Random map generation

[ariock]

Hi guys,
Does any of you have an good idea for random map generation algorithm?

I've looked on the web and found quite a bunch of articles, but none of
them fit to my current requirements:
I need to generate map that
- always is an island (multiples islands are ok or maybe better)
- always has some mountains. (compare to some flap portions of the island)
- the 60 to 90% of island should be "flat". By flat I mean that the
elevation should be very small: if the total map height is 100, then
most of the island height should be between 0 and 20 (water being at
-10) and there should be quite large parts of these that stays at the
same elevation.
- the mountain (higher than 20) part of the map should also have some
flat portions (nothing real big needed).
- 30 to 40% of the mountain should have it's elevation bellow 40

That for the landmass.
Best is if the algorithm can also generate some rivers, but I could
probably find a way to add them later on...

Any help will be appreciated.

[Raymond Martineau]

On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 17:14:31 +0200, ariock <ari...@bluebottle.com>
wrote:

>Hi guys,
>Does any of you have an good idea for random map generation algorithm?
>
>I've looked on the web and found quite a bunch of articles, but none of
>them fit to my current requirements:
>I need to generate map that
>- always is an island (multiples islands are ok or maybe better)
>- always has some mountains. (compare to some flap portions of the island)
>- the 60 to 90% of island should be "flat". By flat I mean that the
>elevation should be very small: if the total map height is 100, then
>most of the island height should be between 0 and 20 (water being at
>-10) and there should be quite large parts of these that stays at the
>same elevation.
>- the mountain (higher than 20) part of the map should also have some
>flat portions (nothing real big needed).
>- 30 to 40% of the mountain should have it's elevation bellow 40
>
>That for the landmass.

You could try writing a plasma cloud generator, which can be
reconfigured to generate an island rather than a generic "terrain". It
won't match exactly what you look for, but that can be changed.
http://spanky.triumf.ca/www/fractint/plasma_type.html

Offhand, you may find it difficult to search for one online - the
requirements you provide seem rather detailed. However, you could
take a look at similar map generators - such as one found in Stranded
II.
http://www.unrealsoftware.de/game_stranded2.php

[AngleWyrm]

"ariock" <ari...@bluebottle.com> wrote in message
news:46f682d6$0$14246$ba62...@news.skynet.be...

> Hi guys,
> Does any of you have an good idea for random map generation algorithm?

Study some of the pictures of Jupiter/Mars produced by NASA :)

Something I first noticed in a concept art drawing for Galactic
Civilizations was 'Level of Detail'. The artist's rendering of a space ship
had at least four overlays of increasing detail. First there was the basic
shape of the ship. Then there was a block two-tone color pattern on the
ship. Then there was trim and bumpy details added to the block pattern. Then
there was shine/dust/rust. It was a beautiful rendering, quite
inspirational.