Maps and terrain

The New Game preview shows the shape of the map before you begin. Choose whether it includes lakes, a river and a sea coast. Water and terrain affect how much connected land is available, where roads can cross and where waterfront facilities can fit.

Small maps are 256×256 cells. The full desktop version also offers a 512×512 Large map. Each cell represents 16 metres. See Lite and desktop versions for the edition limits.

Planning a site

Before zoning, identify land for homes and jobs, useful river crossings and space for future roads. Leave larger connected areas for the plot sizes and civic facilities you expect to need.

A narrow strip between a road and the water can be useful for a park, but may not fit the building you want. The Development layer and placement preview help distinguish a lack of space from a lack of demand.

Editing the ground

Terrain tools let you Raise, Lower or Level ground. They are available from the start in Arcade as well as Simulation. Read the preview and price before committing an edit; existing structures, reserved sites and water can constrain what can be changed.

Level ground where needed for a building site.

Plan major terrain and shoreline changes before selling plots through zoning. Existing private property must be bought back before it can be cleared for a different use.

Rivers, coastlines and ports

Road bridges provide crossings over water, while tunnels offer another road option where their approaches fit. Metro has its own underground track and crossing costs.

Ports need more than a piece of waterfront: their quay, berth water and ship approach must fit. Keep their water access clear rather than filling or developing every edge of a bay. See Trade and visitors.

Parks beside water

Parks can follow a shoreline and fit irregular spaces. Connected park ground is treated as one park. A lake entirely enclosed by the same park can contribute to that park; open water beside a street or another property is not automatically park space.

See Parks and environment for green-space access and pollution, and Roads for crossings and building frontage.