The Greater Terran Region

[Haljackey 17,398]

Replies:

SWAT-MEDIC:  Hey, thanks a lot!  Nor do I.

TmiguelT:  Hehe, thanks!  Of course you are, so am I! 

jacqulina:  Thanks again for your comments!

Just a quick note to viewers and commenters:  If you didn't know already, most of the activity is taking place on GTR 2.0 in the new City Journals section.  There's a link to it in my signature.

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Update time!

All right, time for some new stuff.  The GTR is beginning to make a uniform highway system for its road networks so its easier to navigate.  This will include the installation of new signage (the new HD GTR Signs mrtnrln made) as well as upgrading existing stretches to further modernize the network.  This update will show you a bit of both, constructing a bigger, better RHW with the new sign system.  A great example of a uniform highway network is the Interstate highways in the US, but here in Canada we have nothing like that.

It will start by upgrading a stretch in Terran Settlement where traffic and the setup needs to be refurbished.  Here's a look at the interchange in its early days:

Initial construction:

A small upgrade and road resurfacing:

Along with the interchange reconstruction and new signage, the RHW will be widened north of the overpass.  Now its on to the actual update!

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Pictures

Click the images for full resolution! (1920x1200.)

Firstly, an oldie showing the "new" interchange and its traffic patterns.

To remake the interchange, the surroundings are firstly chopped down.  In this shot you can see a short acceleration lane being added to the onramp. 

-Sadly, land constraints restrict from making it longer, but its better than nothing!

Once again opened to traffic, we see the new GTR signage.

-Note the development zoning on the left and the new sound walls.

Here's a more central look at the new interchange.  Note that north of the overpass the median begins to narrow.

That's because a new RHW-6C is being constructed!

Further north, another interchange was remade with the RHW-6C.  Also note the new signage.

But that's not the only highway that's getting a facelift.  Here we see the terminus of a multi-RHW in the south.

It too is going to get reconstructed.  Here we see a new RHW-6C and MIS transitions being placed, adding a new lane per direction.

-That's right!  There's going to be an Multi-RHW-10 when its done!

I think that's a good place to stop.  I will show the construction of the Multi-RHW-10 in the next update, as well as some more upgrades around the region.  I'm such a tease, aren't I?  

-Haljackey

[Amitz 0]

wow great progress man keep it man hope to see he next one soon .well I will let you finish then,

[jacqulina 162]

wonderfull work and pics my friend

[dfnva 34]

Nice RHW stuff, sorry I haven't been around lately, just been very busy.

-Dan

[Patricius Maximus 236]

Multi-RHW-10? I'd like to see that. Great update.

[TmiguelT 10]

awesome update ! are you gonna make a collector/express highway?

[Haljackey 17,398]

Replies:

Amitz:  Hey, thanks a lot!

jacqulina:  Thanks again!  Always great to see you here!

dfnva:  Hehe, thanks!  Hey, RL hits everyone, don't worry about it. 

Patricius Maximus:  Indeed.  Thanks a lot!

TmiguelT:  Thanks!  Actually it was a collector/express highway to begin with.  I'm simply adding another lane in each direction. 

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Update time!

This will be a rather large update, aimed at showing you the Multi-RHW being constructed and showing off some new HD GTR signage.

There are 15 pics total, and I hope they don't freeze up your browser! 

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Pictures

Click the images for full resolution! (1920x1200.)

Picking off where we left last time, we see that the new Multi-RHW-10 is now completed.

Here's a closer look at the new connection, now with eyecandy added.

The new ultra-wide RHW digs into the city's interior, and as it does, even it is swallowed by the skyline.  With construction nearly complete, this improved artery will move more traffic quickly and efficiently.

A zoom in on one of the major exchanges.

Immense interchanges are required to service the Multi-RHW-10.

-Notice the new GTR signs installed on the highway.

The terminus of the newly upgraded Multi-RHW.  North of the overpass, the collector and express lanes combine.

...As seen in this picture.  The new GTR signage really helps enhance this image.

Until eventually, the RHW-8 splits.

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But its not just those two highways that are getting the new HD signs, routes throughout the GTR are slowly but surely converting to the new standard.

A diagonal RHW stretch near the industrial area now has signs for the first time.

Even major roads are getting some new signs installed!

Not to mention hazard signs.  This acceleration lane has been extended, but all those "lane ends" signs should tell drivers that they will have to eventually merge.

Same goes for deceleration lanes.  A smooth transition is always safer.

Here at the entrance to the city, signs provide useful information to regional commuters and tourists.

This tree-lined ground highway near the CBD is also having its signs replaced.

Not to mention the major junctions.  One of the most important junctions is getting a facelift.

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Anyways, that's it for now.  The next update will include a reconstruction of the junction seen in the last photo.

I have also upgraded to Windows 7!  SC4 seems to run just as smoothly as on Vista, but I'm not sure if the graphics are entirely the same.  You may see minimal changes to the pics in the next update.

-Haljackey

[Patricius Maximus 236]

I'm loving the new RHW-10. I'll be sure to get those new signs. They may be appearing in the Patrician Showcase quite soon...

So, you've upgraded to Windows 7? I'd like to hear about your experiences with it, if you care to disclose it.

[jacqulina 162]

wonderfull update my friend

[Deathcat001 8]

Good Job, i could never get my RHW system to work lol.... so i use normal highways

Also cant get my pics on here cuz i want to start a CJ on SimTrave; (pro Typo_) my bueat eye candy city in God Ford

 

[mightygoose 92]

great update i love the parting of the highway for the centre light source....great work.

[TmiguelT 10]

Awesome update.

Loving the new HD signs.

Also the RHW looks stunningly (I don't know if that's a word ) beautiful!!!

I'll be waiting for the Next Amazing Update

[Haljackey 17,398]

Replies:

Patricius Maximus:  Glad you enjoyed it!  Yep, the HD signs are nice!  I look forward to seeing them in your CJ!

-Not much to say about Windows 7 than what's already been said around the net.  Its so much better than Vista, and it was very easy to transfer everything over to the new OS.  Some of the tabs and icons you are fimiliar with have been moved and shifted around.  It took me about 2 hours to find the "show desktop" icon and whatnot.  But, if you give yourself a few hours to play around with it, you get used to it pretty quickly.  I recommend it to any Vista user.

jacqulina:  Hey, thanks a lot!

Deathcat001:  Hehe, thanks!  RHW is tough to use, that's for sure!  You need to give yourself some time to play around with it. 

-Check the Omnibus and New Members areas of the site for help for pictures and whatnot.  Welcome to Simtropolis!

mightygoose:  Hey Goose!  Thanks a lot!  Glad you enjoyed the update!

TmiguelT:  Thanks a lot!  I'm happy you liked the new signs and the RHW upgrades!  I'm sure you will be!

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Update time!

This will be more of a general update, showing interesting pics and development throughout the city.  However, I do have something special at the end. 

I hope you like it!

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Pictures

Click the images for full resolution! (1920x1200.)

-See my Picture Information for more info.

Let's start off with a few river shots.

The cars in the shadow of the buildings appear darker.  I have never seen this before.  This may be a technical glitch with Windows 7.

Skyscraper City.

Down river, we see those twin towers once again.

Western Corridor.

Here's a zoom in from the last image, showing a closeup of the curved roads, the long MIS ramp, and bike lanes among other things.

Here's a zoom out of the main industrial area, showing the highway and rail connections.

With the "zones" tab activated, all buildings are removed from view, so I can clearly show you the Multi-RHW-10 to RHW-8 transition.

-I can't get rid of the sidebar with this view activated, sorry!

A central look at one of the many compact stack interchanges in the GTR.

A dual bullet train line overpasses a ground highway.

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Video

The surprise is a new video!  Not much to say about it, as its just me in a fast car driving around until it gets totaled.  Enjoy!

-Quick notice about the music:  any "mainstream" music put into a Youtube video will either be muted or cluttered by ads by the Google Corporation, so I had to be "creative".   

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Two Youtube video boxes should appear below.  If you can't see them or are having problems, follow the link below them.

Watch in Standard-Definition.  (Recommended for slower connections.)

" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><a href=" " target="_blank"> </a> Watch in High-Definition.  (Recommended for faster connections.) &fmt=22&ap=%2526fmt%3D22" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><a href=" &fmt=22&ap=%2526fmt%3D22" target="_blank"> &fmt=22&ap=%2526fmt%3D22</a> An even larger video box can be found by clicking the link below and selecting "Watch in HD". Link: HD troubleshooting: -Make sure you have the latest version of Java and an up-to date flash player.  HD videos can also be choppy on slower connections, so you might need to wait for a bit to buffer. Anyways I hope you enjoyed both the pics and the surprise video! -Haljackey

[Patricius Maximus 236]

Not much to say about Windows 7 than what's already been said around the net.  Its so much better than Vista, and it was very easy to transfer everything over to the new OS.  Some of the tabs and icons you are fimiliar with have been moved and shifted around.  It took me about 2 hours to find the "show desktop" icon and whatnot.  But, if you give yourself a few hours to play around with it, you get used to it pretty quickly.  I recommend it to any Vista user.quote>

That seems to confirm my general impression of Windows 7. Is it essentially correct that it is an improved version of Windows Vista? If so, it should be a good operating system.

The pictures in your update look great, as is usual with your work. There are a couple of locations that I recognize. I guess this shows how long I've been following this, but it really helps to orient myself. I hope that the next update will come soon.

- Patricius Maximus

[Haljackey 17,398]

Replies:  (Err... Reply )

Patricius Maximus:  Pretty much.  Its what Vista was supposed to be in my mind.  Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed the update!  Yep, there's a standard there that I'd like to keep.

Small announcement regarding the original thread:

Be sure to keep checking ou GTR 2.0 for exclusive updates and whatnot.  Once the new CJ section is complete (currently 0.92 beta) I may be planning on discontinuing updates in the original thread, based on the level of attention here.  Comments here have been down since GTR 2.0 began, but this is excpected. 

-However, there are still a lot of people that check this thread.  This thread recently topped 50,000 views, indicating that there are still some that enjoy viewing the original thread.

---

Update time!

I thought it would be nice to take a little break from the updates and post some new stats for the GTR.  Since the last stats were made, some significant changes have happened, primarily due to GTR 2.0 in ST's new City Journals section.

There will be a few more stats than the last statistical update, showing you the changes that have happened as well as comparisons.

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A bit of background, the GTR is currently located in 4 areas believe it or not.  They include:

-Simtropolis

-Simcity 4 Devotion

-Skyscrapercity (not regularly updated like the others)

-Simtropolis' new City Journal section (Called GTR 2.0 for easy reference)

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Graphs

Views:

Comments:

Comment/View Ratio:

-This shows the relationships between comments and views, showing the percentages of how many views generate into comments.

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Pie Charts

Proportional views:

-For the first time ever, the original GTR thread at ST is a minority in terms of total views.

-This is also the first time GTR 2.0 has overtaken the GTR @ SC4D in terms of total views.

Proportional comments:

-The original GTR thread still dominates the GTR's total comments.  However, with more attention leaning elsewhere, I suspect the GTR @ SC4D and GTR 2.0 will continue to increase their share of the pie.

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Charts

Youtube Video Views:

|400|800|1+k|1+k|2+k|15%2F23%2F09|6%2F1%2F09&chg=10,-1,-1,-1&chm=B,DDEEFF77,0,0,0" src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=lc&chs=350x200&chd=s:YZYXWWgfZZ&chco=116600&chls=1,-1,-1&chxt=y,x&chxl=0:%7C%7C400%7C800%7C1+k%7C1+k%7C2+k%7C1:%7C5%2F23%2F09%7C6%2F1%2F09&chg=10,-1,-1,-1&chm=B,DDEEFF77,0,0,0" />

View/comment ratio:

-The closer to 0 you are on this chart, the more likely it is for a viewer to comment.

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Other Stats

Total Views: 115,783

Total Comments: 3,121

Average View/Comment ratio:  37:1

The GTR is the 5th most commented City Journal on Simtropolis (thread section), behind Schulmania, Anduin Valley, Nexis of Genesis and Simtropia respectively.  (#9 in terms of views.)

GTR 2.0 has the most entries, the most comments and the 2nd most views on ST's new City Journal section.

There have been 125 "official" updates.

The GTR's showcase at Skyscrapercity has not been updated in quite some time.

The GTR's popularity exploded when it debuted on Youtube.  (Good advertising I guess.)

The GTR has 20 videos on Youtube, the most popular one being

, with 36,712 views.

Total Youtube video views: 156,943

The GTR is a Classic on Simcity 4 Devotion.

The GTR's article on the SC4 Wiki is the most viewed for any City Showcase.  (Viewed 2,437 times)

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Anyways, that will do it for now.  Perhaps you learned a interesting thing or two you didn't know before.  I'll get back to the usual stuff in the next update.

See you then!

-Haljackey

[Lyhoko Leaci 770]

Complicated looking interchage up there...

Yay, stats! Looks good!

[Anon14 0]

I saw one of your GTR vids on YouTube and I'm wondering ... where did u get the Japanese highway walls

[Haljackey 17,398]

Replies:

Leech10:  Hey, thanks a lot!  Glad you enjoyed both the interchange and the stats!

Anon14:  First of all, welcome to Simtropolis!  I'm honoured that you decided to make your first post here.

-Glad you are enjoying my videos on Youtube!  I'm not sure what ones you are referring to, but the highway walls I use are not Japanese.  Both sets are downloadable from the STEX.  Here's the links:

Wall set 1:  https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=11307

Wall set 2:  https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=16556

Anyways hope that helps!  Thanks for the comment!

---

Update time!

In this update, you'll see a few enhancements that have been made to the GTR's transportation system, among other things.

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Pictures

Click the images for full resolution! (1920x1200.)

-See my Picture Information for more info.

Let's start off with this shot: one of the GTR's worst bottlenecks.

-Can you believe that the MIS ramp is a new addition?  It was made to help reduce backups on the main highway.

Here we see a new collection system for the MIS ramps of this windy RHW, next to a wall of skyscrapers.

The El-RHW, now with new GTR signage.

Can't find a place to park?  This new underground parking structure provides many additional spaces for both residents and visitors.

Not sure why, but I really like this new blue tower that has grown next to the sunken highway.  Perhaps its because its octagonal shape blends well with the surroundings?

Commuters are still getting used to the new Multi-RHW system.  Most still prefer to use the collectors, but a few like to drive on the new express lanes.

A roundabout and a FAR near the city's connection with Downtown.

A wide transition on an expressway to help handle volumes.  You might be fooled to think there's weaving here, but it actually acts as a large turning lane for a roundabout intersection south of this picture.

An offramp connects directly with city roads, eliminating the need for a space-consuming interchange.

Yet, even with these improvements, there continues to be traffic buildup.  Like all modern cities, the GTR can never completely fix its traffic problems.

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Anyways that will do it for now. 

Airport Update:

You should know that that the petition to build a new airport has been revived.  With planning complete, its off to survey and prepare the location for airport development. 

-Shovels will hit the ground as soon as RMIP-3 is released.

-Haljackey

[jacqulina 162]

excellent work and pics my friend

[TmiguelT 10]

completely beautiful!! *continues on new CJ section *

[Haljackey 17,398]

Replies:

jacqulina:  Hey, thanks a lot! 

TmiguelT:  A 2-part comment?  Grrr....   Thanks!

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Update time!

Hey guys, its nice to be back!  Sorry I took a while to update!

In this update, you'll see a "retrofit" to one of the GTR's RHW networks.  No additional land will be consumed, but the highway's capacity and safety features will be upgraded.  This stretch hasn't seen any action since the early days of RHW 2.0, so its overdue for a fix.

Here's a couple pre-construction photos to get you started.

...and now onto the update!

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Pictures

Click the images for full resolution! (1920x1200.)

-See my Picture Information for more info.

New onramp connections.  If you compare this photo to the older ones displayed above, you'll notice that the 2-tile median this RHW once had has now become 1 tile.

Here you'll see the same on/off ramp lanes near the bridge approach with eyecandy.

-The outdated avenue bridge over the Eaton River remains to be the worst bottleneck, but there are plans to upgrade it as well.

In this picture you see two new acceleration lanes for the northbound RHW.  Rather than continuing the new lane at the onramp, it ends beforehand so entering traffic has plenty of room to merge.

Here's the same area, but with eyecandy now added.

In addition to the highway retrofit, land around the RHW has been zoned for redeveopment.  Developers immediately sprang into action, with another iconic highrise under construction not long later.

The building now complete, overlooking the newly refurbished RHW network.

But with all this reconstruction comes traffic pains.  This avenue, which runs semi-parallel to the RHW, was gridlocked when the highway was closed.

Accidents were expected on the local roads, but this multi-car pileup was just nuts!

Moving into Witburg now, I was asked to display the traffic volume graph, so here it is!

Witburg has had its share of growing pains as well.  This BTM station is nearing 400% capacity!  I need to do something about this!

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Its off to Witburg for the next few updates.  The city has seen a lot of growth recently, and infrastructure upgrades need to be made in order for the city to prosper.

I have also picked up a code key for a closed beta copy of Cities XL.  This does not mean that updates here will stop, however they may be slower than expected. 

Anyways hope you all had a good time celebrating Father's day!  Earlier today I took my old man golfing than enjoyed some pizza and beer afterward.  Fun times.

Oh, and don't forget to download the new June 09 NAM!  It adds some new content as well as bug fixes, and should help minimize some CTD issues.

-Haljackey

[TmiguelT 10]

I think i'm gonna do a 2 part comment here as well Don't kill me for this one cause it is going to be ...... *continues on GTR 2.0*

[Haljackey 17,398]

Reply:

TmiguelT:  Hehe, thanks for the half comment!  

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Original Thread News:

Due to the slowdown of activity here, the original thread will cease to be updated sometime in the near future.  Virtually all activity has moved to GTR 2.0 in the new CJ section.

-I will probably end this thread the same way it started, with a BANG!  

Once the last update is posted in the original thread, it will become locked.  GTR 2.0 in the new CJ section will also be renamed to "The Greater Terran Region" on the date of this thread's closure.

I do not have an exact date on when this will happen yet, but it will probably happen sooner than later.

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Update time!

The next three updates will focus on the ongoing expansion of the GTR in Witburg.  Despite the plentiful amount of land available for development, city officials only zone small sections at a time, increasing demand and land values exponentially and ensuring that there's enough land for the future.  Every square inch of land is to be used at its best potential.

But it isn't just zoning that comes with a city expansion, proper infrastructure and services must be there to ensure maximum growth and sustainability.  Transport systems in and around the area have to be upgraded to meet the demands of a growing city or else conic consequences will be met.  These include overcrowded stations, congestion, traffic jams which can slow down economic potential and prosperity.

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Pictures

Click the images for full resolution! (1920x1200.)

-See my Picture Information for more info.

I will never zone unless there is enough infrastructure in place to support it.  In this image we see a new railroad station and road connections in place to compliment the dense residential zoning, which developers have already taken advantage of.

Loop ramps on city streets?  Indeed so.  They keep traffic moving without congesting the nearby intersection.

With some dense commercial construction, these light rail lines will be put to full use.

The interchange near Witburg University has been completed to help serve the ever-growing city.

...Not to mention a new interchange up the road.  This compact Parclo A-4 will also sort exiting traffic, dividing them into dedicated right and left turn off-ramps.

A ground highway in the city's south now makes it's way below ground.  This will ease local city traffic at ground level.

East of the bullet train cloverleaf, a separate line breaks off to serve a station near a large Baseball park.

As day changes to dusk, the city changes as well.

Heavy bullet train traffic on this multi-track line.

New GTR signs have arrived to serve the city's ongoing expansion.  They are currently being stored in the city's south until needed.

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Anyways, that will do it for now!  Stay tuned for part 2!

-Haljackey

[TmiguelT 10]

wow yeah i see what you mean.. there has been a slow down of visitors on this section . Well now for the THREE PART reply

Witburg looks splendid!! and where did you get that train station? when i look at it i thought it was Simgoober's Pool but then i was like... that's weird :S.

Then i look at the second and third picture and... *continue on part 2*

*Continuation from part 2*

.... Amazing.  Also where did you get the Minute Maid stadium? and it sure looks that people really love the BTM .

You might want to storage those signs some where else or at least put some fences around it .

I think that should be all for today and if you close this thread that means there won't be more 2 3 or even 4 parts reply

[Raysfan16 5]

Well, I come in here again and I'm noticing the shocking lack of comments! No wonder why this is gonna be closed soon...Page flip bug bothering you as well? I would expect!

I like those signs. Intersting how they are just being stored perfectly upright, and unguarded against vandalism....

Also, I like how there are multiple transit options by Minute Maid Park. Maybe L-trains and subways could get more people out to Rays games! What's your team name, the Witburg Wombats???

Can't wait to see more 'vertical sprawl', whether it's here or in the CJ section!

[Deathcat001 8]

I finally got a hang of the RHW and RHW multi 14 (its BIG) although only some people use it (and only the outside lanes). Well GTR 2.0 should be good!! Will there be suburbs and apartments? 

[jacqulina 162]

great stats there my friend,fantastic transport system you have done,awesome work and pics.

[Simguy228 0]

raysfan16: if you like the rays let me tell you something the red sox are better

[Patricius Maximus 236]

Glad it's going to end with a bang. I shall be looking in the new thread, as there isn't much choice, and I shall be on the lookout for the closing update for this thread.

[Craig-Abcvs 1,595]

Archived.