The Laws of the Map Editor series was created by CrystalCrown to help others understand the quirks and unexplained mysteries of the Age of Empires II Map Editor. The author has reached a conclusion on the following subject through logic and inductive reasoning. The author makes no claims on the accuracy of this information and cannot be held accountable for consequences arising from use of such information.

Introduction

One of the many features overlooked by new designers is the Map Copy feature. It can be found under the "Terrain" section of the MAP EDITOR on the left column. Once you click it, the Map Copy menu will appear. To copy a section of your map, simply highlight it and click Copy Selected Map Area, then just click where on the map you want it to be copied to. You can also rotate and flip copied areas. In addition, you can change the ownership of copied units. However, keep in mind that the Map Editor is not a word processor, and copying large areas may crash your computer.

Custom Buildings

Another useful feature of the Map Copy feature is ability to paste objects on top of other objects. For example, if you want to spruce up your Cathedral (pun intended), Map Copy some trees and/or villagers over the building. Some other commonly used mixed buildings include copying a Far Eastern House over a Trade Workshop to create a hotel-like structure, and copying a Lumber Camp and Shipwreck over a Siege Workshop to create a shipyard.

BETA Units

BETA Units are any units created for use in AGE OF EMPIRES II, but were never official released by Ensemble Studios, such as the Sea Wall and Sea Gate. However, with a little patience, designers have created templates with such units for your use, which can be found in the Age of Kings Heaven's Blacksmith (Rasher's Map Tricks and Enrique Orduno's New Units and Objects Template).

Some Beta Units include the following:

• Sea Wall
  A Palisade Wall on water
  
• Sea Gate
  A Gate on water
  
• Sea Tower
  A Tower on water
  
• Cobra Car
  Same as the cheat unit
  
• VMDL
  Villager Model; same as the cheat unit
  
• POREX
  Gold mine that causes miners to become invisible
  
• Port
  A fancy Dock
  
• Civilization Relics
  Changes name of Monks who pick these up
  
• TWAL
  BETA West European Wall

Miscellaneous

The Map Copy function even works for use between different scenarios. Simply copy the area of one scenario, then choose the edit the other and paste it in. Also, do not forget in multiplayer maps, Map Copy can be a real time-saver if you want all players to have the same Units.

Previous Issues

1. Walls and Gates
   
2. Walk-through on Cliffs
   
3. The Beauty of Bridges

[This message has been edited by CrystalCrown (edited 12-02-2002 @ 06:15 PM).]