IxWiki:Global Maps

The various Global Maps World Map, Continents Map, Raw Map, Topographic Map, and Climate Map (in progress) are the graphical representation of the world in which we RP. Each map represents the same view but display specifically pertinent information that help us describe the world.

To make our world compatible with our ability to communicate about it we have to make some broad handwavium assumptions. They fall into the following categories:
 * the size and scale of out world and how we measure it
 * the way climate and weather works; and
 * the way tectonics and physical geography are (not) related.

=Size and Scale= As of 4/11/2021 the base map that all global maps display is 8,400 pixels long and 4,200 pixels in height. The scale of these maps is 1px=10sqmi (25.90 sqkm). This means that the circumference of this world is 42,000 miles making our world 1.6 times larger than Earth. We have collectively agreed that, for RPing purposes, this will not have an impact of the gravity of our world.

The world map is bound by the polar circles and represents the habitable land in our world. This is called polar offset. It means that the map is effectively 5,293 pixels in height when calculating for coordinates.

Calculating Latitude and Longitude
To make it 1:1 analogue longitude lines would be 46.667px and latitude lines would be 29.408px.

To calculate a coordinate you need understand that the Equator is in the middle of the map height-wise at 2100 pixels from the top and the Prime Meridian is in the middle of the map width-wise at 4200 pixels from the left. Open the Raw map in a program that tells me which pixels you are pointing to. I use Paint.net because its free, but Photoshop and other programs are just fine. The image to the right shows you where to find that information in Paint.net using the regular pointer tool.

Longitude
To determine the longitude of a location look at the first number in the bottom right, in the example 5286. Since it is greater than 4200 that means it is east of the Prime Meridian. To determine how many degrees east of the Prime Meridian subtract 4200 from 5286 equaling 1086. Because there are 46.667px in each line of longitude, divide 1086 by 46.667, equaling 23.271. This is the number of decimal degrees east of the Prime Meridian the point is, written as 23.271 east longitude.

Latitude
To determine the latitude of a location look at the second number in the bottom right, in the example 1605. Since it is less than 2100 that means it is north of the Equator. To determine how many degrees north of the Equator subtract 1605 from 2100 equaling 495. Because there are 29.408px in each line of latitude, divide 495 by 29.408, equaling 16.832. This is the number of decimal degrees north of the Equator the point is, written as 16.832 N.

Converting decimal degrees to degrees minute and seconds
This is an optional step. To convert these into geographic coordinates click this link to the Degrees Minutes Seconds to/from Decimal Degrees calculator and scroll to the second calculator, titled Decimal Degrees to Degrees Minutes Seconds. Input your decimal latitude in the first box, in this example 21.214, and your decimal longitude in the second box, in this example 23.271. It will output your coordinates in degrees minutes and seconds. In this example 21° 12' 50.3994" and 23° 16' 15.6". Now to complete the coordinates you need to give them their hemispheric references (North or South of the Equator, and East or West of the Prime Meridian). In this case because we know that this example is from north of the Equator and West of the Prime Meridian we would complete it as follows: 21° 12' 50" N and 23° 16' 15" E. I choose to take out the superfluous decimals because they are far to specific for references in this world. I am not trying to locate a pinhead, I am pointing to a city, or town most likely.

Comparing to IRL latitudes and longitudes
If you would like to see how your coordinates compare to the real world you can put your decimal or minutes and second degrees into GPS Coordinate calculator and interactive map.

=Climate and weather= Based on general latitudinal observations analogues with IRL climates can be made. Check the Discord Map channel for a pinned message about how to fill this in.

=Tectonics and Physical Geography= Why are there that many islands in the middle of nowhere? Shut up! This is not Micronesia, this is Yottanesia! Until we stumble upon a geology major who is super bored and wants to ruin all of our days by reconfiguring our entire map and tell us that no, we can't ALL have mountains on our borders and trying to pry islands from Kirav's and Burg's cold dead heads lets just admit none of us know anything about or care enough about this topic.