Norrathmap.com is looking for beta testers

[norrathmap.com]

NorrathMap (http://www.norrathmap.com/) is an EQ mapping app that lets you see your location within a zone. It is very easy to setup, maintain and use. You can get registered and download it here (https://www.norrathmap.com/Account/Register). Please check out the FAQ (https://www.norrathmap.com/faq) too.

Here are some screenshots of it in action:
https://www.norrathmap.com/Content/Images/s3a20.png

https://www.norrathmap.com/Content/Images/s7a20.png

[Tecmos Deception]

Should I just use my p99 login server info to register?

[Frug]

It seems to work - at least does what it's advertising to do.

[norrathmap.com]

Should I just use my p99 login server info to register?

No. I know you're being sarcastic, but honestly it is all legitimate. There are a number of people that have been using it for weeks (alpha).

[norrathmap.com]

It seems to work - at least does what it's advertising to do.

Thanks for trying it Frug! Please let me know if you run into any issues.

[tristantio]

Source?

What framework did you use for the transparent overlay btw?

I am almost done with a gtk3/cairo based addition to my p99-patcher map application so users can have an "always on top" window in addition to the browser page one.

Also, why register vs just looking at the log name for the current character (that's how I'm determining player names for the shared map tracking)?

[norrathmap.com]

Source?

What framework did you use for the transparent overlay btw?

I am almost done with a gtk3/cairo based addition to my p99-patcher map application so users can have an "always on top" window in addition to the browser page one.

Also, why register vs just looking at the log name for the current character (that's how I'm determining player names for the shared map tracking)?

Hi Trist,

The app isn't open sourced, I'm sorry. I started developing it a few months ago for personal use. I was pretty happy with the result so I decided to publish it. I had a lot of fun working on and still do.

Framework is all .NET related.

The on-top feature is pretty important; I agree.

If the app does well and has a decent player base, social features will be added that would be based on the registration name and not on the player's active character. So if you decide to share with another person or group, it is all based on the registration name which would span across characters. Like I said though, none of these social features are available, but the foundation is there.

In early alpha the sharing was turned on for everyone, and it worked pretty well. It was completely turned off though in later alpha and will remain off until proper sharing features are implemented.

Thanks for the questions! I haven't had a chance to try your app, but the screenshots I've seen look cool. Good luck!

[Ripcord]

is this shit allowed now?

[myriverse]

is this shit allowed now?
Always was.

[Ripcord]

then why is map function disabled? either way maps are for pussies :p

[Thulack]

then why is map function disabled? either way maps are for pussies :p

Because the map function ingame wasnt a classic part of the game. People making programs to read logs and mark points on a map is allowed.

[a_gnoll_pup]

I'm gonna laugh if they ever disable writing /loc's to a logfile

[jcr4990]

3rd party map apps. Don't worry guys it's totally classic.

/s

[norrathmap.com]

Thanks for all those that have signed up so far as well as all the feedback.

Just FYI - velious maps have been/are available.

[Pint]

You want to read their log files but won't let them see your source? Not sketchy at all..

[cowjosh]

"The app isn't open sourced, I'm sorry."

Why is a fan created tool for a community project that is run by volunteers not open source? Also why does this matter when answering the question that was asked? I don't have much room to talk here since I am not really interested in map utilities anyway, but I am very skeptical of this tool now in light of that response.

However, assuming that your aim is not misguided (thinking you can make money on this) or malicious in some way, the transparent overlay does look pretty cool.

[norrathmap.com]

I know some folks would like to see it be open sourced, but it isn't.

The reason I do side projects like NorrathMap is because it gives me an outlet to let me code what I want how I want it. I can't do that at work working on software for companies. If I open source it, I feel I lose some of that free-ness I get from my personal projects.

If you're uncomfortable using it, please don't. No one is forcing you to do anything. If you do use it, it brings me a bit of satisfaction that I made something people enjoy. If you have some suggestions on how to make it even more useful, I'm all ears.

[Swish]

I bet all the complainers duck/cancel on their spells during Chardok AOE PL sessions :p

[Matthalas Winterheart]

I'd love to check this out, but for the life of me..cannot find my log files in the EQ folder.

[Uuruk]

cant autofire but can use this http://www.illuminatiagenda.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jackie-chan-illuminati.jpg

[cowjosh]

"If I open source it, I feel I lose some of that free-ness I get from my personal projects. "

Did you not get the part where the entire open source software movement was about freedom? Just because you GPL (or whatever license) your code doesn't mean you can't take the project in whatever direction you want, it just means others can also take their own forks or whatever derivative different directions if they want also.

Either way, your project not mine, so who am I to say what to do with it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it ultimately.

[Oleris]

Can we get a mod response if this is ok to use? I want to use it, but want to see the official policy first.

[Isic]

This is completely legit. It just reads your log file and puts your /loc on a map. No different then using a log parser to figure out your DPS. p1999 staff has stated in the past that as long as the program doesn't inject anything into the EQ client then it is legal.

[jarinaEQ1]

Does this app support symbolic link under w7-64u ? Because SSD users avoid logs feature is most of case.

[Oleris]

This is completely legit. It just reads your log file and puts your /loc on a map. No different then using a log parser to figure out your DPS. p1999 staff has stated in the past that as long as the program doesn't inject anything into the EQ client then it is legal.

awesome. Makes me wonder what other little things like this I don't know about.

[weirdguy508]

Went ahead and checked this out, so far it seems legit. Really cool, just have to figure out what hotkey i want /loc on. Would do movement, but I don't want the spam. Nice job man.

[Swish]

I think people would prefer it if the OP used his original P99 forum name rather than registering a new one. That's where some of the doubt, suspicion and paranoia comes from.

[Frug]

I like the app and it works ok, but having to login EVERY TIME YOU USE IT (with no facility to "remember me" or anything) is a bit of a pain.

[Vyal]

Why do you need to login to use it?
I could see maybe if it were being used as a program that ran a server and your guild and friends could connect then you could see them in the map program but something like this would take a hour or so to make and login doesn't make sense...
Really seems NOT legit tbh.

[norova]

Neat utility so far, thanks for sharing.

Just a few points. I don't see any licensing information being distributed with the app.


You need to include the MIT License for using Newtonsoft.Json.
Require end users to agree to terms that protect them at least as much as the standard Microsoft Software License Terms. There are myriad boilerplate EULAs and such out there, Google will lead you to them.
Display your valid copyright notice on your programs.

[Swish]

Alternatively: http://www.allakabor.com/eqatlas/atlas.html

[jarinaEQ1]

First feedback after 1st long session try.

Config :

My computer
My tabs (ASUS TF101G with KB) as 2nd dispay (idisplay)

:) Great accuracy, usefull no lags (/ and /loc do nothing because apps on 2nd display)
:) not burn tabs battery

And for your information under W7 : mlink working, then to danger for SSDs :)

Now I'm waiting for zoom and lvl managment :)

[Uuruk]

Ban above player for third party program pls.

[kenzar]

ban above player for having a hurt butt pls

[norrathmap.com]

I think people would prefer it if the OP used his original P99 forum name rather than registering a new one. That's where some of the doubt, suspicion and paranoia comes from.


I play Tibby on Red 1999. I don't have an active forum account. I never got into the forum wars.

=(

[norrathmap.com]

Went ahead and checked this out, so far it seems legit. Really cool, just have to figure out what hotkey i want /loc on. Would do movement, but I don't want the spam. Nice job man.

Thank you for trying it out! Please let me know if you run into any issues.

[Oleris]

I'm loving it so far. Helps me when I go into zones that I was scared of before because I would get lost. It also makes my routine travels better with saving time :)

[norrathmap.com]

First feedback after 1st long session try.

Config :

My computer
My tabs (ASUS TF101G with KB) as 2nd dispay (idisplay)

:) Great accuracy, usefull no lags (/ and /loc do nothing because apps on 2nd display)
:) not burn tabs battery

And for your information under W7 : mlink working, then to danger for SSDs :)

Now I'm waiting for zoom and lvl managment :)


Thanks for trying it out!

When you say "level management" I think you're talking about zones that are multi-level. Those are challenging to map, but there is some support for those. Some multi-level zones work better than others. A fun one to see it working in is Blackburrow.

The zoom and pan is on the to-do list. Some zones really suffer from this missing feature like Skyshrine. A workaround is to enlarge the map window completely which should help.

Please let me know if you run into any issues. I hope to get back to making updates in some weeks. I've been super busy with other side projects at the moment unfortunately (all not related to EQ). I definitely want to get back to NorrathMap soon. Though if any major issues come up, I'll definitely get them fixed ASAP.

[norrathmap.com]

I'm loving it so far. Helps me when I go into zones that I was scared of before because I would get lost. It also makes my routine travels better with saving time :)

Awesome! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[norrathmap.com]

Neat utility so far, thanks for sharing.

Just a few points. I don't see any licensing information being distributed with the app.


You need to include the MIT License for using Newtonsoft.Json.
Require end users to agree to terms that protect them at least as much as the standard Microsoft Software License Terms. There are myriad boilerplate EULAs and such out there, Google will lead you to them.
Display your valid copyright notice on your programs.


Thanks for the feedback! I"ll put it on the todo list.

[norrathmap.com]

Why do you need to login to use it?
I could see maybe if it were being used as a program that ran a server and your guild and friends could connect then you could see them in the map program but something like this would take a hour or so to make and login doesn't make sense...
Really seems NOT legit tbh.

Why are you requiring people to register and log in? (https://www.norrathmap.com/Faq/why_are_you_requiring_that_people_register_and_log in)

[Grimjaw]

why are the sample images that you uploaded to your website the size of thumbnails?

[myriverse]

why are the sample images that you uploaded to your website the size of thumbnails?
Because those are the thumbnails, not the full size pictures.

[Coyote]

From all of us directionally challenged gnomes to you, THANK YOU!

[Pringles]

Is this how you mine TMO l33t strats?

[Arkaan]

Ahh! So this way we can play on a classic server with maps disabled and then go back and run a 3rd party map!

lol

[myriverse]

Ahh! So this way we can play on a classic server with maps disabled and then go back and run a 3rd party map!

lol
That's classic!

[norrathmap.com]

From all of us directionally challenged gnomes to you, THANK YOU!


I'm glad you're enjoying it! Sorry there haven't been many updates for awhile now. Real life has been pretty busy. Any extra time has been spent playing Samara on red99. Feel free to drop in and say hello!

[Oleris]

I just want to let everyone know that this works on the beta server as well. I navigated Western Wastes, Kael, Sirens Grotto and more. The only zone that this program has issues with was freeport (which I always get lost in) and I believe around perma frost.

[Niedar]

So you play on red? Great intel tool, would give away my zone location again.

[norrathmap.com]

I just want to let everyone know that this works on the beta server as well. I navigated Western Wastes, Kael, Sirens Grotto and more. The only zone that this program has issues with was freeport (which I always get lost in) and I believe around perma frost.

Thanks for the feedback. I've added it to the to-do list.

[norrathmap.com]

So you play on red? Great intel tool, would give away my zone location again.

I've been playing on red for about 2 years now or so. If you're not comfortable using it, all I can say is "don't use it". I never have and never will use anyone's information in the malicious manner you suggest.

[Niedar]

Just warning other people that not only are you handing over your location to a central server you are also potentially feeding it information about who is in the zone with you as well. As I said, it can be used as a great intel tool. The actual application looks great and if I were a blue player I would probably use it.

The problem is that just trusting something like this is a bad idea and is not really an accusation against you personally. For one it is closed source but hey thats alright if you could claim it didn't send back data to a central server and then we could monitor if thats true or not but you have built doing that into the application to begin with as a feature.

[kennymack007]

is this shit allowed now?

then why is map function disabled? either way maps are for pussies :p

My heart goes out for programmers, I am also a programmer.
But this seems silly.

[norrathmap.com]

When you zone you ask the server for the zone map if you don't have it already cached. That's pretty much the entire conversation with the server. The the login part of it is there so adding on more features like sharing your locations with friends, but like I said, I haven't had time to do that.

If you think the app is silly, don't use it! :)

This was a labor of fun and love for the game. I originally made it for myself but I said "hey, I took it this far, why not contribute something to the community". And since it wasn't against the rules, that's what I did.

Honestly, if you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!!! Don't! don't don't don't! Stop! :)

[kennymack007]

When you zone you ask the server for the zone map if you don't have it already cached. That's pretty much the entire conversation with the server. The the login part of it is there so adding on more features like sharing your locations with friends, but like I said, I haven't had time to do that.

If you think the app is silly, don't use it! :)

This was a labor of fun and love for the game. I originally made it for myself but I said "hey, I took it this far, why not contribute something to the community". And since it wasn't against the rules, that's what I did.

Honestly, if you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!!! Don't! don't don't don't! Stop! :)

I will try to sum up my feelings on this in the most non-offending way I can, because as I mentioned my heart goes out to programmers, and I think it's great that you are spending your time helping other people via an app.

The Devs of P1999 have spent a lot of time bringing this server to us for free.

People come to the server for the "1999" part. Other people come to join their friends or just to be part of the community.

One aspect of the p1999 server is that maps are disabled to force people to actually learn their maps from the characters point of view. This brings back the use of sense headings and landmarks, along with helping other players that get lost. In short it's a major portion of the p1999 community.

Simply saying "if you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!" is arrogant, self-centered, and presumptuous.

In a way, you have destroyed my immersion. What is the point of looking at maps and using sense heading when I can instead use this app.

You may as well just turn the maps back on.

I sincerely hope that you don't think I'm an asshole for writing this. I am only giving you my honest opinion.

[norrathmap.com]

I will try to sum up my feelings on this in the most non-offending way I can, because as I mentioned my heart goes out to programmers, and I think it's great that you are spending your time helping other people via an app.

The Devs of P1999 have spent a lot of time bringing this server to us for free.

People come to the server for the "1999" part. Other people come to join their friends or just to be part of the community.

One aspect of the p1999 server is that maps are disabled to force people to actually learn their maps from the characters point of view. This brings back the use of sense headings and landmarks, along with helping other players that get lost. In short it's a major portion of the p1999 community.

Simply saying "if you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!" is arrogant, self-centered, and presumptuous.

In a way, you have destroyed my immersion. What is the point of looking at maps and using sense heading when I can instead use this app.

You may as well just turn the maps back on.

I sincerely hope that you don't think I'm an asshole for writing this. I am only giving you my honest opinion.


I'm sorry you feel this way.

[myriverse]

I will try to sum up my feelings on this in the most non-offending way I can, because as I mentioned my heart goes out to programmers, and I think it's great that you are spending your time helping other people via an app.

The Devs of P1999 have spent a lot of time bringing this server to us for free.

People come to the server for the "1999" part. Other people come to join their friends or just to be part of the community.

One aspect of the p1999 server is that maps are disabled to force people to actually learn their maps from the characters point of view. This brings back the use of sense headings and landmarks, along with helping other players that get lost. In short it's a major portion of the p1999 community.

Simply saying "if you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!" is arrogant, self-centered, and presumptuous.

In a way, you have destroyed my immersion. What is the point of looking at maps and using sense heading when I can instead use this app.

You may as well just turn the maps back on.

I sincerely hope that you don't think I'm an asshole for writing this. I am only giving you my honest opinion.
If something like this can destroy your immersion without you even using it, you couldn't have been that immersed anyway.

"If you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!" is the complete opposite of arrogance. Arrogance would be forcing it upon you. Basically, what he's saying is do what makes you happy.

You, on the other hand, are being extremely arrogant.

[maximum]

Interesting. Knowing where you are in a classic zone would sometimes be nice, but I think it could be an exploit in the eyes of dev.

I prefer full color, topographic maps with landmarks & legends. The ones I don't have memorized I have printed: http://steveprutz.com/eq/images/burning_woods_lath.jpg

[kennymack007]

If something like this can destroy your immersion without you even using it, you couldn't have been that immersed anyway.

"If you're not comfortable using it, don't use it!" is the complete opposite of arrogance. Arrogance would be forcing it upon you. Basically, what he's saying is do what makes you happy.

You, on the other hand, are being extremely arrogant.

1. Perhaps we have different definitions of the word immersion.

2. Arrogant is a pretty straight forward word. If your saying, "I know that maps are disabled on this server, but I think I can be an exception via this 3rd party app. If you don't like it then just pretend it doesn't exist." That sir, is arrogant.

3. Exactly how am I being arrogant by voicing my opinion on this app?