[Idea] Choose map icons for stations yourself

[Caedes91]

In 6.0 you added different map icons for stations. The computer voice also announces the station depending on what it produces.

I think this is a good idea. It gives players a quick overview of the stations in a sector and makes the map easier to use in general.

However, if you add a single other production module to the stations, it gets only gets labeled as "High-Tech-Factory"
This is often the case for me, because most of my stations also have solar power panels, since they can function in about any sector with sunlight - also as roleplay, so that at least life-support gets energy in case logistics and delivery chains break during a crisis.
Or they have modules for the intermediate wares too, before producing the "final" ware. For example a station that produces Advanced Electronics, but also has the production chain before it.

Therefore can you add something like a dropdown menu in the station info tab, so we can determine ourselves what the station is?
For better overview and faster locating of our own stations, that only increase in number as the game goes on?

For example:

[default] - Let the game decide
High-Tech-factory
Advanced Electronics Factory
...

[Nanook]

...
Therefore can you add something like a dropdown menu in the station info tab, so we can determine ourselves what the station is?
For better overview and faster locating of our own stations, that only increase in number as the game goes on?

For example:

[default] - Let the game decide
High-Tech-factory
Advanced Electronics Factory
...

You already have the ability to rename your station however you want. What more do you need?

[Caedes91]

You already have the ability to rename your station however you want. What more do you need?

But that doesn't change the map icon afaik, does it? I doubt, that for example just naming a station "defence station" will give it the shield symbol.
And I don't think, that the computer voice would change accordingly.
It's just me wanting to have more different icons on the map. A More diverse map landscape is prettier to look at I guess?
I understand, that this won't affect the game much, therefore I believe, won't be too difficult to add.
Hence why I am asking for it.

[Alan Phipps]

The problem is that the default station icons and names are dynamic - ie they change as modules are added or removed from the station and change its main role. Hence even if the player could change the icon, it might not stay the same as the station evolves.

I mention this only to point out that it is not as simple as a modder telling you how to change the icon and it necessarily staying forever. In a similar case to the player allocated names being permanent, it probably could be retrofitted in-game by the devs if they were convinced to do something along those lines.

[Caedes91]

The problem is that the default station icons and names are dynamic - ie they change as modules are added or removed from the station and change its main role. Hence even if the player could change the icon, it might not stay the same as the station evolves.

I mention this only to point out that it is not as simple as a modder telling you how to change the icon and it necessarily staying forever. In a similar case to the player allocated names being permanent, it probably could be retrofitted in-game by the devs if they were convinced to do something along those lines.

I was thinking of something like an override. For example in the application of blacklists or trade rules. Give the players a checkbox to use the default/global setting or not. The default icons and names are dynamic, exactly as you said, and this is also just fine. Then people would just never touch the option and keep playing as usual thereby letting the game dynamically adjust the icon, if the station changes.
But if a player does choose a different icon, which would be a concious action, then the game will stop assigning an icon by itself. The decision of the player will be something like an override until unchecked. Even if they change the station, they either can switch back to default, or just assign another icon themselves. Kind of how blacklists, global orders, trade rules fire authorizations etc. already work.

Those who don't utilize this, wouldn't affected. It would just add option in a non-invasive manner.