Maze Maps

Dave Woodfield was kind enough to send me a file of maze maps and a maze editor utility. The utility is DOS but I have run it succesfully under Windows 98. I had some problems trying to run over the network so it may need all the files on drive C. I can accept no responsibility for any problems caused by the use of the software. I have not virus checked it or tested for trojans.

Here is Dave's description:

"While watching mouse-mail go by I have noticed several requests for maze maps, and also queries on how to read them.

It seems like a waste of time to invent file formats when there has been a standard in the MicroMouse world since the early eighties you just isolate yourself from the hundreds of maze maps that you can find lying around. Printable files are OK for printing, but useful maze maps should be machine readable to allow easy testing of your maze solver.

My first mice (Thumper and Known-Aim) stored the map in 256 bytes running west to east, south to north, but as soon as I came across this standard Enterprise was converted to use it and Voyager has used it from when he was an egg.

I believe this file format originated in Japan, but the Americans and Koreans that I have met also use it.

The files are simple, 256 bytes long with a .MAZ extension.

Byte 0x00 = SW square

Byte 0x0f = NW square

Byte 0xf0 = SE square

Byte 0xff = NE square

Bit 0 = N wall

Bit 1 = E wall

Bit 2 = S wall

Bit 3 = W wall

I use other bits in the maze map while a mouse is running for 'Visited' and 'GoFaster' flags, but if you do this please remember to reset bits 4-7 before storing a map for future use or sharing with others.

I have attached a DOS program which will read, edit, write and print these files. Also a load of maze maps, some good, some rubbish."

Here is a link to the zipped file

Back to Duncan:-

I had a go with the maze editor and it is much prettier than my own efforts. It also shows the shortest path. I shall be using the same format in my maze solver simulator in due course. It may not be too useful a format for a real mouse if you are looking for minimum memory size as there are a lot of empty bits. However, if you have spare RAM, it would be a good choice.