                                Command : BMAP

 SYNTAX:
   [##:##] Command: bmap <SECTS> [~|@|type [!!!]]

Bmap gives you a graphic representation of all or part of the known world.  It
is similar to the map command, except that while map shows you only those sec-
tors currently near or owned by you, bmap shows you archived  sector  informa-
tion  from  your  country's  bigmap database.  The bigmap database is also the
resource that makes possible such features as autonavigation (see  order)  and
autodistribution (see autodist).

Every time Empire informs you of a sector's designation, be it one of your own
or  someone  else's, the information is added to your bigmap.  This means that
every time you designate a sector, perform a map command, radar a region,  spy
on  a  sector,  overfly  an area, etc., your bigmap database remembers for you
what you see.

Sectors generally show  up  as  a  designation  mnemonic  (see  sector-types),
although  sectors  held  by  other  countries may appear as question marks (?)
until their actual type is determined (by lookout or spy, for example).  Moun-
tains, wilderness ares, and seas appear as '^', '-' and '.' respectively.

                                Command : BMAP

The bmap command recognizes several different optional second parameters.  The
'~'  option lets you mark and unmark sectors.  If you subsequently use the '@'
option, marked sectors will show up as '@' on  the  map.   Ocean  sectors  are
automatically  marked whenever you lay or encounter mines; ships sailing under
autonav orders will automatically avoid marked ocean sectors.

If the second parameter is any character other than  '@'  or  '~',  bmap  will
assume  you  want to force that character into your bigmap database.  You will
normally be asked to confirm the change; if you want to avoid being asked  for
confirmation, specify '!!!' as the third parameter ("DO IT NOW!!!").

Examples:
   [##:##] Command: bmap -9:18,-8:5
generates a 28 x 14 map based on data supplied by your bigmap database.

                                Command : BMAP

       ---------0000000000111111111
       9876543210123456789012345678
    -8        . . . - -             -8
    -7       . . . . - ^            -7
    -6    . . . . - - - -           -6
    -5   . . - . a a - ^ ? ? -      -5
    -4  . . . . k o ! - ^ ? ? ?     -4
    -3 . - . a h j a ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ -    -3
    -2  . . - . a a a ^ a a - - -   -2
    -1   . . . a a a b + + ^ ^ -    -1
     0  . . . m c u a a - ^ - ^     0
     1   . - . a a . a a - - ^      1
     2    - ^ ^ a a a ^ a - - ^     2
     3     - - - - - - - . . -      3
     4      ^ - - - - - ^ - -       4
     5       - ^ - - ^ - - -        5
       ---------0000000000111111111
       9876543210123456789012345678

                                Command : BMAP

   [##:##] Command: bmap -3,1 ~ !!!
toggles the mark at sector -3,1 without asking for confirmation.

See also : map, order, autonav

