CC3 Question : Is this still alive?

[Gathar]

Thank you all for your answers.

I'd just like to reply to a point. I've read from several people the answer that the software is already finished, and there is no room for improvements. As a software developer, I believe no software is ever finished, there is always some room for improvements.

And while I've not used CC yet (I've just watched quite some videos) it looks to me that although it looks the most able of all the software I've seen for cartography, I picked up places where I believe CC could be greatly improved.

For instance, the UI does not seem really pleasant or efficient to use. There are way to many dialog boxes, not enough direct interaction. Or the effects, while quite impressive, don't seem to take into account occlusion from other objects, which would make them even more impressive. I've not seen anything related to a varying line width (maybe it exists, but it's not shown in the videos), which could be quite nice to draw rivers. I've not seen anything that take into account input from a pen tablet, for instance matching the pen pressure to a density of trees.

That is why I think it is important that a software is updated regularly, so as to provided new cool stuff very often. I understand that a cartography software is a sum of the software itself and of an asset collection (styles, images, effects...). I'm very glad to see that the asset collection is very dynamic and evolves very often. I've been totally amazed by what I've seen in the examples from the annuals. I just hope that the software part itself will be updated too.

Once again, thank you for your help!

[Mark Oliva]

I just hope that the software part itself will be updated too.

Don't worry so much. ProFantasy already has solicited comments on what should be included in CC4, which doubtless will be released before CC5 and CC6 (to say nothing of CC7).

[Man in the Funny Hat]

I've read from several people the answer that the software is already finished, and there is no room for improvements. As a software developer, I believe no software is ever finished, there is always some room for improvements.

Profantasy don't believe that either and are constantly working to add to and improve their products.

For instance, the UI does not seem really pleasant or efficient to use. There are way to many dialog boxes, not enough direct interaction.

It has to be kept in mind that CC is based on CAD software, not visual graphics creation software. What they have enabled CC3 to do with effects that something like Gimp would handle without batting an eyelash can only be seen as great accomplishment, not as a failure that they haven't done more. The greatest, most persistent knock against it has always been that it has a steep learning curve and/or is not especially user-friendly. Again, much of that seems to stem from it being CAD-based. It just handles the job of creating the end result from a much different perspective than users are typically used to, and that takes time and effort to grasp and become proficient with. That difference in how it does what it does is also an underlying strength which accounts for why it is still HERE in the face of competition from far cheaper (free!) and more "intuitive" software. JMHO