Discovery Gaming Community

Hi again all

Using a combination of both 2D and 3D design tools, I have been
able to create 2 star maps that might be useable in a mod that seeks
to expand on vanilla, rather than radically changing it.

Star Map Example 1
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mplayer/freel..._compressed.jpg
Star Map Example 2
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mplayer/freel..._compressed.jpg

For best viewing, consider setting them temporarily as your Desktop
Wallpaper and remember to set the position to "Center"

They are very simple to make, but can take upto and beyond 20 minutes
to render/process. Additionally, the ones you can see here are actually
compressed and stripped of quality so you dont have to wait on them loading!

For fully uncompressed versions, please download here
Star Map Example 1 No Compression
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mplayer/fre...kymap1.rar
Star Map Example 2 No Compression
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mplayer/fre...kymap2.zip

I could arguably create 1000's of these but I dont know how hard it would be
to mod them into the game, thats for the rest of you to ponder over.

I would also like to look at new cityscapes etc.

May I ask, how do you create these?

I used an excellent program called Daz Bryce. It is normally used for landscapes but can also be used for space. Basically, if you look at the images from a designers perspective, what you are really seeing is a number of 3D Spheres with textures placed on them. This is whats giving the scene its depth, its not 2D. The scene is rendered at very high quality then brought into Photoshop where the stars are created using built in filters and then layered onto the image

Its hard to describe it without writing an essay, but Bryce lets you do this stuff in 10 clicks of a mouse, its a great tool.

can you see it? the drool I mean....*drool*

Thanks

I am going to try making an even better one, but it will require more processing time and even more work in Photoshop, i'll try having it posted before I go to bed

Here is my third map, this one took 50mins to process

View Map
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mplayer/freel..._compressed.jpg

I cant provide the uncompressed files right now as there is
something wrong with my webspace. Anyways, if these maps
managed to inspire anyone, then thats an achievement alone:)

*curses his firewall for blocking that bloody folder*

:'( I can't see them. Someone DL and Xfire/Email/Skype to me?

A little too much color to use within range of most of current Sirius, as there are mostly only 4 nebuli colors....Now for the Gallia house.. just might work...

The stars could use a bit more contrast, they are barely visible and very plain right now. And, you could try and make it one coloured in the themes of nebulas across sirius. That's my only beefs, other than that good job.

nice pictures...
however, does anyone know how to edit starmaps?