8x zoom-out cleaner/iconic graphics

[mikeel]

hi to all
playing the latest nightlies i found the 8x zoom out really useful (especially combined with large maps) but i think that the graphics is terrible and often is difficult to tell apart slopes, trains tracks and vehicles.

I propose to create a more clean and iconic graphics only for this zoom level.

in this way is possible to associate different forms to vehicles types (for ex. a circle for road vehicles, a triangle for planes etc.).
another useful thing could be draw the industries with the same color of the minimap (so coal mine=black, electric central=red, etc.).

i attach an example of what i mean, i have a terrible english and maybe images are more understandable.

at this point i want ask 1) if this would be intresting and 2) if is possible create a grf that substituite all the graphics only in this zoom level, leaving classic graphics for the 1x, 2x and 4x zoomout.

[Ben_K]

Mikeel,
I like your idea and Im sure many people have thought the same. It may have been better put in the 'Suggestions' area but I see why you put it here I hope you can get somewhere useful with your idea!

[Rubidium]

There is not even a free version of all the sprites in either 8bpp or 32 bpp. That gives me the idea that the chance of this idea getting into reality is even smaller (several magnitudes) than getting a free 8bpp (or 32bpp) package of sprites.

[Zephyris]

Although the amount of work required to create the graphics would also be far smaller....

[Ben_K]

I dont quite get what you mean Rubidium?! If one of us draws graohics that are useable and donate them to OTTD, does that mean it can be incorporated into the 8x zoom function?

[Rubidium]

What I said is that you need a clean version of a lot of sprites. Only doing half is (IMO) not a solution. Whether they will actually be included is something completely different.

Furthermore, how do you expect them to work with NewGRFs that replace graphics?

[Ben_K]

What I said is that you need a clean version of a lot of sprites.

Well, that wasn't what you said, more what you tried to imply but anyway...
I was thinking along the 'icon' lines in that when its zoomed to 8x view, you could replace the sprites with simpler ones that are clearer at the 8x zoom level. You wouldnt need that many and they could be a lot more basic, similar to the map (Maybe halfway between the map and standard zoom levels).

Furthermore, how do you expect them to work with NewGRFs that replace graphics?

Now, I know nothing about coding in general, nor OTTD coding, so this is just simplified thoughts... Can you not add a seperate GRF layer that would only replace sprites at certain zoom levels (ie the 8x zoom)? That way people can turn it off (Maybe a patch option) and even replace certain icons if they want them changed.

Admittedly the map can do these kind of functions but its just a thought on Mikeels original idea.

[mikeel]

well my idea was making the 8x zoom a middle level between the ingame map and the minimap: the advantages is that you have more information in comparison to the minimap (you'll get at the same time informations about heights, tracks types, players vehicles); you have the ability to act on the map (bulldozing and buliding) and the possibility to have a global vision.

to rubidium: i really don't know the number of sprites used in ottd (a lot, of course) but in this project lots of sprites will be the same. i think is a work of a pair of month.

Now, I know nothing about coding in general, nor OTTD coding, so this is just simplified thoughts... Can you not add a seperate GRF layer that would only replace sprites at certain zoom levels (ie the 8x zoom)? That way people can turn it off (Maybe a patch option) and even replace certain icons if they want them changed.

this is exactly what i thought. so the question is: does this is possible?
maybe using pngs.

i hope yes, but i have no idea of how do that.
any suggestion is welcome