in-game mapping?

I've been thinking about it for ages... what if it was possible to build a map while in-game like the base builder mod? You choose a block type (square, hexagon, 8-face cylinder and so on) and size (you could just modify it with a menu), you would place it where you would like to and move it around. Then make some walls and teleports. The plugin would save all the stuff to a .rmf file which you could load on Hammer to texturize the map and customize it. Imagine how cool would it be if it was possible. I know it can sound stupid but I've always thought about it since the first time I played base builder.

I made a simple plugin to test out this idea.

source: https://gist.github.com/skyrim/ea9fc879a0570c1549ab15f31876ad0a
amxx: https://ufile.io/v9vy0
demo: https://ufile.io/8saq6 (if you only want to see how it looks)

Commands (I recommend binding them):
- say /createblock - creates an entity (only func_wall, other types like triggers and such could be added but I couldn't be bothered)
- say /movemode - changes to move mode (default)
- say /rotatemode - changes to rotation mode
- +use (E button usually)
Aim at an entity and hold +use to move the block or rotate the model of the entity (depending on the current mode)
While holding +use, hold left mouse button to push or right mouse button to pull the entity

More features could be added.


Here's pseudo code of RMF file format I made https://pastebin.com/ggVrDH3Q while looking at code I found here https://github.com/LogicAndTrick/sledge/blob/feature/simplification-project/Sledge.BspEditor/Providers/RmfBspSourceProvider.cs

It would be possible to get all blocks created in game and make an RMF file which could then be loaded in Hammer.

BUT,

Engine limitations:
- You must use a model to visualize the block.
- Model can be rotated, but the bounding box of the block can't be rotated.
- Model can't be scaled, but the bounding box of the block can be scaled.

Workaround could be to create a func_wall in editor with any shape you want and then move it in game.
You can test this using the plugin above. Open a map with a func_wall entity and you'll be able to move it.


In the end, the idea sounds good but it's not viable.

- Model can be rotated, but the bounding box of the block can't be rotated.

i don't see the point, and i doubt anyone will waste their time developing something like this.
If you compile the map with vis / rad set on "-fast" the map compiles in seconds. If the map is too large you can also use cordon tool in hammer to compile just a small segment of the map...

There are some amx plugins that can do similar stuff to what you want, like block maker