Map copy
From GenieWiki
Map copy is a function introduced in the Age of Kings editor which allows designers to copy and paste a section of the map. The map copy function is accessed via the terrain setting in the editor, and allows the designer to select a rectangular area of the map to copy, and paste it onto any location. Map copy has since become a common feature in real-time strategy game editors.
Map copy can copy map sections not only within a given map, but between different scenarios, allowing users to copy sections from other maps that they or other designers have used. Though map copy tries to copy a section of the map exactly, there are some things that aren't preserved perfectly, such as terrain brush forests which become a uniform forest of one tree only. Cliffs are another unit that becomes distorted, often appearing invisible, which can be both a nuisance and a handy characteristic for designers. Elevations may also become distorted around the edges of the copied area as they attempt to conform to the topography of the local area they are pasted onto.
Map copy is used not only to copy sections of the map between scenarios, but also to place beta units and terrains from templates and to place units in locations normally unattainable to improve the look of their map. It can even be used in tricks such as ice terrain that can be passed by naval units. For example mountains are often pasted onto one another with trees on top, and buildings, walls etc are pasted together to form a composite building of a unique appearance. As such map copying is considered an indespensable part of map design.
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Operations
Toggle copy/paste mode
While in copy mode ('Copy selected area' will be displayed) the designer can select an area to copy by dragging the cursor over an area. If 'Copy selected area' is clicked, the highlighted area is copied into memory, and will remain there unless it is overwritten with another copy. This data is only temporary, and is lost for example if the game is turned off, however it remains when switching between different scenarios.
Paste mode ('Go to copy mode' displayed) allows the player to paste the copied data onto any area of the map. This operation can be performed repeatedly. Map makers are advised not to try to copy very large areas (e.g. the whole map) as this can crash the game. Pasting over an area overwrites all previous terrain/units. Map copy can also be used like the terrain brush, allowing the designer to paint by continuously pasting (holding down the left mouse button). Shoreless water could be pasted in this way, for example.
As mentioned above, many units can become distorted when pasted. Mines, forest terrain trees, cliffs and cacti are some examples of units that change under map copy.
Rotate
Rotates the copied area left or right about the vertical axis (looking down)
Flip
Creates a mirror image about one of two diagonal lines - flip left/right uses the NW/SE axis, while flip up/down uses the NE/SW axis as the line of symmetry.
Change player
All units that can be owned by a non-Gaia player switch ownership to the designated team.
