(Edited from my removed post into a more cohesive terraforming related suggestions)
Currently, there are a few issues with terraforming process and controls:
- Terraforming always overshoots the target value. The bigger the terraforming capacity - the more it will overshoot.
Another side-effect of the same issue is that if you set a target to lower than atmosphere already is - terraforming tick still happens next cycle, which "overshoots" target by 100% of capacity. - Current terraform controls feel out of place and somewhat unintuitive.
Based on the "Add Gas to Atmosphere" checkbox, certain database columns and log messages, I assume that current implementation involves unnecessary storage of TerraformStatus variable for each pop, which is then retrieved and used during production cycle in a series of checks. In my opinion, MaxAtm (which can be more appropriately renamed into TargetAtm) variable is enough to extrapolate everything needed for terraformation calculations.
I suggest replacing terraform logic with this:
If ( Current_Atm != Target_Atm ) then // I know about double's wonky equality check, but hear me out
Terraform_change = Terraform_Capacity / Year_length * Cycle_length * other_modifiers.... //Amount of atm change possible on this body this production cycle
If ( Terraform_change > 0 ) then
Difference = Target_Atm - Current_Atm
If ( ABS(Difference) <= Terraform_change ) then //Can target be reached with available change?
Current_Atm = Target_Atm //gives people nice and clean values AND allows that target equality check at the beginning
//Log message here? I know there are several versions of them, but maybe 1 universal "Target has been reached" is enough
else
If ( Difference < 0 ) then //>0 means we need to add gas, <0 means we need to extract gas
Current_Atm -= Terraform_change
If ( Current_Atm < 0 ) then
Current_Atm = 0
else
Current_Atm += Terraform_change This would fix the first problem and remove the need for that checkbox (and variable) completely, which is a part my proposal to fix to the second problem: change up terraform control panel from environmental tab.
- Move terraform panel from the top of the tab to a position aligned with other panels in the tab. It really does not stand out at the top, and making it equal to other panels will make it more visible and understandable.
- Remove the "Add Gas to Atmosphere" checkbox. Most new players treat it as "Enable terraforming" button, which is not exactly right and leads to confusion when they need to remove gas instead of adding it.
- Add a simple visual indicator of any kind. Even a text label with appropriate text would do.
- Appropriately change said indicator based on various factors to indicate whether terraforming process is active or not. Check if not-"None" gas is selected, if so then check for Terraform_Capacity, if >0 then check if Target Atm value is valid, if it is then indicate that the process is active. Can add appropriate indications for each missed step too.
- Perform said check on Gas and Target Atm control changes, as well as with other cycle-based checks for industry tabs.
- With more space to work with, an estimated time until Target Atm is reached can be added onto the panel.
Recent Posts
It provides enough population with it's Orbital Habitat to staff four Maintenance Facilities and enough Maintenance Modules to double their capacity. This version is trimmed down from the one I'm using, since I tend to load up on RP components a bit. It could be useful to add some MSP storage and maybe, maybe add some Cargo Shuttle Bays; but the design is functional as is. These stations are a great way to free up workers while expanding your maintenance capacity. Might need a really big tug to move anywhere though... at least in any reasonable time frame that is.