Think outside the Grid?

[CalPolyFan]

Is it possible to proceedurally generate homes, which will then in turn create geo-coordinated vector property areas? and just completely abandon the "boxes?"

This is how this game gets fun, and "increasing 4x4 zone size" becomes a thing of the past, as it is just vector based zoning coming off of roads?

Proceedurally generated home-plots and property areas for various zoning types (which could evolve organically if the city ordinance is checked) with property lines projected out randomly like in SimCity2013 with randomness built in would be huge to more realistic non "road hugging" urban areas.

Plots should be proceedurally generated in a vector format, in order to have different sized/ shaped plots.. the richer the plot area, the larger the plot, and higher likelyhood of being ringed by bushes/picket fences etc..

Plots being a vector, and centered around a randomly generated homestead plot would be ideal.. with various yard elements generated within the vector.

It would also be nice to have zoning be permitted, and instead of choosing "commercial/industrial"residential" instead just choose to allow the "city council" to decide the appropriate zoning in that area.. Essentially a zoning "auto pilot" approve/deny zoning changes - The "new" SimCity.. where zoning choices aren't your choice, but are instead popularly decided by the needs of the community and various geographical economic stimuli.

The city council could be activated/deactivated at the mayor's preference.. But would serve as an "Auto Zone" if wanted.. for those who would prefer to leave the zoning up to the simulation..

Maybe I don't feel like zoning, and want the Sim's to use their own intelligence to build on my infrastructure.. Check on the "city council zoning" option, just lay out roads.. have the properties procedural generate as a vector.. Areas could become farmland, and rural areas within the city limits proceedurally generated to mimmick naturally occuring development trends (i.e. following roads straight that are existing which were placed by the city mayor.. to eventually tucker out and turn 90 degrees at some points etc..

Vector based plots.. Now we're talking.. Now we are are talking a fun game. and we are thinking "outside the box."

 

[boformer]

I thought about this. It is just too difficult to achieve.

What I will do is larger zones up to 8x8. The results are not too bad.

 

[CalPolyFan]

Boformer- That would be great, but as far as I know there isn't a mod that increases zone sizes past 4x4.. Is there? I know you and others have been working on one. I am just amazed at how difficult CO made this element, and how this could possibly be such a hard mod to make.

That's why I was perhaps thing about a "work around" where we just abandon the squares all together and move on the the obvious end-game here which is vector based lots, plots and objects on a 3d coordinate system derived from roads.

Also, a SC4 type "square/rectangular larger roads layout area" where an auto-draw of scaleable roads is drawn should obviously be implemented.

Boformer- How is that coming along? any hope for this game?

 

[boformer]

The larger zones mod is still in the pipeline, the only issue to solve is the building spawning.

I just don't have the time to finish it this year.

 

[Builder1337]

I think this is a great idea! However, I agree with boformer, it does sound too difficult to achieve now.

I really liked the way you could zone land in cities xl. That is pretty much the only thing I liked, haha! I guess one could develop further on that idea implementing your ideas.