This is just a query to see if there is interest in writing an open source Tradewars Graphical Mapping Tool. Open source would greatly benefit the tradewars community since it would be free and be able to access the large group of untapped talent that comprises tradewars players.

The major problems with Add-Ons is that they never get real time data. You always need to export the data and import it. The solution is TWXSync.

Here are my thoughts:

VC++ using OPENGL (or some other grahical API)
TWXSync will get realtime data from the sync server. So even though you are not playing... your map is being updated by your teammates in realtime.
Icons representing your teammates/stuff on the map since their movements get updated in realtime.
Ability to zoom in on a sector and out to see the entire universe
Ability to flag sectors and type comments on specific sectors. This data is sent in realtime to other teams by extending the XML format for this tool
This mapping tool allows you to "show off" your sector set up to others for comments and suggestions.
open source


Is there any interest in this. We can start it up on http://sourceforge.net/ and get it rolling. I would supply the code needed to connect to the TWXSync Server. I have also worked with OPENGL before. Again we can use a different graphical API.
earth.

OMG that would be amazing to see if its what i think it is. A visual map would be very nice.

I agree, if it is what I think it is too! This would be really nice to see.

Vulcan

I'd be willing to help in my spare time, unfortunetly, that is extremely limited these days, between work and school (and of course playing TW).

Jhereg

I have had a few responses via email. Is anyone volunteering to head this up?
earth.

Earth where have you been the last 3 years [:D]

Most of what you list is already available for all SWATH users via the built in Visual Map. So, if someone wants it today, simply visit http://www.swath.net and download SWATH. With the next version, users will see updates in real-time as well.

A map is already in ATTAC as well that updates in real-time. However, i am talking about a seperate GUI piece that just does specialized mapping and is better than what is in either helper.
earth.

That sounds like a fantastic idea for those who don't use either swath or attac. Unfortunately i would be of know help, but exicted none the less
Zozo

Yes, but you suggest that people should create an advanced 3D GUI, open source (for free), and build it around your TWXSync server which is a commercial product. Then it can't be used without buying a server [;)]

If a project like this should be created, it should involve making an open source TWXSync server as well. The TWX v2 XML format and the TWXSync extention is free to use by anyone.

I still like your server and encourage people to buy it [:P]

I was coming in to this forum to post a question about just such a thing. Haven't used ATTAC, I use SWATH at the moment, and I was interested in finding out if anyone knew of an graphics program or imaging program that would do this. Let you get a picture of the whole universe or zoom in to get a look at one specific sector or group of sectors. I agree with Stein that any mapping program made open source should stand alone, not be tied to another application that costs money to use. I have heard good things about the TWXsynch product, but I also feel that standalone Open Source would be better in this instance. Keep it all free.

P.S. But I don't disagree with the idea of making it so that it could work in conjunction WITH the TWXsynch program if a corp uses that and wants to do so, that would be a really good added feature.

After additional thought on the matter, I have kind of changed my opinion on the open source Mapping Tool Add-On. The data is going to need to come from somewhere, so Earth actually has a good idea about coding it so that it can work with his TWXSynch Server. This would be helpful for the corps using this synch server. I do like his idea of making it open source, and in that spirit if a group decided to go forward with it I think it would be nice to set it up so that it can be easily interfaced with by other helpers and their databases. This way, the players that want to use it individually with their helper can do so, but the support is there for earth's TWXSynch server with this program and the realtime update features that this would give any corp using his synch server.

I am glad you changed your mind. A corp needs to consolidate their data somewhere or each player is really playing seperately even though they are linked as a "corp."

I have been working very hard on v1.0.2 of the TWXSync server. I have been working in conjunction with Stein who is helping tremendously to make the next version compatible with SWATH and a excellent and stable piece of software.

I am also awaiting anyone from the TWXProxy group that wishes to conform to the TWXSync server spec. It is really easy to do so.

With regards to the mapper, while the user response was excellect, the response from developers was not strong enough to post the source code. If i have a strong response from 3-4 willing and active developers, i would post it. I am at a point in the code were sectors are showing in 3d and would be happy for anyone to help out.
earth.

quote:Originally posted by earth

I am glad you changed your mind. A corp needs to consolidate their data somewhere or each player is really playing seperately even though they are linked as a "corp."

I have been working very hard on v1.0.2 of the TWXSync server. I have been working in conjunction with Stein who is helping tremendously to make the next version compatible with SWATH and a excellent and stable piece of software.

I am also awaiting anyone from the TWXProxy group that wishes to conform to the TWXSync server spec. It is really easy to do so.

With regards to the mapper, while the user response was excellect, the response from developers was not strong enough to post the source code. If i have a strong response from 3-4 willing and active developers, i would post it. I am at a point in the code were sectors are showing in 3d and would be happy for anyone to help out.
earth.


Since you have previously stated that TWXSync uses the TWX v2 file specs, to communicate between the TWXSync server and the helper. This requires that TWXProxy be updated to handle TWX v2 file specs. Which it needs to done any ways.

My version of TWXProxy will become TWXSync conforment. At the moment I have all the code that will write to, and read from, the actuall TWX v2 export file. I just have to implement the code that will perform the reading, and saving, of actual game information to/from the database.

Based on the information provided in the TWXSync XML format document, and the general TWXSync information page. That once the TWX v2 file specs have been implemented, it should not take to long to conform TWX for use with TWXSync.