With this program, you can generate entire starsystems with a single click of a button.
And while it is completely random, it is also quite realistic. Based on the tables found in GURPS Space, every (virtual) roll of the dice determines the next roll, etcetera.
The controls are extremely simple. In fact, only one of the buttons requires you to make any sort of decision.
The window is divided into four parts, one control panel and three information panels. Each of the panels shows information about a different part of the system; the system as a whole, the sun(s), and the planets.
First of the buttons is the "Generate Mapgrid Location" button. This button generates the contents of a single point of a gridmap, should you choose to use this program to make one. Be warned though, only 1 in 12 of every location will actually have a starsystem, all the others being either empty or inhabited by an anomaly. Because of this, anyone wanting to create nothing more than starsystems should use the second button.
The second button does exactly the same as the first, except it skips the first few rolls, essentially guaranteeing a starsystem. This button is best used for creating single systems, since a map would get rather crowded if you used this button for every point on the grid.
The third button saves the contents of the three windows to a file named starsystem.txt. This saves the user from copy/pasting the whole thing on his own. You can even make changes to the text below before saving. Note that if a file names starsystem.txt already exists, the text will be added at the end.
Finally, the fourth button allows you to generate a number of grid locations. It is essentially an automated version of the first button. Unlike the previous buttons though, this one pops up a new window, where you can enter the number of points on the map. Also, you get the chance to enter a different filename to write the text to, which is a good idea since this button will overwrite any file it finds with the same name.
The three information panels show the information on the starsystem that you just generated. Simple really.
One warning though, don't expect to click the second button once and get a starsystem with 3 terran worlds, complete with advanced civilizations. Life is rare, and even if you find life, it might just be moss.
Likewise, the vast majority of the stars are red stars, small and weak, with little chance of life. It is a simple fact that most planets in the galaxy are either too hot, too cold or lack an atmosphere. Still, anything is possible.
System Requirements:
Windows. a little over 2 megabytes of ram and half a megabyte of hard-disk space is required for normal use. The file generated can grow to be several megabytes in size. My AMD 1200 generates about 50 systems per second.
Fundamental knowledge of astrophysics. Don't be alarmed, you don't need to know any formulas. But some of the information this program generates can seem like complete gibberish if you don't know anything about astrophysics.
A purpose. Not really needed, but I can't imagine people spending hours just clicking the little buttons to see what happens. Start an rpg in space and use the information generated by this program, which is its main use.
Version Information:
1.00:
First version
1.03:
Added support for white dwarfs. In 1.00 white dwarfs had normal planetary systems, while in 1.03 and above their planets have been altered to show the effect an exploding sun has on them.
The main window now re-appears when you close the Gridmap Generator Controls window without pressing the button.
A small bug was fixed that sometimes generated planets with a NIL atmosphere. These now have no atmosphere.
1.04:
The Gridmap Generator Control window now shows the progress bar to be empty every time you open it, and not just the first time.
1.16:
The program now generated a graphic map when generating a starmap at least 3x3 sectors in size and 1 sectors deep. This map is saved as a .bmp file with the same name as the .txt
White dwarfs now show the position of a planet compared to the biozone, instead of nothing.
To Do:
Perhaps a few more controls, such as a button that allows you to generate a number of grid-points that all have a starsystem.
A few more details need to be added. Starsystems with more than one sun need more work.
Get it here.
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Last revision: 12-7-2002 13:41