Map-Improvements

# Map Improvements - Reimagined Cartography Tired of vanilla maps turning your world into a confusing mosaic of clashing pixels? Have you switched to minimap mods like Xaero's, but miss the immersive, tangible feel of holding a map? **Map Improvements** is here to bring the classic cartography experience into the modern age. This mod doesn't just tweak vanilla maps—it completely **re-invents the rendering engine**, transforming them from a cluttered, low-color mess into clear, beautiful, and informative geographical surveys. --- ## Features ### Unmatched Clarity and Realism * **True-Color, High-Definition Rendering** * Replaces the limited 256-color palette with a full 32-bit RGBA canvas. * Eliminates chaotic, overly-vibrant patches for a clean, legible, and visually coherent map. * **Advanced Terrain Visualization** * **Slope-Accurate Shading:** Terrain is shaded based on elevation data, simulating how sunlight would illuminate slopes and valleys. This creates an instant, intuitive understanding of the landscape. * **Depth & Height Mapping:** Clearly see the contours of riverbeds, lake floors, and forest canopies. ### A Smarter Way to Explore * **Smooth-Scrolling Fog of War** * Replaces the jarring vanilla checkerboard with a smooth, natural gradient for seamless exploration. * **Experimental: Line-of-Sight Vision** * Your map only reveals what is **directly visible** from your position. * **Realistic Occlusion:** Cliffs, mountains, and forests block your view. You can't see what's behind a hill until you have a direct line of sight. ### Designed for the Modern Player * **The Perfect Partner for Map Atlases** * We fix the *rendering*, so you can enjoy the *management*. Designed for flawless integration with **Map Atlases** for a single, stunning megamap. * **Fully Customizable & Sensible Defaults** * **Adjustable Render Radius:** Control how much terrain is mapped. * **Surface-Only Mapping (Enabled by Default):** Your map focuses on the overworld and won't update underground. * Balance visual quality and performance to match your system. --- ## Compatibility * **Supported Versions:** `1.19.4` | `1.20.1` | `1.21.1` * **Network Protocol:** Fully compatible with multiplayer. Servers need the mod for all features. * **Recommended Companion:** **(https://modrinth.com/mod/map-atlases)** for seamless map stitching and management. --- ## Why Choose Map Improvements? If you've ever thought, "I wish vanilla maps were actually usable," this is your answer. * **For Explorers:** Create a beautiful and meaningful record of your journey. * **For Builders:** Plan your colossal projects with perfect terrain overview. * **For Everyone:** Rediscover the magic of holding a map that is a work of art, not a pixelated puzzle. **Rediscover the magic of exploration. Reclaim the vanilla map.** --- ## ⚠️ Project Status & Expectations This mod is considered **stable and reliable for everyday use** on supported versions. However, as a complete rewrite of the game's cartography, it is under **active development**. * **New features** (like the Line-of-Sight vision) are marked as *Experimental*. * Your feedback and bug reports are invaluable for further polish and refinement. We encourage you to try it and see if it transforms your Minecraft experience as intended!