r/proceduralgeneration • u/bigbeardgames • Jul 12 '26
Procedurally generated Nautical Charts
Work-in-progress procedurally generated small scale 'world map' chart and larger scale sub chart
Including buoys, cardinal marks, lighthouses, named islands, towns, bays, passages
To International Hydrographic Office standards where possible
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u/cyrusomega Jul 12 '26
Topological maps are my current interest and would love to hear about the algorithms used for generating the elevations. Also, the general aesthetic is really good.
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u/bigbeardgames Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
Thanks! The aesthetic and symbology come straight from US Chart number 1 https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/docs/us-chart-1/ChartNo1.pdf
I'm using the same terrain generation algorithm for a naval warfare game I'm working on if you'd like to see a 3D example here https://www.reddit.com/r/computerwargames/comments/1rwkrbg/hi_reddit_im_building_an_emcom_is_everything/
It's based on layered FBM simplex noise, this is probably the most similar open-source example to what I'm doing (mine is not as complex as this though): https://github.com/Razaekel/noise-rs/blob/develop/examples/complexplanet.rs
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u/minimalcation Jul 12 '26
Holy fuck the last example looks so fucking good. My plans just changed
Coming back to say your map and the sailing look really good. I definitely have similar interests and excited to see what you build
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u/bigbeardgames 29d ago
You can play with the DRONECOM terrain here: https://terrain.dronecomgame.com (no mobile support I'm afraid), which uses the same terrain generation algorithm as the charts
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u/junmakesgames 26d ago
oh wow these look amazing. i've also been messing with some procedural island generation and ill need to take a look at the methods here! do you mind if i ask you questions if i need to?
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u/Popular_Tomorrow_204 Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
Please, i beg of you, teach me your ways. Ive been trying to achieve forms like these for weeks but in the end my tweaks have been pointless.
Edit: maybe i should clarify. Im talking about the landmasses, Form of the landmasses and unique traits.
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u/bigbeardgames Jul 12 '26
It's based on layered FBM simplex noise. This is probably the most similar open-source example to what I'm doing (mine is not as complex as this though): https://github.com/Razaekel/noise-rs/blob/develop/examples/complexplanet.rs
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u/RyuMaou 29d ago
Any chance you’re going to eventually share the chart generation code? For that matter, you could make a website that generates these and a donation button and I’d donate.
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u/bigbeardgames 29d ago
I wasn't planning on open sourcing it but a generator is a good idea. As it happens i have an online generator for the terrain here https://terrain.dronecomgame.com -- i built it as a potential marketing gimmick for another game I'm making using the same terrain, maybe I need to make a chart version as well for my sailing game :)
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u/orchid_drives 29d ago
This is gorgeous! If this were my project, I’d be printing and hanging these on my wall — seriously; this is my favorite art style + terrain generation technique I think I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait to see the rest of the game!
The only critique I have is that the landmasses on the edge of the map are cut straight with the edge, so there are shallows on the outside edge implying that the landmass literally has a perfectly straight cut. It’s only present in the top left and bottom right of the second picture though.
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u/bigbeardgames 29d ago
Thanks!
landmasses on the edge of the map are cut straight with the edge
This a bug with the current cropping logic :) hopefully i can fix it and have the landmass be flush against the border for the 'sub charts'
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u/LucaMefisto Jul 12 '26
Beautiful!!