Thread: Elevation changes in maps

I would like to see the map be structured to allow for elevation changes. I cannot tell you how many times I have been tracking a quest, then get waylayed because the terrain is too high for me to pass. If I knew eariler that the obstacle in my way was impassible, I would chart another route.

/signed

Something like a topography toggle would be a welcome addition to map options imho

That would be great!

But perhaps we should have better "zone" maps, the current ones are extremeley deceiving. I look at the map and where I am to see I an at a pass between mountains, but when I look in the game "eyes" there is a mountain range, how come it is not shown in my zone map?

Hugs

Sue

Haha, well maybe off for pvp, but for pve why not?

/signed

I don't think there's much to do with the maps if you want to maintain the look, you certainly cannot add contour lines.

I understand your concerns for maintaining the 'look' of the maps, but personally, I would rather have a functional map that helps me navigate properly, then a pretty map that is vitually useless when orienteering. If the contour lines are out of the question, then perhaps a roll over number which will indicate the elevation...(similar to when you mouse over a quest ring in the small corner map). But I would prefer to have the elevation changes in the full size map 'toggle page'.

In my personal opinion, the game is already easy enough. I much more prefer to get a basic idea of where I have to get to, and then make my own way there. The fact that maps are always fully explored is already bad enough

Originally Posted by kryzhack

I understand your concerns for maintaining the 'look' of the maps, but personally, I would rather have a functional map that helps me navigate properly, then a pretty map that is vitually useless when orienteering. If the contour lines are out of the question, then perhaps a roll over number which will indicate the elevation...(similar to when you mouse over a quest ring in the small corner map). But I would prefer to have the elevation changes in the full size map 'toggle page'.

Ok, can you be more specific about your issue? I use the maps very rarely as I find it more beneficial getting to know the terrain myself, but as far as I can tell slopes that you can't run up are easily recognized from a distance, unless there there are invisible walls which would be invisible on the map anyway. But then I'm playing LotRo for more than 3 years, I'm probably more used to it.

Yeah I'm sure a topo map would turn off about 99% of the playerbase that have no idea how to read them. Plus, especially on the zone maps, there's no way you could get fine enough detail to read the slope grade at the scale you'd need it to navigate like you're describing.

I'm fairly sure it would completely flip out in Moria and Pit of Iron etc., too, when you have bridges and things stacked several layers high in some places.

Really, theres only a handful of places in the game where the map seems to suggest there's access where there isnt. In most of those cases, its just a matter of going sideways and around the impassable terrain, not having to backtrack entirely. Most of the maps are pretty good. The roads are always well-indicated and those take you most everywhere you need to go. Realistically, maps of this technology level arent going to be accurate to a level that shows every cliff and steep grade, anyway...at a certain point you just have to explore and learn the lay of the land

Only in Moria is it ever going to be so convoluted that you cant quickly learn to navigate by landmarks, and even then you still can, just takes a little more time.

Ok, well said everybody. Thank you for replying to my thread. I will try to orientate myself by the terrain rather than using a map. cheers.

I’m just sayin’ ...

I’m sure no one would suggest getting rid of the “toggle combat assist” function (even though I understand it isn’t working correctly at the moment) – because it helps people who have physical impairments. And surely no one would suggest getting rid of text that helps deaf people.

Well, I am here to tell you that there are people whose ability to locate themselves in space is impaired, and that is true of virtual as well as actual space. I have a serious head injury, and my where-the-heck-am-I function doesn’t work very well. I have been playing for nearly four years. If the maps weren’t there, I wouldn’t be playing, because it would be too frustrating. I still use the map to figure out how to get from the Michel Delving vault to the Michel Delving crafting facilities every time I am there. I avoid the beautiful city in Lothlorien because I cannot figure out where anything is or how to get there. Moria drives me mad with frustration. I even had a hard time learning Esteldin’s layout, and it’s all in a straight line! My kinnies know about my difficulty and are kind enough to accommodate me, even while ribbing me mercilessly.

Please don’t immediately dismiss requests for improved maps – needing maps doesn’t mean one is lazy, or needs an “easy mode” (though I too think the game is too easy in many other respects). We don’t all have the same ability to auto-locate.