I came to the site today to make a post for help with a tool I'm thinking of starting and I see on the main page about a mapping contest. Incredible timing.

I'm nearing the end of my Masters degree in which I am concentrating in Computer Graphics. What I would like is some input into what would make a better Map Editor as I am trying to gear my thesis around some kind of Terrain/Map editor. The problem is just creating a map editor is not enough. There needs to be something about this editor that sets it apart from the rest. It needs to implement some technique you don't normally find in traditional editors.

I'll give you a couple ideas of what I am looking for:

1) Slope indications: Within the BF2 Editor it is impossible to determine how steep slopes really are. There is a process one must go through to determine if a slope is too steep to walk or drive up. The editor should provide some indicator as to how steep slopes are. This should be an overlay that can be toggled on/off.

2) Road Tool: Creating roads can be a real pain, especially when you want to change major features under or around roads you have already placed. The road tool needs to be an additional layer 'on top of' the actual terrain. This will allow the user to move the road independently of the terrain. This will also allow modification to the terrain and still have to road carve out of the resulting terrain.

Ideally I'm looking for features more like #1 as it deals more with Computer Graphics/Visualization, but new tools like #2 will also work.

So as you all create your own maps, make note of features that would make your job easier.

I appreciate any help, and hopefully I can create something useful for the next contest.