Mapping

From UFO:AI

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Getting started 3 Using UFORadiant 4 Advanced topics 4.1 Specific objects and structures 4.2 Radiant principles 4.3 Working with maps 4.4 Random map creation 4.5 References 5 Contributing 6 External links 7 Useful tools

Introduction

For soldiers to battle somewhere, there have to be maps. For UFO:AI such maps are created with a tool named UFORadiant. This manual will attempt to introduce and document it.

Getting started

• Installing and setting up UFORadiant
  • Mapping For Dummies - introduction & tools setup
    • MFD: Basic Definitions and Controls
    • MFD: Lesson 1 - Build a shed and a yard - Teaches the very basics.
    • MFD: Lesson 2 - Expanding the map - Teaches a multiple number of basic tools.
    • Dimensions - dimensions tutorial
    • Levelflags
      • Levelflags - step by step

Using UFORadiant

• Interface Description
• Mouse & Keyboard Controls
• Using surface inspector

Advanced topics

Once you have mastered the basics of UFORadiant, you probably will want more in-depth information on how to use it.
For that, see topics below.

Specific objects and structures

• Pipes
• Wallbreak
• Doors
• Ladders
• Lights
• Breakable objects

Radiant principles

• Entities
  • Worldspawn

Working with maps

• A checklist of common mapping questions and best practice
• Map Compiling
• Map Testing
• Map checking and automated fixing

Random map creation

• Random map parts
• Random map assembly

References

• *.map file file format
• List of maps
• Terrain types
• Materialsystem
• Mapping suggestions

Contributing

You may contribute by creating tiles for random maps or create new random assemblies. In any case, you should take a look at the current List of maps to avoid double work. New prefabs are also always welcome.

There's a list of Map Suggestions too if you're looking for ideas (or want to propose new ones).

Like other contributions to UFO AI, your maps should be released under GNU GPL (preferably v2 with "or later" clause) and should not use any proprietary material: beware of texture/images/models found on the web for your map. Only materials created from scratch or existing materials licensed under GNU GPL should be used.

External links

• Video Tutorials (german)
• German Mapping Site
• LevelMakers
• Mapping with Blender
• GtkRadiant Homepage
• GTKRadiant 1.5 Documentation
• Radiant Hotkeys (DE)

Useful tools

• TerrainGen Commandline tool to generate terrain maps
• GenSurf
• EasyGen; Tutorial - Windows-only terrain generator
• ParticleStudio