User Input: Map Database
 

Over the past few weeks, through user feedback and looking at it ourselves we have realised that an area we can improve on here at novahq.net is the Map Database, especially how we rate the maps when they are submitted to us

Because you, the users spend more time actualy usng the system and downloading the maps, we are asking for your help. If you have ideas about how we can improve the map database facilities here at novahq, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Whether it be another option for sorting the maps, or an overhaul of the whole system we want to hear it! We are doing this to make Novahq.net better for all the users out there, so your the ones that can best help us improve the system!

You can contact us by clicking the Staff/Contact Link in the bottom left block from any page on the site, or by the forum Private Messaging systems.

We really look forward to hearing all your ideas, and while it will take time, we will be trying to improve the map database for everyone.

Personally I know longer wish to say anything on the forums for fear of being attacked for having an opinion.

Carl

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-Well you could put more rating option in the sense that you rate environment, object placement, and play ability, not just the general goodness of the map.

-Also write something about it, you guys just put what we write, if the map is five stars, say why, let us know what gave it that special touch to be the best.

-Allow more then one picture, I know I would like you put more then one picture in my maps, that is why I have 4 in one, by doing that you make them small and have a hard time seeing the detail though.

Good Idea..

More Pictures would be rather bandwidth consuming.... but good point..

- How about a "filter" to view just the featured maps; past and present?

- Bigger Pics would be nice, maybe 800 x 600. You can still restrict the "weight" of the graphic.

:)

Also, how about a "Map Contest"? However, with a twist. NovaHQ specifies Game type (TDM, DM, FB, SP, etc.) and Theme (Island assault, Jungle warfare, Rescue hostages, etc), and DF version (DF1, DF2, BHD, etc) and then the mappers go to work. :)

User Rating and Input:

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|- New User Rating System |
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+ User Name
+ User Rating (1-5 - 1 best worst, 5 being best)
+ Building Positioning
+ Crowdedness
+ Gameplay
+ Altogether
+ Comment Block

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|- User Submitted Information |
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+ User Submit Screenshots (For better viewing)
+ User Description of the map (If the map was badly described a player who downloaded the map can describe it better for the next downloader)
+ Better Searching System (Say I am searching up the mapmaker NAVSPECWARCOM. I search him up, and get results with parts of his name in the description. Not just maps by him)

you need more visual info on maps. First the screenshot then the description. It is easier to tell by a picture if that map matches one interest than from the description of the map maker.
Secondly introduce some sort of charts.
One criteria dl per day or rating by user/downloaders.
cu

i see no problem with the current system, its worked for over 3 years.. why change it?

you sound llike my dad.. lol

change is good...

one thing that would be nice (and im pretty sure this has been mentioned before) i think the admin need to write a description. whats good whats bad ect..

I would rather pick up a review team of local well known mappers to do that to serve on staff. I've got enough to do as is.

that would be fine but what im getting at is someone needs to write a short review on the maps other than the mappers.

btw i meant the the person that made the map not mappers...

There already is a description of the map in the Map Database. Just adding a team to put a description of the map is pointless. Plus it would be too much work. There are maybe 25+ maps submitted a day and 75-100+ submitted a week. Thats alot of writing to do in a week. I know I wouldn't want to do it.

The team would actually have to download and play the maps prior to review. They would be NHQ resident mappers to write what's good, bad, etc like you said. The user already writes description dude? What's your point then? You've lost me.

I'm fine with our current system. I honestly don't understand the fuss about it. We had two complaints out of thousands.

EDGE, it is alot fo work. I've done it already.

I think the main idea behind a review time writing a review is to write why it got what it got. I mean if it get's three stars (like is stated it is probaly like a lot of other maps.) but then the review goes into more detail. This would be a 4 star map if it was more unique, but because there are so many Yada Yada Yada's it def. wouldn't be a 5 star. Or somthing like that.

Other than that the current system works.

All ideas will be considered ;)

how bout giving that computer that rates the maps a good swift kick in the butt.

better lay out of maps for download.

on main page were they are listed:

1.) map image 250x188 or 400x300 (main map page)

2.) link for downloads (already good)

3.) members can update Image,maps on their own without it been look at first by the admin to have it ok.

4.) members can vote and make commits, what can be done to the map better (good helpful tips), without bashing. good tips are nice. [PM option in this area and notice on new commit in this area too]

5.) member "User CP" have a link to what maps they have uploaded to the site. so they don't have to search for their own maps they uploaded to the site. [Map Data base]

i know some of these ID are already in but some are not.