Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:47 pm
I think the textures are getting better and better. 
Keep'em coming!
As far as considering the descriptions is concerned, I know it will be a titanic task to have them reflected in the planet's texture, but it would be wonderful if we could do it. And on the other hand, it simply doesn't make sense to have e.g. a description like this (for 0 56):
I think we may not in all cases be able to reconcile economy and description, as the two are in no way related in the first place, but that shouldn't keep us from trying.
And there is another point, that may be helpful in this respect. I don't believe in planets totally covered with man- (lizard-, feline-, lobster-, insect-,...) made structures: Have a look at the population figures in Oolite. The numbers created by the engine are between a couple of hundred million and something like 6.4 billion. So at most roughly the same population as Earth currently has. But if you look at Earth from outer space you hardly see any signs of population. Most of its surface is just nature and looks completely untouched - at least at first glance. And "most" in this case means above 90 per cent. So I think it's not too likely that planets in Oolite with a similar - or even considerably smaller - population should be completely transformed and covered with artificial (industrial or whatever) structures.
This also means that even on a highly industrial planet there should be plenty of room for mountains, forests, plains, deserts, oceans, etc.
Take Germany as an example. One could say its a fairly industrial country. Nevertheless there isn't a single city(!) in the country, whose area within the total city boundaries isn't covered at least 50% with forest, grassland, and the like! Not to speak of the countryside.
Keep'em coming!As far as considering the descriptions is concerned, I know it will be a titanic task to have them reflected in the planet's texture, but it would be wonderful if we could do it. And on the other hand, it simply doesn't make sense to have e.g. a description like this (for 0 56):
and neither oceans nor mountains on its surface.This planet is notable for its unusual oceans and the Geisgezaian mountain slug.
I think we may not in all cases be able to reconcile economy and description, as the two are in no way related in the first place, but that shouldn't keep us from trying.
And there is another point, that may be helpful in this respect. I don't believe in planets totally covered with man- (lizard-, feline-, lobster-, insect-,...) made structures: Have a look at the population figures in Oolite. The numbers created by the engine are between a couple of hundred million and something like 6.4 billion. So at most roughly the same population as Earth currently has. But if you look at Earth from outer space you hardly see any signs of population. Most of its surface is just nature and looks completely untouched - at least at first glance. And "most" in this case means above 90 per cent. So I think it's not too likely that planets in Oolite with a similar - or even considerably smaller - population should be completely transformed and covered with artificial (industrial or whatever) structures.
This also means that even on a highly industrial planet there should be plenty of room for mountains, forests, plains, deserts, oceans, etc.
Take Germany as an example. One could say its a fairly industrial country. Nevertheless there isn't a single city(!) in the country, whose area within the total city boundaries isn't covered at least 50% with forest, grassland, and the like! Not to speak of the countryside.
