What is Tectolite

Well Hello there :)

Tectolite is a small map making tool for worldbuilding hobbiests

www.refracturedgames.com

if you want to stay up to date with other awesome tools feel free to visit my website :)

Features

🌍 Spherical Earth Model

• Real 3D Geometry: Plates now move on a sphere using vector mathematics.
• Projections: Toggle between Orthographic (Globe), Mercator, Mollweide, Robinson, and Equirectangular views.
• Navigation:
  • Rotate Tool (H): Spin the globe in Orthographic view or pan in map views.
  • Zoom: Scroll to zoom in/out.

⚛️ Euler Pole Kinematics

• Physics-based Motion: Plate movement is defined by Euler Poles (Rotation Axis + Rate).
• Interactive Control:
  • Select a plate and use the Properties Panel to set the Euler Pole position (Lon/Lat) and Rate (degrees/Ma).
  • Toggle "Euler Poles" visibility to see the rotation axes on the globe.
• Timeline-based Simulation:
  • Motion is calculated functionally based on time.
  • Scrub timeline or click Reset to see past/future configurations.
  • Non-destructive: Resetting time perfectly restores original positions.

✂️ Temporal tools

• Split Tool (S):
  • Splitting a plate creates two new child plates at the current simulation time.
  • The parent plate "dies" at that time.
  • Scrubbing back in time reveals the original parent plate.
  • Scrubbing forward reveals the new child plates.

Usage Guide

1. Select Projection: Use the top-right dropdown to choose your preferred map view.
2. Draw Plate: Use the Draw Tool (D) to click points on the globe. Double-click to finish.
3. Define Motion:
   • Select the plate.
   • In the Properties Panel, set Pole Rate (e.g., 5.0).
   • Adjust Pole Lon/Lat to change direction.
4. Simulate: Click Play (Spacebar) or drag the timeline slider.
5. Split:
   • Go to the time you want the split to happen.
   • Use Split Tool (S) to draw a line across the plate.
   • New plates are created from that moment forward.

Technical Details

• Engine: Custom TypeScript SimulationEngine using functional kinematic state.
• Rendering: HTML5 Canvas + d3-geo paths.
• Data Model: TectonicPlate stores initialPolygons and birthTime. Current position is derived via quaternion/vector rotation at runtime.