Map Features

This topic will cover A* Explorer's map features.

Drawing Maps

Maps are drawn interactively using the mouse. Simply select the desired weight from the toolbar or menu. Clicking on the map will colour the position in the desired weight.

The darker the colour, the harder it makes the position to transverse with black being impassable. The red and green icons denote the start and end points respectively. You may only have one start point and one end point on any given map.

Important: If an endpoint is placed on a black square, it will render the goal impossible to achieve, since it is not possible to reach the endpoint. If the startpoint is placed on a black square, however, the algorithm will be able to move off the point.

Saving and Loading Maps

Saving and loading maps within A* Explorer is very easy. Once a map has been drawn, select "File, Save" or use the Save icon. Type your filename and hit "Save".

To load your map, select "File, Open", find your map and hit "Open".

Understand the Maps

After running the A* algorithm on a map, your typical map might look something like the shot shown on the right.

As covered, the red and green squares denote the start and end points, and the greyscale boxes are varying weights. The blue square is a node that has been highlighted in the node view (not shown) and the magenta lines show the node's children.