Factorio Forums

I would like to have a little preview window when I adjust the map generator. Just to be able to see if the map parameters are what I expect to have. It doesn't have to be the exact result since it's still a random generator, but something that I can get an impression before starting the game.

Generator is not random, but pseudo-random. It means that given a fixed seed result will always be the same. This is at the base of the map exchange string system.

The biggest problem I found is that map is generated on the fly when you enter in a "new" unexplored zone, so the preview could only cover your starting zone.

I sure as hell hope the generation is fast enough to be able to generate even a 32x32 pixel map quickly

I think this is very possible, but to make it in the game is probably not for a long time if its even considered. And if it is considered, its probably been for a long time

I add here, that the preview generates a random part of 5x5 chunk sized map (160 tiles). This takes a while! Depends also on the used mods.
This piece of map is shown 5 seconds or so and then another random piece of map (from the same world) is generated.