MapSpec

Map Specification

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This page defines how the game map is defined.

Motivation

In an open source project it is not necessary to hide the data formats used. The easiest way to store arbitrary data in a structure form is in an XML file. The map file should store information on the location of each city, its name and what it can produce at what efficiency. Since there are many popular custom maps out there from the original game, it is imperative that these map can be imported/converted.

The import feature of existing maps may be its separate application.

It is desirable to also be able to define custom geography and/or computer generated geography.

File format

The file format is an XML file. If the file becomes large it may be compressed. The header of the file contains an integeral version number. Maps may not be backward compatible. The XML file is defined by an XML Schema definition.

Features V1

List of all the cities. Each city defines:

• Name of the city
• Hansa city, ....
• List of wares that are produced efficient
• List of wares that are produced inefficient

Features V2

For each city the coordinates on the used map are defined.

Features V3

Definition of a custom geography.

kef

The *.kef is the file format the map is stored in the map editor of the original game.

gmf

the *.gmf is the file format the map is stored after exporting it from the map editor. This format is used in the Patrician III game.