Q&A - Azgaar/Fantasy-Map-Generator GitHub Wiki

Here I want to answer the most common questions Fantasy Map Generator (FMG) users may have. Please feel free to raise a new issue in order to request additional answers.

I have issues with the Generator, what should I do?

Please try to reproduce the issue on your own. If it's reproducible, please log an issue. A lot of issues are caused by browsers, please also try to use incognito mode and/or another browser. I recommend Chrome as the fastest browser in terms of svg rendering.

The map performance is poor, how can I improve it?

The performance mainly depends on the number of visible elements and visible map area. The optimization strategies are:

  • Toggle off unnecessary layers. Be mindful of the Relief Icons layer in particular โ€“ itโ€™s the most resource-demanding one.
  • Open the Generator in a separate browser window, make it much smaller (about 900 x 560 pixels) and re-generate the map. Then, zoom in to see the map in detail. It will reduce the rending area and drastically improve the performance.
  • When generating maps, set Points number to 10K. Points (cells) number highly affects performance.
  • Toggle off map and element filters.
  • Close all irrelevant browser tabs and applications.
  • Use a leading edge browser (fresh versions on Chrome or Edge). Firefox is reported to be slower.

Who owns the maps created?

You. The Generator is licensed under MIT license and derivative works such as maps are free of charge. You can sell them or make them available for free.

My saved map is not working properly. What should I do?

If there is no version conflict, please raise a defect. If your map is obsolete, and it's clearly stated on load, you may either use an appropriate version of the Generator or re-create the map in a current version. There is no way to update it. The tool is under development and version conflicts are inevitable.

Can I export a created map?

Sure, there are a number of available options:

  • Save to machine: save file can be directly loaded to the Generator.

  • Save to Dropbox: save file can be directly loaded to the Generator.

  • Save to storage: save map data to the browser's internal database. File will be loaded automatically on page refresh. Bear in mind that saving to desktop is safer since browser storage can be accidentally cleared

  • Export .svg: save a full map as a scalable vector image. You can open the file in a browser or edit it using a vector graphics editor.

  • Export .png: save the currently displayed map fragment as a raster image. You can edit the file in any raster graphics editor.

  • Export to tiles as .zip: split map on .png chunks and save them all as a single .zip file. it allows to save giant raster images once chunks are combined.

  • Export to .json: save the map data to be used in GIS software.

How can I open a saved .gz or .map file?

Open the generator, click on Load and select the file. Or just drag and drop the file onto the Generator window.

Can I manually edit save file?

Yes, you can do it using any text editor. However, if you break the formatting the file won't be loading. The common error is that most text editors automatically split embedded svg into separate lines.

Can I use the Generator offline?

Yes, you can with some limitations. The easiest way is to install the PWA. Make sure you open the App when you have a connection so that all required files can be cached on your machine. After that PWA should work offline.

Another option is to serve the tool locally. Download the source code and unzip all files from the downloaded archive. Then you need to run a local web-server, follow the instructions.

Please note that some functions like alternative Fonts or Styles are not available offline.

Is there a desktop version?

Modern technologies allow any web-application to be turned into a desktop application that supports all features of the web app. There are 3 options supported:

  • Chrome App. A shortcut app can be created in Chrome in just three clicks without installation: Settings => More Tools => Create Shortcut....
  • PWA. Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, etc.) in Windows will prompt you with a big button 'Install'. Just click on it and confirm the installation. The installed tool will be added to your desktop and opened automatically. You can also create a shortcut (app) manually, see how to do it in Chrome.

All versions require internet connection for the first run. Once app data is loaded to the memory, it may work offline with some limitations.

Which browsers are supported?

The Generator should work in any modern browser except for Safari. The tool is developed using Chrome, so it has the best support. Firefox is reported to have worse performance. Edge 79 and later will also work. Latest Opera and Yandex Browser should work fine as well. Outdated browsers like Internet Explorer are not supported. Weird browsers like Brave may not work at all.

Can I use the Generator on mobile?

You can, but I doubt you will enjoy the experience. The Generator GUI is not suitable for mobile devices and performance is subpar. In general, I would say mobile devices are not supported.

What about non-English localization?

Localization is planned, but not ready from the coding side. Once my part with code support is done, I will inform the community to help me with actual translations. Preparation can take a lot of time as it's not a current priority.

Can I embed the map to my website?

Yes, you can and it's easy to do. Please follow the guide here.

What does Azgaar mean?

It's my nickname, it has no meaning. The name of the tool is Azgaar's Fantasy Map generator, pointing to me as creator. The short form is FMG.

You've mentioned a Medieval Dynasty simulator. What is it?

It's my meta-project. A CK2-style genealogical game focused on genetics. Generally a wedding/dynasty breeding simulator (see the screenshot). It's in pre-alpha and currently on hold, so no demo is available.

How can I help to improve the Generator?

Just use it, log defects and suggest enhancements (please use the issues page for both cases). Share the Generator link within your community! Post on FB, Twitter etc.

We need a good video-tutorial. Please contact me if you have a video-blog and want to help.

Professional help from coders / UI designers is highly appreciated.

We also accept donations on Patreon.

What is the team behind the project?

There is no team, but there is a Community. The tool is created by me, Azgaar. The community is based on our Reddit and Discord servers. Thanks for contributors, Community moderators and all our community members.

Do you accept donations?

Yes, you can support the project on Patreon. If you don't want to pay monthly, you are able to decline the donation at any moment in time. Other donation platforms are not supported.

Is there a place where I can discuss the Generator, share created maps and so on?

Yes, we have a dedicated Discord server and Reddit community. Both have a very active and supportive community.

How can I contact you directly?

Please PM me on Discord or send me an email.