BuddySpace Maps Editor Manual

Starting the Map Editor

The map editor can be started for any open map by clicking the button. The map is then copied into the temp directory together with all referenced files and the window switches into edit mode.

Saving a map

An edited map can be saved using either or button. The button saves the map into file with name displayed in window title bar ; so it's saved into the temp directory, when saved just after start of editing.

Editing

The editor allows only editing of components and parameters defined in given map file; i.e. anything in layers defined inline, but only position and scale of layers defined as references to other files.

The active (currently edited) layer name is displayed in combo box and all its components are signed by yellow colour. When an inline defined and so editable layer is selected, the edited component is signed by green colour.

The editor is controlled using context menus of map components and buttons above and under the map.

Please use button to reload the map when necessary.


Editor with signed selected layer and component

Layers

Selection of a layer can be done by choosing the layer in layer combo box or by clicking on a component of the layer.

A layer can be added either by selecting button or menu item from a component context menu. Then, the type of the new layer is chosen (inline defined or referencing other map file). When the inline type is selected, a dialog for map bitmap selection is open (please use button, when the image doesn't displayed). When the reference type is selected, a dialog for map file selection is open.

Context menu of components allows deleting of the layer into that the component belongs.

Dragging and dropping of bitmap (or dot in not editable layer) causes change of layer offset in the map. Offset and other layer parameters can be changed using context menu of a component from the layer.


Setting layer properties

Buddies

Buddies can be displayed as a single dot or as a dot for a cluster of buddies. Buddy can be added on specific position in a map using its bitmap context menu or to an existing dot (for single buddy creating a new cluster or an existing cluster) using its context menu. JID of the new buddy can be chosen from combo box containing JID from roster or directly entered.


Adding of a buddy

By dragging and dropping of dots, position of buddies in map can be set (this is possible only for inline defined layers).

A buddy/cluster dot can be deleted from its context menu.

Bitmaps

The bitmap source file is selected when adding a new inline defined layer. It can be changed from bitmap context menu.

Interactive map components and their actions

These are the visible components of map that provide visual control and interactivity while editing.

Bitmaps

Bitmaps are background maps on that the buddies are placed. Each layer contains a bitmap.

Bitmap context menu provides following actions:
  • for bitmap: Change of bitmap
  • for layer: Adding of a buddy into current layer, Setting of layer properties, Adding of a new layer, Deleting of current layer
  • The last item in menu informs about the filename of the bitmap.

Editable bitmap context menu

Not editable bitmap context menu
The bitmap can be dragged and dropped, which causes change of layer offset.

Buddy dots

Buddy dots display position of single buddies in a map.

Buddy context menu provides following actions:
  • for buddy: Adding of a buddy and such creating a cluster, Deleting the buddy
  • for layer: Setting of layer properties, Adding of a new layer, Deleting of current layer
  • The last item in menu informs about JID of the buddy.

Editable buddy context menu

Not editable buddy context menu
The buddy dot can be dragged and dropped and such changed its position.

Buddy cluster dots

Buddy cluster dots display position of clusters of buddies in a map.

Buddy cluster context menu provides following actions:
  • for cluster: Adding of a buddy into the cluster, Deleting the cluster, Changing name of the cluster
  • for layer: Setting of layer properties, Adding of a new layer, Deleting of current layer
  • At the end of menu is list of buddies in the cluster.

Editable cluster context menu

Not editable cluster context menu
The cluster dot can be dragged and dropped and such changed its position.