When are you going to fix the blotchy maps?? Put some focus on commercial version like PE version?

[apoll]

Ok, I see a lot of attention from devs on the PE version with new features and performance and graphics; latest press release for example. BUT I do not see the same level of attention on the commercial product. It is not cheap, the commercial version, and I have to say the maps when zoomed to even a moderate level look blotchy and frankly awful (Yes I know: recent problem with high definition map provider resulted in removal). Real immersion killer, despite the obviously sterling effort on the actual gameplay (although lack of multiplayer is conspicuous by absence). I bought recently and was surprised just how poor it was. Don't get me wrong: it's a very good simulation but ya gotta do something about those maps for pity sake.

My question is when are the devs going to fix those awful maps and put some concomitant attention in the commercial version?

TJ

[rvseydlitz]

You mention that you got it recently. You may not have noticed the fact then, that we do get a lot of updates. Including some major ones, recently.

The maps do annoy me as well but that issue arose suddenly just some weeks ago and surprised the devs as well. I am expecting that a lot of effort already is going into replacing the map layers they had to suddenly remove.
We get updates so quickly that some have recently complained how often it is updated lol. Just watch and I'm sure the map issue will soon be addressed.
Welcome to the game by the way!

[Dimitris]

apoll <

For topography, have you tried the OpenTopoMap layer? It offers the same high level of detail as the Stamen layers we were forced to retire, and improved loading performance as well.

For satellite imagery, we are using the Sentinel-2 Cloudless layer, which AFAIK is the highest-resolution available global-scale dataset that comes at an affordable price. It's not as detailed as Google Maps or the other "free" (ha) providers we're spoiled on, but it's good enough for the majority of our use cases. That said, if you are aware of another comparable but even better option on the market (for which we don't have to give our firstborn, naturally), please do let us know.

Thanks.

[Kushan04]

Ok, I see a lot of attention from devs on the PE version with new features and performance and graphics; latest press release for example. BUT I do not see the same level of attention on the commercial product. It is not cheap, the commercial version, and I have to say the maps when zoomed to even a moderate level look blotchy and frankly awful (Yes I know: recent problem with high definition map provider resulted in removal). Real immersion killer, despite the obviously sterling effort on the actual gameplay (although lack of multiplayer is conspicuous by absence). I bought recently and was surprised just how poor it was. Don't get me wrong: it's a very good simulation but ya gotta do something about those maps for pity sake.

My question is when are the devs going to fix those awful maps and put some concomitant attention in the commercial version?

TJ

If you'd done even a little bit of research you'd know that commercial got all the features and DX-11 update months ago, and they where in testing long before that, well before PE.

Before that, Commercial got the "Tiny" update, including the strike planner before PE.

How exactly is that not giving attention to the commercial version?

[thewood1]

He's just ranting. Everyone has their obsessions.

[Quark73]

Ok, I see a lot of attention from devs on the PE version with new features and performance and graphics; latest press release for example. BUT I do not see the same level of attention on the commercial product.
...
and I have to say the maps when zoomed to even a moderate level look blotchy and frankly awful (Yes I know: recent problem with high definition map provider resulted in removal).
...
My question is when are the devs going to fix those awful maps and put some concomitant attention in the commercial version?
...

If you'd done even a little bit of research you'd know that commercial got all the features and DX-11 update months ago, and they where in testing long before that, well before PE.

Before that, Commercial got the "Tiny" update, including the strike planner before PE.

How exactly is that not giving attention to the commercial version?

As you said, many features are introduced and tested in CMO commercial first, like the openTopo layer, 64 bit and DirectX support. I would guess CMO and CPE maps have the same resolution, CPE has only a better terrain data resolution 90m instead of 900m wich is quite cool, but also a huge chunk of data.

[apoll]

Hi CMO fans. Hey, no rant; serious question from a relatively new player. Not trying to be provocative. Taking a point from Kushan, I can see from patch history there has been a lot of new stuff; perhaps I could have phrased that better. Can see that commercial version has been given quite a bit of attention. Also appreciate the realism and sheer depth of the game; i very much like that.

But I do not reconcile from point about blotchy maps; while i appreciate the recent changes which meant the loss of some layers that were originally included, i still find it a complete immersion killer to zoom in to the blotchy resolution. I find this inconsistent with the relatively high end cost of buying it: over A$100. I did try to follow instructions the developers suggested but it does not seem to change the blotchiness, so maybe i’m doin* something wrong. But i kinda guess if i’m spending that amount on a game, i expect good resolution. (And no, i do not have a solution; just to get that straight, i’m the paying customer, not the developer.)

But i guess I’m not telling anyone anything they don’t already know well. So I’ll shut up lest i attract more ire from fans and hope the devs can at some point source an acceptably priced high resolution zoomed in map.

[ultradave]

Just keep in mind that the issue with the Stamen maps is relatively recent and they've stated they are looking at options. As for the rest, there is no game/simulation software out there that has received the number of updates that CMO has, all for free. And if your pet platform is not in the DB, provide some open source information and a request and it will get added to the queue to be put in.

I wouldn't get hung up over the PE versus commercial aspect. PE games are being funded by "professionals" Some of the things added can't be ported over to the commercial versions (not just CMO but others I'm thinking of too). The commercial version has features and content enough for a lifetime for me. Make sure to download the Community Scenario Pack, or subscribe to it and Steam Workshop if you got it on Steam. Hundreds and hundreds more scenarios. And the DLCs are quite reasonably priced too.

So have fun. The developers here are among the most responsive I've ever experienced (and I've been around a looooong time). Not playing fan-boy - just giving you my honest impression. Oh, and the community in the forum is also quite knowledgeable and helpful too. A lot of folks with real life experience that will explain as much as they are allowed to, which can help a lot.

Dave

[apoll]

Ok. Thanks Dave. I will and yea, i did notice to my surprise the developer himself responded pretty quickly to my initial post. I guess you’re spot on there. Sure, understand you’re trying to help and i appreciate it. Honestly, i find it all a bit overwhelming, maps aside, so will be keen to search Youtube and other places for tutorials. I guess that’s the depth of the simulation. Thanks again.

[ultradave]

Start with the tutorials included. They have pop up windows that will guide you through the mission and teach you what you need to know for each. All are valuable, and be sure to do them in order. Save the mission planner ones for last. The strike tutorials are particularly useful once you've got the basics down.

First Contact scenarios are a good starting point to be let loose on your own. There are several covering different years, so equipment and sensors change, making each somewhat different, but you have a reasonable number of units.

Battle of Latakia is another one - similar but in the Med.

Also, those have only ships.

Quick battles with opposing air flights are fun, and also manageable and a really good way to pit different platforms against each other to see how they fare.

For YouTube, search for Phil Gatcomb. He has a whole slew of fairly short videos explaining different features. They are very helpful.

Good luck, and don't be shy coming back with questions. Most here are very helpful, especially if you come with the form of "I read the manual, and I tried a and b and didn't get the results I expected, so what am I missing" Believe me, I've had lots of Ooops, I knew that (or should have), moments. There is a lot to digest.

Dave