map file question Created 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:21:51 UTC by aaron_da_killa aaron_da_killa

Created 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:21:51 UTC by aaron_da_killa aaron_da_killa

Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:21:51 UTC Post #235579
Just out of interest, whats the difference between .rmf and .map files?
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:27:36 UTC Post #235580
One is alot more complex and stores alot more data from the map, everything in fact.

The other only stores the basis and therefore creates a much smaller file size, it can also be useful in case the main file gets corrupted. But in most cases, most people don't work from it.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:30:06 UTC Post #235581
to be more specific, .rmf is a hammer-specific format, .map is just a list of coordinates and stuff.
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:32:33 UTC Post #235582
But they both contain your map and everything in it. The same map in a .map will look exactly the same as a .rmf. Why have 2 formats. Whats the point?
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:35:07 UTC Post #235583
The RMF is the file used in Hammer. The Map file is developed during the compile for the coordinates and Penguinboy said.
monster_urby monster_urbyGoldsourcerer
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:35:13 UTC Post #235584
I don't think the RMF is actually used during the compile process, right? It's just converted to a .map and that's what it uses.

Edit: Apparently I'm right.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:36:40 UTC Post #235585
^Heh, freaky.^
monster_urby monster_urbyGoldsourcerer
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:41:35 UTC Post #235587
But why have an rmf if hammer can read the map file?
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:46:40 UTC Post #235588
because the .map isn't built as complex and shit... and sometimes things don't transfer right... i dunno.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 18:55:01 UTC Post #235589
Yeah, and I think when it's converted to .map that's when all the vertices are locked onto the grid... which is why you may see invalid solid errors and stuff when you look at the .map that was generated, while the RMF is fine.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:01:20 UTC Post #235590
Oh interesting. Because I hollowed out a 32 sided cylinder and it was fine but when I reloaded the .map file it aligned itself to the grid and it was terrible. But you can't compile rmfs. Can you?
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:04:12 UTC Post #235591
oh you can, it will just turn it into a .map in the process... don't worry bout that.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:06:35 UTC Post #235592
.rmf holds visgroups and such.
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:10:44 UTC Post #235594
well than, whats the point of an rmf if it is converted into a map file anyway?
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:19:38 UTC Post #235596
maybe the rmf is for that little bit of extra information it can hold for the mapper.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:22:06 UTC Post #235597
It's funny how the purpose of .maps isn't actually documented anywhere, and I just learned this stuff over time.

aaron, the RMF is a file format made to be worked with in an editor. The .map format was designed to be compiled, but that doesn't mean they're going to restrict you from viewing these files in the editor... it's just not ideal.

Also, considering how large RMFs can grow to be, it's possible that there were technical limitations at the time regarding how much memory was being used to compile. Thus, the .map format may have been easier for the computer to work with since it's significantly smaller. Remember, GoldSrc is based off the Quake engine, which started being used in 1996. Back then, RAM wasn't plentiful, to say the least.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:45:24 UTC Post #235598
But, if the map file can be read in the editor, than why have another, larger format.

But I kinda get the point now;)
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:48:29 UTC Post #235599
sighs deeply

The RMF holds extra info the .map doesn't.
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 19:57:11 UTC Post #235601
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 20:02:08 UTC Post #235603
Counts how many times thats been said

Sighs
monster_urby monster_urbyGoldsourcerer
Posted 16 years ago2007-10-03 20:07:58 UTC Post #235604
the RMF holds data the compiler doesn't use, but hammer does: visgroups, the 'colour' of the brushes in the 2d views, groups, etc.
Penguinboy PenguinboyHaha, I died again!
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