Mapping Observations

[TuCoT]

I just want to observe some map files in main_rome folder and I wonder what this file for? Is this a map_regions like regions map from RTW/M2TW engine? Because in data pack files, there is a table which all regions listed and they have a RGB color value and uses this main_rome_lookup colors.

I know we don't have campaign map tools yet (and maybe we're too far from it) but I think until the tools release, we can observe and trying to solve how region/province system works in RII. Also I'll share my further observations in this thread. I really want to create my own map for this game badly.

[TuCoT]

I'm trying to figure out how campaign map system works in RII lately and according to my observations, I think each individual map folder (let's say: main_rome_map) in campaign_maps directory only includes; regions main data (map_data.esf), color map for regions (as I mentioned in previous post), mini map files, dynamic resources, pathfinding data, trade routes and a winter mask file. Still I don't know what hlp_data.esf file for?

Now real campaign map files are in terrain2_rome2 pack file and under "campaigns/main_rome_map" directory. Careful, these are large sized files; especially graphic files. Now in this folder, there is another folder named "normals". Instead of telling, I'll show you what they are:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

And here I opened first 5 of these normal maps:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

You see? There is a pattern in these files. And I put first 96 normal map files together one by one and here's the result:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The northernmost part of the map.

I think the new height map system is very very different from previous TW titles.

(note that each of these normal files includes an alpha channel)