Map, GPS, and Elevation
How real map data, height, terrain, and exploration affect play.
map_gps_and_elevationReal geography is gameplay
The map uses streamed OpenStreetMap-derived PMTiles while elevation is fetched and cached separately from Mapzen Terrarium data. Roads, water, land cover, buildings, parks, farms, coastlines, height, and slope can influence terrain classification and opportunities.
Elevation and slopes
Elevation is sampled in meters and used to shape loaded terrain. Contours make height readable. Steep or mountainous ground can slow movement, raise construction difficulty, or become impassable; low coastal ground remains visually controlled without needing ocean-depth simulation.
Fog of war
Unexplored areas hide dependable detail. Scouts, reconnaissance, intelligence, satellites, and observation networks reveal progressively better information rather than giving every civilization perfect global knowledge.
GPS is the origin, not the leash
Physical exploration can be rewarded, but established civilizations are managed remotely. Distant expansion later requires colonies, transport, administration, and expeditions instead of a player physically driving everywhere.