Subsector Map sizes (on paper), UWP Listing Styles & Sector Maps

[Gruffty]

I am in the process of putting some subsector maps and UWP data together and would seek the advice, opinions and input of my fellow CotI members.

1) Subsector Map Size
I need to decided how big to make a subsector map for printing onto paper. The paper size is "Letter", i.e. 215.9 mm wide (L to R) and 279.4 mm high (top to bottom).

The options are, as I see it (and this is only IMO), as follows:

a) CT Supplement size (as per CT Supp 3 Spinward Marches and CT Supp 10 Solomani Rim);

b) GT size (as per GT: Rim of Fire);

c) Size the map to fit nicely onto a complete page on its own.

2) UWP List Layout

a) Again, as per CT Supps 3 and 10;

b) GT style, in grey banded tables;

c) CT Alien Module/T4 "Data Stream" style continual listing, over several/many pages.

3) Sector Map

a) Do players and Refs/GMs find sector map useful, overall?

b) Where would be the best place to place a sector map - at the start, i.e. before the subsector UWP lists and maps, or at the end, after the UWP lists and maps?

Your opinions would be most welcome

 

[RainOfSteel]

As per the sector map, where it is, I wouldn't mind.

However, its usefulness and necessity are high. It's simply impossible to visualize the structure of a sector by viewing the subsector maps.

 

[robject]

Agree. Off hand, I'd probably put the sector map first, followed by subsector maps, ending with the UWP lists, packed in two ways: ordered by Hex location, and ordered alpha by system/mainworld name.

 

[Flynn]

Gruffty,

Is this for Spica? Or do you have another idea formulating?

Would love to hear details,
Flynn

 

[Gruffty]

Nice ideas, Robject

I'm in two minds about the placement of the maps. An LBB size book doesn't have the space for slotting maps in amongst the text (like GT: RoF) but I like the idea of data on one page with the map on the other.

However, my document isn't an LBB size book - it's the same size as most recent Traveller books, and I think it's a bit of a let down to see a whole page for each subsector map - it makes the maps look like filler

Any thoughts on this, people?

 

[daltoncalford]

Hi Gruffty,

I have been printing my sub-sectors in groups of four - a quadrant. I use Cosmographer Pro and find that a whole sector on a 8.5x11 is small and confusing while a sub-sector is very large and wasteful.
I put the quadrant on one page, with the legend, political and population notes at the bottom.
The world data fits on another sheet in two column format.

I have found that the quadrant layout is enough that I do not need a sector map to visualize the sector.

best regards

Dalton

 

[Flynn]

I've gotten compliments on the quadrant approach, as well, from Stellar Reaches. I'd second that approach, if you are looking for support for the idea.

Hope this helps,
Flynn

 

[Fritz_Brown]

I agree with the Quadrant Approach.
(Though I kind of like a subsector per page in LBB size.)

 

[Gruffty]

OK, the Quadrant Approach (TM) sounds good.

What about the layout of the UWPs? Presumably grouped together somehow?

 

[daltoncalford]

Well,

I number the hexes on my quadrant as if they are part of a sector, so, I may have my upper left hex start at position 1721.
I then list the planets in hex order for easy reference.

On another side note, Phil (one of the T.H.E. playtesters) has dumped my 3d space (based upon parsecs) idea and the 8x10 subsector and has created a pocket empire that maps space in a 16x16 x16 LY grid. That means that he uses three hex digits for system placement while the comparitive system only is 16ly across at its maximum instead of 32.6 ly across (A jump 5 ship would cross it in one jump).

I am having John (a technical illustrator friend of mine) do up a isometric box bounding a hex grid to see how it looks and works out.

The biggest thing about producing maps is that they are just that, maps. They are a standardised approach to display information and you are free to change the standard (as seen with J6 circular maps and sector wide maps).

This is just an idea to let you expand your thinking a bit and to let your imagination run wild.

Best regards

Dalton

 

[Gruffty]

Thanks for that, Dalton, it's an interesting idea.