Cheap Random "World Map"

[rje]

Is it FEASIBLE to draw a full or partial "world disc" with a low-res map projected onto it?

I suppose there are several ways to render a low-res map.

My preference is to use color PETSCII to fill in a quarter- to half-"circle" on the lower edge of the screen.

But, maybe you know a better way?

 

 

** I could just stick with a "recangular" map, for that matter.  This discussion, though, is about showing a world disc.  Example: 

Edited October 1, 2020 by rje

[rje]

Here's a little more info.

I can generate low-res maps on the X16 using a short BASIC program, and upwards of 1 minute each.  They're interesting enough to consider.  Example attached.

 

 

[Starsickle]

"There's no such thing as a perfect map."

Once you can accept this, you gain some power over how you can present it. Take a look at Dwarf Fortress - it provides 3 key map views when selecting where to embark: The first is the large world map, which compresses down to a smaller map, which represents a local map, which then represents the actual map in game when you travel.

I'd say stick with the rectangular map, but structure the system to be able to take a given character and a string seed and somehow precess that into a map. Since it's procedural, the same input produces the same output.

Character + SeedString = the same map every time representing the same key type.

This requires oodles of work, but this is how you avoid storing enormous amounts of information.

Edited October 2, 2020 by Starsickle

[rje]

Thanks for that, Star.  Especially

Quote

"There's no such thing as a perfect map."

Yes, this info is not worth storing!  In this case it's worth a (short) wait time to render. 

And I've squeezed it down to half its original speed by tossing unnecessary extra steps.  If I can shoehorn two lines of my BASIC into assembly I might speed it up by half again.

 

[Starsickle]

Let's say you want ALL OF IT but still want the circle. AND let's say you want to simulate the world turning in the view:

Place a circular mask over the planet's displayed map. Now rotate the displayed 2x2 array by shifting along x every whatever frames