I Actually Used EVE Online's In-Game Map

One of EVE Online's greatest weaknesses was the lack of a decent in-game map. I started playing EVE in 2009 and honestly, if I hadn't discovered Dotlan Maps, I still wouldn't have two paid accounts. As someone who not only used maps in the military but was a geography major who used early computer mapping programs, I always thought the main purpose of EVE's maps was to look cool rather than provide players with useful information.

CCP finally put in a 2D map option with the launch of the Catalyst expansion. I finally got a chance to use the feature because Dotlan was not showing the location of the Winter Nexus' ice storms. 

The stream began with the map update

I knew The Agency was supposed to help me find systems with Winter Nexus content instead of needing to blindly wander around. So after not finding much help in The Agency I turned to the in-game map. 

The location of ice storms in the map

The secret was to look at the filter options at the bottom of the map and look for Metaliminal Storms. Red represents the middle of the storm, orange is the middle ground where I believe the Youil Lads fly around, and yellow are the fringes. 

One thing I really like about the new 2D map is the ability to scroll. I found the ability to move the displayed area around useful in finding storms. More importantly, the scrolling was easier than trying to click on individual region maps on Dotlan.

Progress after the first weekend

I do want to note my observations about the map isn't just theoretical. I'm going around actually running sites. Okay, I've mainly done ice mining. I'm still practicing my probing skills to feel comfortable enough to head into low sec for some nice loot. And if I really want to I can run the combat sites. This weekend looked like no one wanted to run combat. I think the reason is the big prize is an ice mining destroyer and a lot of people are using their mining characters. I know I am. Although, to be honest, the ship tree shows my mining/blockade runner character has max skills to fly Cyclones and Claymores. Perhaps I'll have to pull out the Claymore and practice my combat skills. At least with the new map finding things to shoot will be a lot easier.