MFD GIS

A project I have been working on for a while...
This is an MFD that allows you to map the planet it is launched on, vastly improved over a previous similar MFD of mine. This requires satellites in orbit to work, and has 3 main mapping modes.

Satellites

First, satellites are required for sensing. The program will identify these as any satellites in orbit with 'Map' in the name (no quotes), and allows you to get planet data below the satellite.
The MFD will only connect to satellites within the line of sight. To connect to satellites below the horizon, you will need communications satellites to relay the 'signal'. These satellites are identified by having 'Com' in their name. An example I used was 4 satellites in droosynchronous orbit, spaced 90° apart. This allowed complete coverage, as the Comsats were high up. The last image shows an example of an advisable constellation to use.

Maps

There are three main map types: slope, height, and visual. You can navigate between maps by dragging the equirectangular map right or left, and you can edit the settings of any map with the panel below the map. Click the coloured square to change colours, the circle to toggle settings, and the text to change numbers.

Slope Map

The slope map will return the slope at points on the surface. The colour palette used for the data can be freely edited with the user interface, as well as the maximum slope which will be shaded with colour.

Height Map

The height map will return the height of points on the surface. The colour palette is editable, as well as the maximum and minimum heights used for shading.

Visual Map

This shades the map with an appearance similar to the naked eye. The amount of light used, as well as shading with relief (mountains) and sunlight is editable.

Download types

Download

This is the normal download. The base equirectangular map below the satellite will be updated.

Auto

Similar to download, but downloads automatically, saving you from having to constantly click

Hi-def

This generates a separate image with a custom field of view and resolution, allowing you to view the planet all at once, or zooming right into the ground right below the mapping satellite, to see detail.

Notes

• This MFD is XML-edited to allow for more widgets and more instructions per frame. It is advisable to save it as a subassembly rather than a program.
• After a large amount of time, the orbit line and satellite may de-synchronise. Exiting and re-entering the maps will fix this.
• The MFD has a moderately large initial loading time. There isn't really a way around this.
• The maximum resolution allowed in the program is 256. If you want higher, you will have to XML-edit the MFD's limit higher, then change the 'ResMax' variable in the program to the new limit.