Map coordinate generation?

[Strangelove]

I've noticed in recent submissions, and discussion on IRC, that the overwhelming majority of race writers want to put their planets up north exclusively so as to avoid the warzones as well as to have the largest variety of different nations in proximity.

However, if this trend continues our map might end up looking all funny and lopsided. So I propose this: All new races will have random starting coordinates assigned to them (for their homeworld), probably using something like http://www.random.org/. Sets of random coordinates are generated until a set is found that doesn't fall within 10 LY of any currently colonized system it.

Good idea? Any thoughts?

 

[alhazred23]

Hmm... has anyone tried to do a 3D map of the known galaxy? The 'not enough space' thing only arises because systems can't overlap vertically on a 2D map.

 

[Abwehran Commander]

This thread needs to be moved to a more appropriate forum.

 

[Legix]

Was/Is there a final verdict for this? I've been needing to create a number/name for the Dig-It world and likely will need to do more in the future and was looking for this sort of information. It's sorta overlooked in the world/system generation information around the site (unless I missed it) and would be useful to know if there's a "set-in-stone" method to the numbering of worlds/systems within the sector.

 

[Wes]

Currently we ask that GMs/FMs request placement on the map and they can suggest the location. There's a thread for it in the GM forum (Map Updates). I've added a grid system to the main map and it doesn't give strict coordinates for star but it makes them much easier to find. Ideally, we'd have EVERY wiki page for a star system include the system's map coordinates on it.