While I think a graphical map editor is a fantastic idea (which I’ve thought of creating myself at certain points), the potential for feature creep is huge. Were you thinking of keeping this as a smaller program for people that can navigate the JSON files or something full featured for complete beginners?
Off the top of my head, for something I’d want in a program like this:
MINIMUM (Basic Functionality)
- import/export maps
- choosing map size (24x24, 48x24, 48x48, etc.)
- import palette file settings automatically from the map file or manually select palette when creating new map
- work with and switch between multiple z levels
- easy copy and paste of chunks of the map’s tiles
- a way to view details or write notes about a specific tile in the palette as you likely have multiple versions of the same tile that spawn different items (ex - in the house palette there’s a dining room table and a hallway table)
- item/vehicle/trap/etc. generation at specific map coordinates
- displaying the x and y coordinates on the grid layout for easy reference, and also maybe with mouse hover?
- ability to add additional furniture/terrain (including item spawns) to a specific map in addition to palette entries
NICE TO HAVE
- create palette files, including browsing/assigning item groups to furniture/tiles
- create nested chunks
- browse and add nested chunks to maps, either by assigned symbol or coordinates
PROBABLY JUST ME
- being able to switch between orientations (ie - north to south and south to north)
- separate terrain from furniture tiles. more for organization and workflow
- Being able to “paint” with the symbols but “preview” the graphic version. I’m likely in the minority, but I personally have no interest in painting with the tiles. However, it’s tedious reloading the game to view what I’m creating.
I’m sure you’ve already found this but I raised a few points in this thread for Hostile Architect as well: Hostile Architect - Location Builder Tool & EXTRA Locations Mod
Out of curiosity have you created many maps yourself?