Editing Custom maps

{{FoCW Header|Custom Maps|The Maps of Eternal Lands}}

== General notes ==
* "Map" refers here to the image that is displayed on the "Tab-Map" and the "Mini-Map" and ''not'' to the file that holds the information about landscape, trees, houses etc. those latter files have the ending ".elm". '''Under no circumstances mess around with the elm-files!'''
* We'll call those images also "map-dds" as they come in (Direct Draw Surface)-format.


== Disclaimer ==
* Use of the custom maps is at your '''own''' risk.
* Any and all problems that result are '''not''' to be taken to the Eternal Lands staff.
* Any such attempt at reporting problems based on the use of the custom maps listed below, causing Eternal Lands staff to waste their time, will be ignored and could result in suspension of game play.


== Available custom maps ==

=== 1.9.5 Client Maps ===

* [https://maps.el-db.com Burned Maps] (Version 1.9.5-02 released July 12, 2018)

=== 1.9.3 Client Maps ===

These maps will still work, but do not include any new locations added in client releases since then.

* [http://maps.el-pl.org/index.php?go=mappack Bloodsucker's maps] (Last update: July 2011 - now abandoned)
** Use updated Bloodsucker maps from [http://www.gm.fh-koeln.de/~linke/EL-Services.html Sir Odie's EL-Services] instead. (Last update: June 2013)

* [http://www.openttdcoop.org/files/pm/private/el Elke's selected map updates] (Last update: April 2013)

* [http://www.el-cel.com/info/files.php Olivine's Maps - available in high and low resolutions] (Last Update: July 22, 2013 - see http://www.eternal-lands.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=58579 for more information)
** [https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BxXRh4b-eRf-VGt4R1V1YUo4dEk&usp=sharing View Maps in High Resolution (4 Mega Pixel) on Google Drive or download as JPG-File]
** Viewing a map in full size (Zoom) takes a few seconds to load.

* [http://hatwood.net/stoneVines/art.php Hatwood's maps] under construction with very fine artwork, a excellent resource if you are looking for a specific spawn location, mostly for Haidir Quests but also some creature spawns useful for training or gathering drops.

== Installation ==

=== Windows ===
* The method described below does not over-write the existing map files
* You should be able to install the dds-maps while the game is running, ''this was not tested on windows, if in doubt, log out''.
'''* Replace "1_9_5" with the current client version below.'''

# Open the Map-Pack-Zipfile you've downloaded with the appropriate application (double clicking should be enough).
# Choose to extract all files to "My Documents\Eternal Lands\updates\1_9_5\maps\"
#* If any folder in that path doesn't exist, create it and subsequent folders (when you pick the target directory for extraction you should see a "create new folder" icon in the dialog window).
#* Make sure to not create subfolders of "maps" by extraction, the map-dds files should be in "maps"
* If you want to get rid of a certain or all custom maps at a later date, simply delete the corresponding dds files (nothing else should be in that folder) from "My Documents\Eternal Lands\updates\1_9_5\maps\". Deleting custom maps will cause the game to display the original game art again (if there was a tab map in the first place) if you followed the above instructions.

=== Linux ===
* The method described below does not over-write the existing map files
* Installing the dds-maps can be done while the game is running.
* We assume the map-pack you have downloaded is called ''MapPack.zip'', replace the name where applicable. For some reason most map packs come as zip-files, use the appropriate man pages to find the correct commands or use GUI tools, such as [http://utils.kde.org/projects/ark/ Ark] in other cases.
* We assume, you've downloaded the map pack to your desktop.
* '''One:''' Open a terminal application (Terminal, Konsole, xterm, etc.)
* '''Two:''' To extract the dds-files run
 mkdir -p ~/.elc/updates/1_9_5/maps/
 unzip -j ~/Desktop/MapPack.zip -d ~/.elc/updates/1_9_5/maps/
''~'' is expanded to your home directory; replace 1_9_5 with the current client version and replace ~/Desktop/MapPack.zip with the path to the zip file you downloaded.

Now you are all set. If you want to get rid of the custom maps or parts of them, you can simply delete the appropriate dds file, respectively, from ''~/.elc/updates/1_9_5/maps/'' (note that the folder ~/.elc/ should show up as a "hidden" folder if you are using a file manager).

=== Mac ===
<!--As OS X is just a FreeBSD derivative, this should work just like the linux installation, however, if you have a Mac, feel free to test this and add more details here. Thanks.-->
* Download your desired .dds maps
* OS 10.6 or lower Open house (home), then open 'Library.'
* OS 10.7 or 10.8 From Finder go to the 'Go' menu. Hold down the option key and select 'Library'
* Open 'Application Support', then open 'Eternal Lands'
* If there is not an 'updates' folder, Create a series of nested folders: 'updates' then create a folder with the version number '1_9_5' then a folder 'maps'.
* Copy the maps into this folder.
* full path is ~/Library/Application Support/Eternal Lands/updates/1_9_5/maps

Older OS (10.4, 10.5) using either bmp or dds
* In applications find and right click on el_osx
* Choose show package contents
* Open contents folder, then resources folder, then data folder, scroll down to see maps folder
* Now open the map folder and highlight all map files, then copy
* Paste in the EL map folder
* An options window will pop up, click on apply to all and choose replace
* Enjoy your new maps! :D

[[Category:Maps]]