Cartography

Cartography

Cartography is one of the many Professions in Stars Reach, specializing in surveying planets, charting environments, and creating navigational data. It plays a crucial role in the game’s Economy by providing vital maps and geographic insights to other players.

Overview

Cartographers explore unexplored (or partially explored) planets and regions, using specialized tools to gather terrain data. They then transform this information into usable, tradeable maps that can be sold, shared, or gifted to others. These maps help fellow players navigate difficult landscapes, locate valuable resources, or plan settlement expansions.

How It Works

• Tool-Based System: To practice cartography, players must equip a profession-specific tool or kit.
• Skill Progression Through Use: The more you explore and record accurate mapping data, the more your cartography skill improves. Additional experience may be gained when other players utilize your published maps.
• Planetary Variety: Because each planet in Stars Reach can have unique terrain, climate, and hazards, cartography remains an ongoing and profitable endeavor for explorers and traders alike.

Integration with Other Professions

Cartographers often collaborate with Scouting or Harvesting specialists, since knowledge of resource-rich areas can increase map value. Map data can also benefit builders in Civil Engineering who need precise terrain information for constructing settlements.

Gameplay Benefits

• Economic Opportunities: Selling high-quality maps can be lucrative—players lacking exploration skills or time might happily pay for navigational data.
• Community Reputation: Popular cartographers can become well-known, especially if their charts prove accurate and up-to-date.
• Safe Exploration: Group expeditions may rely on cartographers to avoid dangerous terrain or locate strategic vantage points.

References

• Professions – Main list of planned professions for Stars Reach
• Developer interviews with Raph Koster mentioning the importance of map-making and player-driven exploration
• MMORPG.com – Initial discussions on 40+ professions and tool-based limitations