couple of totally noob network question

[phillosopherp]

First what does Orthogonal mean and how exactly does it effect my networks when some piece are only orthogonal and others no so. I know this is probably the most idiotic network question and that I shouldn't even be playing the game at a high level without get this but I don't. Since I don't I know that it is causing me issues in building networks and thus I ask here. Hopefully someone won't feel the need to flame me over it.


Second I really like the SAM the use of the different textures is awesome, but I have run into to issues. First when using the dirt road texture and it crosses a rail texture I get the road signs of the crossing but the only visible texture is the standard grass texture. Am I missing something, or did I accidentally delete something? Also in regards to Textures I love JRJ's side street mode, is there a mod out there that will add that sort of stuff to the SAM textures? I haven't been able to find one so if there is one could someone just name it so that I can pick it up. Thanks....

[Tarkus]

phillosopherp, no worries.

Orthogonal is basically the opposite of diagonal.  It means it's going at 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees.

As far as the SAM thing, David (dedgren) just posted a fix in the SAM thread.  And with the Streetside Mod, jeronij did a version for the SAM, which you can find on the LEX.  I use it myself.

Hope that helps!

-Alex

[dedgren]

Heh, Alex...  the opposite of orthogonal is actually orthogonal, as in "doing a 180."  Diagonal is is the same as orthogonal, only different- 45 degrees different.

phillosopherp, welcome.  Don't let any of this confuse you.  I think Alex and I both bandy "orthogonal/ortho" and "diagonal" about so much that we just take for granted that any of it makes any sense.  Actually, as I'll explain- it really doesn't.

It's a frame of reference thing that goes back to the SC4 grid.  Once upon a time in this game, almost everything was orthogonal in the sense that we use it today- stuff aligned with the 2D Cartesian x and y axes.  Straight ahead, straight back and sideways to the left or right.  The game's bridges and tunnels are a good example of this ortho-only state of things.

A few networks allowed diagonal directions.  This increased to some degree with the Rush Hour Expansion Pack, then again exponentially over time with the NAM.  Folks tend to forget that things like diagonal highway interchanges, something that's now taken for granted, were a centerpiece of the early NAM development.

But, in actuality, and this may be the source of your confusion, we use orthogonal here in a way not consistent with its actual meaning.  Any two vectors are "orthogonal" when they cross each other at right angles [linkie].  So, in truth, those 45-225 degree and 135-335 degree vectors that we label "diagonal" are in fact with relation to each other orthogonal.  Hopelessly confused?

Here's, then, what is meant when you see "ortho" and "diagonal" around here.



This is an "orthogonal" rail segment



and a "diagonal" one.



Hope this helps!


David

[Tarkus]

Confusing analogy attempt on my part--it's been a long week.   Thank you for the far better explanation, David.

-Alex

[CaptCity]

Unless I didn't look hard enough, I think David attached the texture images to his post. The actual fix for the dirt road crossings was attached to Diggis's post here.

[Diggis]

Correct CaptCity, thanks.