Nether Portal Map

[Rhof]

Frontier 3D Nether Portal Map



This post contains a link to the latest version of the Frontier 3D Nether Portal Map. If you know why you should care, and are experienced or confident interacting with a 3D image embedded in a PDF file using Acrobat Reader, then you're all set. Go for it, and enjoy!

If you're a little less sure why a 3D Nether Map is needed or useful, would like to see a video preview first, or want some coaching on how to use Acrobat Reader for viewing 3D PDF files, then the following few posts in this thread may offer some helpful insights. Study up... then go for it, and enjoy for yourself as well!

--Ropher


3D Map PDF Download – Current Version

Do not left-click on this download link:

Frontier 3D Nether Portal Map 06

Instead, right-click on the link and choose "Save Link As...", "Download Linked File", or a similar save-file-to-disk menu option relevant to your browser of choice. For most of us, attempting to open this file with a left click will likely make neither us nor our browsers very happy.


Nether Directory Map

(Click here to view full high-res image)

Release Notes

Version 06: June 16, 2012

Features and Additions:

• New Nether Color Paths help to distinguish crossovers and correspond to the directory diagram above. See this post for details.
• Map now has 36 portals including the addition of TOUR0KS ESTATE, Blacksok's Mound, Akirad0e's Village, Irimar, and Double Zombie XP Farm (#4).
• 17 brick-textured diamonds on paths that have yet to be mapped.
• 8 red-grid-textured diamonds mark exposed nether access.
• "Mystery Portal B" renamed to "Minerduck's".
• Old Spawn Portal room (blue level) and Admiral Trigger Happy's Nether Farm added.
• Map shows newly built, shortened (orange level) path to Piedra Roja, Henrideacon's, and Minerducks (thanks Akira!)'.
• Map shows newly re-built straight-level path from from [Akirad0e's Village, Irimar, Double Zombie XP Farm (#4)] to main sign-board hall on red level. It also shows the former stairs down, walkway, and stairs up path beneath this new route that was formerly used but is now blocked off by wooden block at both ends.

Known Issues:

• Double half-height stone brick texture being used instead of stone brick texture on floors and walls.
• Deweyoxberg's portal has reportedly been taken down.
• Some brick markers at mapped locations were overlooked and should be removed.

Previous Version Release Notes are published in a post below.
~

[Rhof]

Why a 3D Nether Portal Map?

Paths through the Nether are... complex. The position of many initial Nether portals is dictated by some simple rules of Minecraft, and the paths between them by a desire to stay alive on subsequent journeys between the portals and during construction of the paths.

As a result, the maze of Nether pathways on the Frontier server contains numerous crossovers, at least five known loops, circular stairways, some windowless hallways, and numerous confounding levels. It also has an "extended" set of less public passages that are sometimes labeled with signs or published in forum details, but which are closed off until a discreet access door is triggered. The angle and scale at which one desires to view the map largely depends on the goal at hand, and is often frustrated by an attempt to rid the viewing perspective of all the occluding details one does not want to see. Thus a simple top-down view, such as offered by the the web-based Tectonicus map of the Overworld just doesn't suffice for trip planning down in the Nether.

The Frontier 3D Nether Portal Map provides a panable (scrollable), zoomable, and spinable map that allows viewers to explore the map and view from their perspectives of desire -- in many ways like using Google Earth. It also does so with the convenience and speed of viewing a local PDF file that can be opened on a PC or Mac.

What will the Nether Map be used for? I started it just to try and figure out why I was constantly getting lost and if I had explored all the discoverable Nether paths -- a form of massive electronic breadcrumb overkill. I also knew I'd want something like it when ready to place my own local portal in the Overworld, and not have it conflict with any of the other established portals in the Nether that might otherwise be too close. I'm making the map public here by popular request and hope others will find some good uses for it as well.

~

[Rhof]

How to get and view the 3D Nether Portal Map

The 3D Nether Portal Map is distributed in a PDF document with embedded 3D content.

1) Files You'll Need:

The latest version of the map PDF file is available from the first post on this thread. Subscribe to this thread for update announcements.

The latest version of Adobe Reader for your PC or Mac is available free at:

Adobe - Adobe Reader download - All versions

You really do specifically need the official Adobe Reader application. Foxit Reader for Windows, and MacOS X Preview will not allow you to view and interact with 3D content. If you're downloading the Windows version you will likely want to uncheck the default option that otherwise also installs McAfee Security Scan Plus.

2) Watch the Demo Video to learn valuable 3D Nether Map Viewing Tips:

(Best when viewed full-screen at 720p HD quality resolution.)

[Rhof]

Progress, Problems, Plans and Proposals
(and How You Can Help)

The first release of the Nether Map is now alive and ready for download. Many thanks to Sorontar for assisting with the hosting needs, and especially to the many of you who encouraged me to make this public. Where it goes from here is yet to be seen, but as visible above there is at least a framework for managing updates. Expanding and improving the map takes time away from mining and crafting, so we'll see what the future may bring.

As mentioned in the release notes there are several known issues with the first version. If you find more or have suggestions to add, this is the place to contribute your comments. Some specific feedback that would be most helpful includes:

• Identification of locations that the "Mystery Portals" on the map lead to.
• Suggestions of other landscape features that might be useful.
• Suggestions of specific missing portals or routes that might be useful ... (I'm still not sure how to get the Hunger Games)
• Aesthetic suggestions on making it look better -- I'm an engineer, not an artistic designer.
• Anything else that peaks your fancy.

[Rhof]

Previous Version Release Notes

Version 05: June 13, 2012

Features and Additions:

• Map now includes 31 portals including the addition of Misnik, Aveege's Desert Oasis, Daos Castle, Tribble1's Place, Spleef Arena, Obsi & Bazz, ... and Mystery Portals E, F, & G.
• 15 brick-textured octahedra (4m high diamond shaped thingys) stand as markers at the end of paths that have yet to be mapped.
• 2 red-grid-textured octahedra stand as markers at the site of exposed nether access which can be explored, mined or built upon, but which have no remaining paths to map -- (by popular request).
• "Mystery Portal C" renamed to "Henridacon's Home & USS Enterprise".
• A 2-high wall at the end of paths denotes a dead end.
• The home view now defaults to a zoomed-in view near spawn rather than zooming out to show the entire map.
• The "Spawn" portal is labeled with a much bigger font.
• Appropriate cobblestone texture added to formerly solid-gray paths.
• Title moved to bottom of map to avoid 3D tool bar, and now includes generation date.
• Missing label placed on "Akirad0e's Proof of Concept Dual Use Spawner" portal.

Known Issues:

• Double half-height stone brick texture being used instead of stone brick texture on floors and walls.
• Deweyoxberg's portal has reportedly been taken down.

Version 04: June 12, 2012 -- 4.2 MB

Features:

• First public release for distribution to TOG members.
• Includes "Core" paths to over 20 Nether portals including Stronghold, Piedro Roja, Slime & Zombie Farms, the Relativitarium, and various player domains.
• Default north orientation with included compass rose.

Known Issues:

• Several paths are shown in gray rather than with their proper material textures.
• There are at least 3 "Mystery Portals" which lead to unkown locales in the Overworld.
• Title should be moved from top to bottom to avoid menu interference and made considerably smaller.
• Appropriate markers should be placed at known stopping places yet to be explored.
• Some better convention is needed for exposed, uncovered, or unprotected Nether access.
• Label missing on "Akirad0e's Proof of Concept Dual Use Spawner" portal.
• Double half-height stone brick texture being used instead of stone brick texture on floors and walls.

[Rhof]

Deweyoxberg reports that his Nether (and Overworld) portal have been removed.

[Deweyoxberg]

Mystery Portal C exits near Henri's USS Enterprise, underground a bit.
Mystery Portal A is part of Akira's private network and exits underground, in between the two monster spawn farms at/near spawn (the big tower next to Admiral's hotel).

[Bazz]

Nice work Rhof! rep incoming!

[Aveege]

Yes very nice map Rhof, definitely took some time

[Sorontar]

A link to this thread can be found in Our Worlds - servers, maps, claims, downloads sticky in the Frontier section. The link will also later be added to the TOG Minecraft Server Maps index page.