Star map
The Starmap, or star chart, is the map of our corner of the galaxy. It is divided into a grid of 20x20 squares, with each square consisting of fifty degrees space-latitude by fifty degrees space-longitude. The canonical term Standard HyperSpace distance unit, (or SDU ) is used to describe the degrees of distance in latitude and longitude. The section of space shown on the Starmap is 1000x1000 SDU and 1 000 000 sq.SDU.
While viewing the map, the lowest X:Y co-ordinate is (002.0 : 002.1) and the highest is (999.9 : 997.7). The imaginary line connecting the two points is the Coreward direction and travel between the two points requires 141.3 units of fuel for the Flagship. Oddly, the Flagship can travel to the co-ordinates (000.0 : 000.0) and (999.9 : 999.9) which will be shown in the Navigation screen, but the ship's location on the map will be (002.1 : 002.1) and (999.9 : 997.7) respectively.
The location of The Flagship is designated by a small grey ring and its selected destination by a pink compass star; the trajectory between the two points is represented as a dotted blue line and the projected fuel consumption is shown. While plotting course, the Flagship's range based on actual fuel will be expressed by a grey disc. When the Flagship makes contact with a race, their Sphere of Influence is added to the Starmap in the form of a coloured ring, with their name, that corresponds to the location of their fleet.
In Navigation mode (Image 3), the main screen shows the Flagship's location, and to the right is a smaller, green mini starmap that shows the Flagship's immediate position with nearby stars and any approaching vessels.
Fuel Consumption
- To travel the entire length of one axis (ex: from the left limit of the map to the right) requires exactly 100.0 units of fuel.
- To travel a diagonal line between corners (ex: from top left to bottom right) requires 141.3 units of fuel.
- 1 SDU uses 0.1 unit of fuel.
Cardinal Points
Many Humans use the Cardinal Points to refer relative locations on the starmap. The North-South Axis runs from (500.0 : 999.9) to (500.0 : 000.0). The West-East Axis runs from (000.0 : 500.0) to (999.9 : 500.0).
By the system, Human, Ilwrath and Pkunk space are all in the southwest of the region while the Supox and Utwig are in the northeast.