sketch:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d72c5vk_2fqk5c5dp

this sketch is just the basics everything that is left white

is up to you

[Vandy 110]

Hi, KingOfBlades.

I am certainly interested in working with you to create your Koyama Island fantasy map.

I've created a private topic in which we can discuss the particulars of creating this map.  You should receive an invitation to the private topic shortly and we can discuss the map there.

I look forward to working with you on this project.

Regards,

Vandy

[kingofblades 1]

Yeah. looking forward too.

[SIMplMn9 0]

Hey Vandy, I never heard back from you over my Pm... did you get it?

[Vandy 110]

Hello, All.

Yes, I am still working on my newest map and have an update I'd like to show you.  First, let me reply to your posts..

Personal Replies

mkaustin --  Thanks for your comment on my map.  I am feeling much better now and believe that I'm FINALLY well on the road to recovery.

---

I've finished terraforming the middle continent of my map -- this is the one with the connecting isthmus.  I've leveled the land on the Eastern Continent and will be working on that next.  I'll finish the map by working on the island group in the lower center.

Here are some pictures of my latest update (all pictures are as of February 18, 2008):


Region Overview




Upper Isthmus




Lower Isthmus




Southeast Corner Left




Island Group Right Center




Upper Isthmus Close Up




Lower Isthmus Close Up




Southeast Corner Left Close Up 01




Southeast Corner Left Close Up 01

---

That's it for now.  I hope to get the Eastern continent terraformed in the next couple of weeks.  I have two other mapping projects I'm working on with other Simtropolis members and I have Dreamland (Oops!  Not yet, Gary...).

Y'all have a great day!

Regards,

Vandy