Project Construction Zone (New Surface Base Editor)

[ewan]

I've decided to have a go at creating a new surface base program (ex. Surface Base Wizard) for Orbiter. It's name will be Construction Zone (or something else if anybody could think of anything cooler) A friend of mine (username: GXE3), started the project a while ago, but remains abnormaly busy to this day. I, however, will not be busy for the next 2 months. GXE3 has already given me what he has created so far and it's quite brilliant. Any how, I've been programming in java for quite a while so I feel fairly confident. I cannot do this project alone (well I can, but it will take me a long time) so I've decided to ask for assistance. If anyone would like to be a part of the project, please let me know. I'll create a new social group if enough people want to join. So far, it's only me and GXE3.

I've outlined various roles below. If anyone would like to apply for a role, please post.

Developers (Java):

Members who write the code of the program (must know java)

Program Designers

Members who design the overall layout of the program

Graphic Designers:

Members who contribute artwork to the program

Beta Testers:

Members who test the program

 

[Quick_Nick]

I know Java and won't be doing much until late August, so I'd like to help out. Just let me know what to do and what the program should be like. (from your post, I don't know what exactly you are going for)

 

[ewan]

I know Java and won't be doing much until late August, so I'd like to help out. Just let me know what to do and what the program should be like. (from your post, I don't know what exactly you are going for)

The purpose of this project is to create a rich and user friendly surface base creation application for orbiter. The surface base wizard is a great program, but it's buggy and limited. I basically want to improve it, adding more features in the process. Very soon, I will start posting my source code. Have you ever used the Surface Base Wizard? In atmost 2 days I will post an outline for the entire project.

Once again, if anyone else would like to join the project, just say so.

 

[Quick_Nick]

Have you ever used the Surface Base Wizard?

Yes, a few times before. Looked at it a little and actually used it to make a couple of bases for a virtual space agency at one time. Simple bases though; only consisted of runways and LPADs I think.

Very soon, I will start posting my source code. [...] In atmost 2 days I will post an outline for the entire project.

:speakcool:

 

[Liberator]

Awesome! Can I be a beta-tester. This addon will be so cool I know it!

 

[ewan]

Sure Liberator. Feel free to post any suggestions.

---------- Post added at 06:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:42 PM ----------

Just created a "Construction Zone Developers" group. I'll post elaborate info as well as the source code there. Minor discussions will be held on this topic.

---------- Post added at 07:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:57 PM ----------

One of the features of the Surface Base Wizard I plan to improve is the Object Browser. GXE3 created this concept known as custom objects, which was basically a defined set of objects (a group of objects) that could be manipulated as one object. He programmed a rough program that saved a group of objects as a CZO file that could be loaded at the user's convenience. I also wanted to add support for renaming objects and grouping them as well. These features will be in the first release.

 

[GXE3]

Thanks for finally joining orbiterforum, ewan. I join the Construction Zone group

 

[Kaito]

I would LOVE to beta test this. I've been bouncing back and forth on making surface bases.

As far as coding goes, I have a little experience (in VB), but I can offer suggestions as to how things should be programmed I.E: Pseudo-code. And I ALWAYS have suggestions ^.^

 

[ewan]

Great. I'll invite you to the group

 

[Hielor]

I was thinking: something that would be really cool would be an in-Orbiter base editor. Present pads/runways/etc as vessels and let the person arrange them using the scenario editor. Then convert it to a base, WYSIWYG.

 

[Kaito]

I was thinking: something that would be really cool would be an in-Orbiter base editor. Present pads/runways/etc as vessels and let the person arrange them using the scenario editor. Then convert it to a base, WYSIWYG.

So, in a sense, like UCD or URMS

And, the above idea would make things REALLY easy

 

[cr1]

I'm applying for beta-tester, project sounds pretty cool

 

[ewan]

I invited you to the group

 

[ewan]

The Object Modifier Tool

The Object Modifier Tool:

I began designing the various components (tools, panels, etc) of the program. With Kaito's help, I created a design for the "Object Manipulator" panel (equivalent to "Object Browser" of the Surface Base Wizard) of the program.



My intentions are to keep the "Object List" panel and the "Object Modifier" panel seperate. The active object in the Object Modifier panel corresponds to the active object in the program.

I anyone has any ideas that can further improve the tool, please post.

The "Object Modifier" panel is subject to heavy changes. The above picture is just a preview and a draft.

 

[Kaito]

Looks pretty awesome.
Can't wait for this. Sorry I can't help out more.

 

[MeDiCS]

I may help with coding, although my java skills are a bit rusty. Are you using any source versioning control? If not, I'd suggest Git hosted on http://github.com, as it has integrated bug control system, wiki and, of course, a free public repo.

 

[ewan]

Cool. I'll invite you to the group. As of now, I can't get any help with the programming because I haven't established a basic foundation for the program. In other words, I will start asking for help when I complete the GUI and when there are lots of changes to be made. The topic of versioning also applies to the above. I won't start versioning until I create a rough draft of the program. Thanks for the advice though.

When I do finally complete the rough draft of the program, the group will be noticed for enhancements, beta testing, graphics, etc

 

[MeDiCS]

Nice, but I have a question (and I think you already expected this): why Java?

 

[ewan]

I did expect it. The answer is simple: It's the only language that I know a lot about at the moment. Plus, java contains a lot of features that I could easily implement in this project (ex. Drag and Drop).

 

[MJR]

I am not really a Java programmer so I guess I will beta test it if you would like me to.