Small scale but high detail maps for low level operations

[markturner1960]

Is it possible using the current terrain engine tech in DCS to make much smaller maps, but with much higher detail terrain mesh and better quality textures? For many who fly Helos or enjoy shorter missions with flights of 100 miles or less, it would be good if ED or 3rd devs could offer this option alongside the larger maps. Just a thought..

[bies]

Marianas map is very small, just a few small islands, but highly detailed, on a verge of acceptable performance.

It's a good idea to have similar map, smaller, but with higher details for helicopters, ground forces, CAS, with more detailed terrain mesh.

Edited July 23, 2024 by bies

[markturner1960]

So what constitutes the “detail” on Mariannas? All the buildings? I ask, as the rest of the terrain is not really any different from anything I see in Syria etc. And areas such as Beiruit in Syria are easily as detailed. I would like to understand more about exactly how the DCS terrain engine works. 

[Lace]

I suggested 'Helicopter maps' a long time ago.  Much smaller dimensions and a focus on low altitude details and a very granular terrain mesh designed specifically for helicopter operations.

Mogadishu, Konna, Falkland Islands (without half of South America), Grenada, Panama Canal, etc.

Some interesting operations which took place within a very small geographical area.

[Branli]

I agree it would be nice to have better terrain. I also dont like the jagged edges and weird deformation of the terrain mesh. And i think it would be a nice experiment to see if this can also give a boost to ground warfare. The details of the cities in Afghanistan are much better then in te past, but the terrain still an immersion killer on low / ground level.

Edited July 14, 2024 by Branli

[rob10]

I have nothing against smaller, more detailed maps specifically aimed at helo's.  But I wouldn't hold your breath since they'll take at least as much effort (maybe more) as a full map and have a smaller (likely much smaller) potential market.  So the economics are against it.  Yes, they could charge more for it, but then the market shrinks even more (I can already read the outraged posts that ED would dare charge MORE for a SMALLER area).

[markturner1960]

Yeah its a shame when money drives everything rather than passion 

Look at what BMS have done with Falcon over the years and all for the love of the sim.......makes you wonder what DCS COULD be if it went open source

[Gunfreak]

14 hours ago, Lace said:

I suggested 'Helicopter maps' a long time ago.  Much smaller dimensions and a focus on low altitude details and a very granular terrain mesh designed specifically for helicopter operations.

Mogadishu, Konna, Falkland Islands (without half of South America), Grenada, Panama Canal, etc.

Some interesting operations which took place within a very small geographical area.

I like the concept but untill recently the quality of ground/helicopter combat and graphics hasn't really made that useful.

No point in having super high detail terrain when you only have 3 choices of infantry. Us/Russian/insurgents and some off those models looks like their from the original red alert game. And their animations might be worse than red alert.

But with new infantry models with much better animations. These kinda things can be possible.

But we will need lots of assists both ground and air. 

Can't really do Mogadishu without Blackhawks and little birds. Or without somali fighters. You are basically adding a whole new type of gameplay to DCS, instead of sandbox random stuff thrown together. You need complete packs. Kinda like those other flight games. The pack includes map, and a handful of assets to make a proper operation. Some of the assets already in DCS can of course be used and those assets added in those packs. Will populate main DCS(falklands war British infantry would be perfect for any cold war British war or what if war. )

[Lace]

9 hours ago, Gunfreak said:

I like the concept but untill recently the quality of ground/helicopter combat and graphics hasn't really made that useful.

No point in having super high detail terrain when you only have 3 choices of infantry. Us/Russian/insurgents and some off those models looks like their from the original red alert game. And their animations might be worse than red alert.

But with new infantry models with much better animations. These kinda things can be possible.

But we will need lots of assists both ground and air. 

Can't really do Mogadishu without Blackhawks and little birds. Or without somali fighters. You are basically adding a whole new type of gameplay to DCS, instead of sandbox random stuff thrown together. You need complete packs. Kinda like those other flight games. The pack includes map, and a handful of assets to make a proper operation. Some of the assets already in DCS can of course be used and those assets added in those packs. Will populate main DCS(falklands war British infantry would be perfect for any cold war British war or what if war. )

Asset packs are a whole new ball game, and I agree wholeheartedly.  I wish there was a little more coherence and joined-up thinking in what ED release and develop in terms of maps and AI units.

[markturner1960]

Well its a bit of huge gaping hole really, I mean DCS and ED are majoring the helo side - its really the ONLY helo combat sim there is. I think if you are offering at least 8 high fidelity helo modules ( and DCS effectively started as Black Shark, lets not forget...) then really, you should be offering the sandbox environment in which to operate them realistically......? Instead we are having to operate helicopters in what is primarily a sandbox designed for fast jet combat.......just sayin......

[Gierasimov]

On 7/13/2024 at 8:36 AM, markturner1960 said:

Is it possible using the current terrain engine tech in DCS to make much smaller maps, but with much higher detail terrain mesh and better quality textures? For many who fly Helos or enjoy shorter missions with flights of 100 miles or less, it would be good if ED or 3rd devs could offer this option alongside the larger maps. Just a thought..

Recently a friend mentioned Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down theme) map and I said it would be too small, but now thinking it could be just the right scale for the purpose mentioned here. Proposing a map with small area but very detailed and topographic in nature, seems like a new quality in DCS terrain development.