Advanced Navigational Array

Overview

Many times during exploration of the galaxies, commanders find themselves looking for a quick way to get to a certain destination planet. Route planning over long distances can be tedious and is often prone to trial and error: In some cases, distance between consecutive stops on the way to destination may be very close to the 7.0 LY fuel limit, creating uncertainty in regards to the feasibility of the trip. In other cases, destinations may simply be unreachable.

The Advanced Navigational Array (ANA) is a navigation computer software upgrade, designed to assist commanders in planning long routes on the galactic map. In its current implementation, it allows commanders to view the Interplanetary Connectivity Grid (ICG) for the galaxy they are currently in, plus an overlay of the shortest route to their selected destination. For versions of Oolite prior to 1.74, shortest route refers to minimum number of jumps required and not necessarily shortest journey time. Oolite versions from 1.74 onwards feature the shortest journey time route as well. The ANA allows in addition for a quick and easy way to spot unreachable destinations on the current galaxy.

Usage

The ANA is activated by pressing ‘^’ (Shift + 6) – or ‘!’ (Shift + 1) for Oolite versions before 1.69 – while on the galactic chart screen. The ICG and route to destination will be displayed for as long as ‘^’ remains pressed and will switch off upon key release. See images below for examples:

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Galactic chart screen selected.

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'^' pressed and held. ANA is now active showing ICG and route to selected destination.

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Selected destination is unreachable. Only ICG is plotted in this case.

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Starting with Oolite version 1.74, it is possible to display also the shortest travel time route to the selected destination. To do this, press 'Shift+6' while the ANA is activated (from version 1.82; for versions 1.74 to 1.80, press 'Ctrl').

Starting with Oolite version 1.84, it is possible to display the different systems along a plotted route on the F7 screen by using the left/right arrow keys.

Availability

The Advanced Navigational Array is buyable equipment, available at any planet of Tech Level 7 or higher. Cost: 2250 ₢. This equipment is not supported in Oolite versions earlier than 1.67.

Route Planner OXP updates your ANA to cope with more than one destination

OXPs

• GalacticSatNav continually updates your options (shortest/fastest) as you travel along your plotted route.
• Route Planner OXP by Alnivel (2022). Updates your ANA to cope with more than one contract destination (and to pop into your grandmother's for tea too!). Vital!
• Vimana HUD's Travel Module shows the list of systems en route on your HUD.

• Diplomancy OXP requires ANA to show the War and Peace maps.

Links

• plot long range course - possible? The difficulties in plotting a course different from ANA's two options (2019)

Oolite Equipment Standard Equipment Astrogation Console • Cargo Hold • Compass • Energy banks • Engine/Main Drive • HUD • IFF Scanner • Life Support Systems • Missile • Pulse Laser • Shields • Ship's Hull • Torus Jump Drive • View Screen • Witchspace/Hyperspace Drive Optional Equipment Advanced Navigational Array • Advanced Space Compass • Cargo Bay Expansion • Docking Computers • E.C.M. System • Escape Pod • Extra Energy Unit • External Heat Shielding • Fuel Scoops • Galactic Hyperdrive • Integrated Targeting System • Military Shield Enhancement • Multi-Targeting System • Naval Energy Unit • Passenger Berth • Scanner Targeting Enhancement • Shield Boosters • Target System Memory Expansion • Witchdrive Fuel Injectors • Wormhole Scanner Weapons Beam Laser • ECM Hardened Missile • Energy Bomb • Military Laser • Mining Laser • Missile • Pulse Laser • Quirium Cascade Mine • Twin Plasma Cannon