Dagle
Minmatar
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
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Posted - 2006.09.04 08:13:00 -
[1]
Edited by: Dagle on 04/09/2006 08:13:55
Initially I didn't like your idea, but after letting it sink in a bit, I think I just don't like some parts of it. As a solution to the current bookmark problem, your idea has some legs. But basically I think the degrade time is too quick.
I've always found it amusing that I can consistently warp to jump distance on a mission gate but can't get within 15km of a system gate. Missions have a beacon that runners warp to. In essence it's an individual code that tells your ship's navigation computer when to drop you out of warp to land in warp/jump range. I think system gates should work the same way...as long as you have a current map, you can communicate with the beacon to drop you close enough to the gate to warp.
I would suggest the following:
-Two types of system scanning. First takes 1-2 minutes, essentially no equipment or skill requirement, the map goes directly to pod (& clone). No copies can be made.
-Second type of system scanning is used to make maps which can be copied and sold. This scan uses a module to do the scan (or possibly a probe) and takes ~5 minutes. No making copyable maps with a shuttle (or a freighter for that matter).
-Region Maps can be created by brining all of the system maps to various agents who will exchange the system maps for a Region Map (essentially work like turning in a mission). There could be a relatively minimal cost to complete the exchange.
-Original Map (BPO) has a 4-6 month lifespan. After 4-6 months, the cartographer has to make a new one. Copies can be made for sale until that BPO expires.
-Copied Maps (BPC) sold on the market are good for 4-6 months (time to be debated) from the time it is installed into the pod. No degrading, but after 4-6 months it's code is out of date and ship can no longer communicate with the beacon. Time to get a new map/code.
-Copies can only be made from player made BPO's.
-NPC Stations do not have a beacon so you would need a BM to make an instadock.
-Despite the fact that I now have an absolute ton of BMs, some that I've paid for, I think they should all be trashed to unburden the server.
The OP's idea is good, but if maps are degrading as fast as you suggest, then not only will the normal non-cartographer need to grind for the maps he needs, but the cartographer will be in a position of competing on both his price as well as the freshness of his map. The cartographer would need to be constantly updating his own set of maps. If your map is two weeks old, it has lost value. Do the cartographers want to be scanning the same systems every week to keep their maps up to date?
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