Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- manual:subwaysim:map_construction [2026/01/14 14:55] – dcs
+++ manual:subwaysim:map_construction [2026/01/14 14:56] (current) – dcs
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ===== Map Construction =====
-This section provides everything you need to build maps for SubwaySim 2 — from creating a new level to preparing it for use in the game.
+This section provides everything you need to build maps for SubwaySim 2 — from creating a new level to preparing and packaging it for use in the game.
 You will learn how to:
-  * create and prepare a new level
+  * create and prepare a level
-  * migrate assets safely into your own plugin
+  * migrate assets into your own plugin
   * build railway infrastructure using the Railtool
   * prepare stations, signals, and AI-relevant data
   * define map logic and AI services via Map.lua
-  * visually build out and refine your map using editor tools
+  * build and test your map in SubwaySim 2
-  * package and test your map in SubwaySim 2
-The following chapters guide you step by step through the complete map creation workflow.
+The following chapters guide you step by step through the complete **technical map creation workflow**.
 ----
-  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:create_level|Creating a Level]]**
+  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:create_level|Create a Level]]**
-    Learn how to create and prepare a level inside the Modding SDK, including world partition setup, editor lighting, and basic level configuration.
+    Create and prepare a new Unreal Engine level for use with the SubwaySim Modding SDK, including world partition setup and basic configuration.
-  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:migrate_assets|Migrating Assets into a User Plugin]]**
+  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:migrate_assets|Migrate Assets]]**
-    Understand how to safely migrate assets between plugins without breaking references.
+    Safely migrate meshes, materials, and other assets into your own plugin without breaking references.
   * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:railtool|Railtool]]**
-    The central tool for building railway infrastructure.
+    Build the railway infrastructure of your map.
-    * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:creating_superstructure|Creating a Superstructure]]**
+    * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:creating_superstructure|Superstructure]]**
-      Defines the physical and visual properties of tracks used by the Railtool.
+      Define the physical and visual properties of tracks.
     * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:laying_tracks|Laying Tracks]]**
-      Place track splines, curves, switches, and assign required data layers.
+      Place track splines, switches, and assign required data layers.
     * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:importing_switches|Importing Switches]]**
-      Optional and only required for complex switch constructions such as double crossovers or special layouts.
+      Optional step for complex switch constructions.
-  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:prepare_map|Prepare a Map for SubwaySim]]**
+  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:prepare_map|Prepare Map]]**
-    Final preparation steps inside the level, including:
+    Prepare the level for runtime use in SubwaySim 2:
-      * tracks and layout validation
+      * validate track layout
-      * signals and speed limits
+      * place signals and speed limits
-      * station definitions and platforms
+      * define stations and platforms
-    This step ensures the map is technically ready for AI logic and runtime use.
+    After this step, the level is technically ready for AI logic.
   * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:create_maplua|Create Map.lua]]**
     Define the runtime logic of the map:
-      * map registration
+      * register the map in the ContentManager
-      * station and platform data
+      * link stations and platforms
-      * AI timetables and services
+      * create AI timetables and services
-      * dispatching and depot logic
+      * configure dispatching and depot logic
+  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:build_mod|Build Mod (.pak)]]**
+    Package the map into a `.pak` file and test it inside SubwaySim 2.
 ----
-==== Editor Tools ====
+===== Editor Tools =====
-After the technical foundation is in place, you can further **build out and refine the map visually** using dedicated editor tools.
+Editor Tools are used to **visually build out and refine the map**.
+They are optional and can be used at any point during development.
-These tools are optional but strongly recommended for creating believable stations and environments.
+Typical use cases include:
+  * placing platforms and station structures
+  * adding props and environment details
+  * refining the visual appearance of stations and depots
-  * **[[manual:subwaysim:propplacing_tool|Prop Placing Tool]]**
+Available tools include:
-    Place platforms, station elements, props, and environment assets directly in the editor.
+  * **[[manual:subwaysim:propplacing_tool|Prop Placing Tool]]**
-Editor tools can be used **in parallel** with Map.lua development and testing.
-----
-  * **[[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:build_mod|Build a Mod to Pak-File]]**
+Editor Tools do not affect map logic and can be used independently from Map.lua.
-    Package your map into a final `.pak` file and test it inside SubwaySim 2.
 ----
-Together, these chapters provide a complete overview of the entire map creation pipeline — from the first empty level to a fully functional, playable, and packaged map.
+Together, these sections cover the full workflow — from an empty level to a finished, playable map in SubwaySim 2.
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