Map/GPS Overhaul

[Dark Link 22]

Basically, this is my opinion on how maps and GPSes should function in DayZ. After reading the 1.7.4.5 changelog and learning that helicopter crashes are going to marked on the map, I became rather concerned, as this upcoming feature (if I'm understanding it correctly) will be completely unrealistic. Normally I don't mind a lack of realism in games, but I like DayZ because of its firm commitment to realism.

Firstly, if this suggestion were to be taken, I would want maps to become much more common and for GPSes to be added to the civilian-level loot list, albeit still fairly rare. GPSes could also be made a bit more common in military loot.

I believe that maps should only include things that it is logical for maps to include. This means that it only includes static, non-moving things such as towns, military bases, natural features, and the like. It should not include players (including the owner of the map), zombies, helicopter crashes, other vehicles, or map markers made by other players. It simply is not realistic for a map, especially a map almost definitely created pre-zombie-apocalypse, to have these things not only marked, but have the markers magically move.

GPSes should be changed to essentially be upgraded maps rather than a map add-on. They could have some features that would be silly to be included on a standard paper map. The GPS could include the owner of the GPS, map markers made by other people (although, perhaps the manual placement of a "GPS beacon" item or something would be required), and possibly even helicopter crash sites.

Any and all feedback/constructive critizism is welcome. Sorry if I rambled a bit or was unclear, I am quite tired.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Dark Link

[patriots20068@yahoo.com 100]

I agree. Maps/GPS should be separate. With a map, it should just be a map. No markers from players, no markers of heli crashes, etc. However, a GPS would show the heli crashes and man made markers, and each GPS would be special to the individual. So if I killed player A, and picked his GPS up, I could see his personal map markers. On the flip side, nobody would be able to see my markers because they don't have my GPS. I really hate not being able to set markers because other players can see them. I could stop writing down my cords then. -_-

[kaiga12 22]

This type of GPS should be the more commonly found one. Military GPS units like the ones in the mod now should be as rare as AS50s and stachel charges.

[m.w. vindicator 880]

I agree. Maps should be unique. If I write something on my map, no one else should be able to see it unless they take the map for themselves. When a player is killed his map should be a valuable piece of intel.

Also about writing downs cords, I would prefer to be able to do it ingame. Offcourse I would make a code though so incase some one killed my they couldn't find my stuff.

[Very Ape 748]

It'd be nice if there were several kinds of GPS' to be found, each with their own different little quirks.

As for maps, players should be able to mark their own maps with markers, that can only be seen by them, but can be picked up by other players upon their death, or shown to friends quickly and easily with a scroll-down function.[/runonsentence]

Edited January 3, 2013 by Very Ape

[burritoman259 593]

I would make treasure maps if they showed writing or traps depending on whether i feel like being a bit devious,

[GeneticFreak 23]

GPS enabled car with "turn left" "turn right" audio cue feature? :D

[aksuduud 64]

It is an engine limitation at the moment i believe, afterall ARMA II wasnt exactly meant to be a game of free for all.

[plrsniper 87]

And once again, ACE has a lot of good features including the map tools that allow you to draw lines and stuff on your map. That doesn't show up for other players but they can make a copy of your map if close enough and they too have the map tools.

[burritoman259 593]

GPS enabled car with "turn left" "turn right" audio cue feature? :D

We need either glados for the working gps and wheatly for a broken one.

[MarcDaKind 37]

What are crash sites going to show up on the map? Who the hell added that to the next community update, he needs to get kicked from the team ASAP!!!!! This is simply madness, one of the fun things about DayZ is driving around scouting for crash sites!

[al3x.c@hotmail.com 0]

I agree. Maps/GPS should be separate. With a map, it should just be a map. No markers from players, no markers of heli crashes, etc. However, a GPS would show the heli crashes and man made markers, and each GPS would be special to the individual. So if I killed player A, and picked his GPS up, I could see his personal map markers. On the flip side, nobody would be able to see my markers because they don't have my GPS. I really hate not being able to set markers because other players can see them. I could stop writing down my cords then. -_-

Yeah personal map markers would be awesome .

[wolfstriked 143]

I hope this is not the slow decline to MMO style game.IMO,keep it as realistic as possible.I see the reason for this as a way to push PVP.People will get a message onscreen saying heli has crashed....look at GPS and it shows where and now you half of the players will head to that spot to battle it out for the FNfal.

[Dark Link 22]

I hope this is not the slow decline to MMO style game.IMO,keep it as realistic as possible.I see the reason for this as a way to push PVP.People will get a message onscreen saying heli has crashed....look at GPS and it shows where and now you half of the players will head to that spot to battle it out for the FNfal.

Yes, I agree. While DayZ will never be a virtual reality, I really think that all unjustifiable "magical" elements should be removed. No magic maps, no magically appearing player skins, etc.

It is an engine limitation at the moment i believe, afterall ARMA II wasnt exactly meant to be a game of free for all.

If that's the case (I'm not certain it is), then hopefully they will rework these features in the standalone.

[deejay2900 28]

GPS enabled car with "turn left" "turn right" audio cue feature? :D

Turn left at volcano

and then make a U-turn.