Map Exchange problems

[Ladymame 3]

Ok...I've read everything on maps that I can find. I understand some but not most information.  Yet I cannot find (or at least don't recognize) the answer I need.  I am trying to download the two recently uploaded maps of MiddleEarth (I've never downloaded a map before).  Both have the same problem.  I follow the downloads and save as instructions fine.  Open new region, move config file, follow the ctrl-alt-etc. fine.  But it tells me that my map size is 1029 x 1029 and needs to be 926 x 926 (not sure if it's exactly 926 but that's approximate).  Why do I have to make it smaller, and how is it done?  I see all this stuff about 0-0 and needing to be larger, but I don't understand the instructions.  Is making smaller the same route?  Why do we need to change the size at all?  Aren't maps made to fit the game region when they are uploaded?  Please, I need simpler instructions.  Thanks for being patient with a game- technology-challenged newbie.

[buckbeach 8]

I have been having problems with the map downloads (1025x1025 error) even after reading the instructions a couple of times to make sure I was following them.  Then I thought of the problems I was having downloading items from the Maxis SimCity4 site.  The solution there was to reconnect to their site throught Exployer instead of my AOL.   I'm not sure it will work everytime or for others but my problem was also solved here by minimizing AOL and then go through Exployer.

 

Exsuse me if this has already been surfaced here.

 

Buck

 

[abcd 5]

It seems for me that every map in the STEX is a BITMAP instead of a JPG, like the really great Vancouver region that I really want to have!!!

So when I tried to render it ingame it doesn't work and I can't make it a JPG!!!

This only happens since some weeks, befor it worked for me!

Anyone can help me?

[Dupontfan24 0]

Map: Venice

Creator: frekle5pm

 

Problem: 0x0 error,won't generate region, only shows plains

[Brightstar 0]

Okay.  About 1 third of the time I get maps that don't want to render - they just ignore me.

e.g. Radiant Heart Land, Aiyana Island.

 

I searched and found out that I am supposed to check the the jpeg file is greyscale not RGB.

I have a really stupid question - how do I know? 

I have no idea how to use whatever paint program is on my pc (ignorant huh!) I did open the radiant heart jpeg - its a grey colour........

 

hmmmm  my ignorance is really showing!  I have had this problem forever, but usually don't have time to follow it up.....I just dump the map and find one that will load.........

Thank goodness for Easter and a proper break for once!

 

Help!! All input appreciated!!

[stepper77 0]

map: venice

by: frekle5pm

 

I too am having a problem with the venice map as well. I have the jpg in my regions folder and downloaded the config file like it said and when I do the ctrl+alt+shift+R thing and select the jpg, nothing happens.

 

Any suggestions??

[Oth3ll012 3]

the venice map needs to be changed to an 8 bit greyscale with a picture editing program before it will render....i had the same problem when i first tried to render it.

[Oth3ll012 3]

region-Puget Sound

creator-bitburner2

 

i've tried to download the greyscale but the jpeg i get is blank...i try to preview the greyscale in windows fax viewer and it says no image to preview.i am able to get the config though...just need the greyscale if anyone could help

[stepper77 0]

Thanks for the help on the Venice map. Your advice worked.

[Oth3ll012 3]

no problem...glad I could help

[ldvger 19]

map: Marsmadim Vallis Edited ver.1

Creator: thalassicus

 

Same problem as everyone else: the grayscale jpg won't load.  This map comes with a custom config.bmp, which I downloaded and installed and properly (re)named in my new region file.  When I do the ctrl-shift-alt-r manuever and navigate to my grayscale jpg, I get the 0x0 error message. 

 

The config.bmp file is 16x16, so that's fine.  The grayscale jpg file is 21.4 kb, no pixel size/range given when I query the file either with my cursor or in the file properties.  None of my graphics programs will open the jpg.  Photoshop says it finds an unexpected jpg marker, Paint says it's an invalid file, Image Maker just says it can't open the file, no specific reason given.

 

I downloaded a map from MEX just a little over a year ago and ran into the exact same problem, but went to the chat room and someone there helped me figure it out (the excellent Katalla map, which I am still building on), but of course I didn't write down the fix not can this old brain remember now. 

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Lora/LD

 

 

[ldvger 19]

Ok, I solved the problem with the Mars map.  There were several problems.

First, I downloaded the Olympus Mons map, another Mars map (I have a thing about Mars right now).  When I tried to load it into the game, the same error 0x0 message occurred.  Frustrated, I queried the jpg file properties and saw that the file size was only 6 KB when I knew it was supposed to be around 360KB (the map's creator was good enough to include the file size in his/her description, very handy idea).  Somehow, the grayscale map hadn't fully downloaded.  So, I downloaded the map again and this time got all of it and viola! it loaded into the game just easy as pie.  Nice map, too, BTW.  I look forward to the new and improved map this map's creator is promising, as it will include the escarpement that surrounds the volcano.

 

Anyway, thinking this may have been the problem with the earlier Mars map I downloaded, I re-downloaded that one again, also andsurprise!  The grayscale jpg file size went from 21KB to over 200KB.  As the map's creator didn't tell me how big the file was, I crossed my fingers and hoped I had gotten it all and tried to plug it into the game.  Still didn't work, although instead of getting an error message of any kind, nothing happened at all...progress of a sort. 

 

So, I opened both Mars maps in my Image Maker software and compared the file details of each.  I noticed immediately that the one that loaded had *8* colors while the one that didn't load had *24* colors.  Aha...a possible clue.  So I opened the 24 color file in Photoshop, converted it to an 8 bit color (grayscale) file, saved it, and once again tried to load it into the game.  Viola! 

 

Only remaining problem is that I lost some land mass and map detail in the process of converting the grayscale from 24 colors to 8, which means my map has more ocean than the original map and that many of the craters on the map now have lakes in them.  Oh well, I can live with that, I guess.

 

So, my advice to those of you who are getting the 0x0 error message...try redownloading the grayscale map.  For some reason, my computer tells me the file download is done in about a blink of an eye (I'm on dial-up) when in fact the download takes a couple of minutes (and there is no progress meter to help out). 

 

And, for those of you who don't get the 0x0 message but your maps won't render...check how many colors the map is composed of.  To the best of my knowledge, only 8 color maps will work.

 

 

[IGGYMAN 101 1]

I can download only image and its config. I dont know the files...

[tungston 19]

Date: 12/24/2005 7:54:09 PM Author: IGGYMAN 101 I can download only image and its config. I dont know the files...

quote>

If I understand, this is a page to look at:

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=57421&forumID=42&search=1&searchstring =

 

[nikkofigo 0]

I have some problem with map Mapp Squad Tokyo ver. 2 by mallowthecloud, i can't render the map, i followed all the instruction but when rendering starts after a few seconds sc4 crashes and i have to reboot my pc.

Someone can help me? I really don't know why...

P.S. sorry for my english

[tbird 2]

OK, how about this one: When I find a map I like (i.e. Griswold 2x2, JayStimson), I click "download", right click on the greyscale image, and save said image to "My Pictures" folder. I open Sim City, go to one of the blank, pre-created regions I've made previously, open said region (with appropriate bitmap size already installed- 2x2 large cities), do the "alt-shift-ctrl-r" deal... but now I cannot find the saved greyscale image! Every other image I have saved in the folder is available to select, except the Griswold 2x2 that I know I saved not two minutes earlier. This has only been a problem since I've tried using maps from the new site- SimTrop4.0 I had no probs- the whole process worked beautifully! WTH? Am I doin' something different/ should I do something different? Help!

[sim1234 62]

The problem is that you are putting the greyscale in the wrong folder, it must go in the My Documents/Sim City 4/Regions folder to show up in the "Ctrl-Alt-Shift-R" menu.

[tbird 2]

Nope, Sim1234, I've tried that: no matter where I put it- it doesn't show up. It's almost like the game isn't recognizing the jpegs from this site now (if that makes sense). I used to be able to retreive the greyscales from "My Docs/ My Pics" folder, just not anymore- any other idears???

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: ldvger

Only remaining problem is that I lost some land mass and map detail in the process of converting the grayscale from 24 colors to 8, which means my map has more ocean than the original map and that many of the craters on the map now have lakes in them.  Oh well, I can live with that, I guess.

quote>

You need a height mod to render the above mentioned map correctly.  You'll have to see if the map maker mentions what height mod was used to render the map.  Only problem is, there are several height mods that I know of, which could be an issue if the map maker failed to mention what mod they used.  This is why you have water where land is supposed to be. 

Any more questions, feel free to PM me.