Fortnite: Explaining GIS with Video Games Part 1

It can be tricky to explain what GIS software does; however, the core concepts of Geographic Information Systems are demonstrated across pop culture. Video games, especially open-world titles like Fortnite, feature mechanics that reflect some tools available in real-world GIS software.

Before we dive in, you may be asking: What is GIS? In short, GIS software like Global Mapper® enables users to analyze and share geospatial information and data visualizations. This can be as simple as adding point features (pins) to a map, or more complex, like analyzing terrain.

The Iconic Fortnite Map

Every Fortnite game starts with a question: Where are we dropping? In the split-second before you drop from the Battle Bus, you toggle to the map and ask yourself: Should we land at a quiet spot near the storm, or should we go for the loot and risk getting caught up in the chaos?

One of the main objectives in the game is to traverse a large-scale island and its cities while a deadly storm envelops you and your team. These games only last 20-30 minutes, and each location on the map boasts a unique opportunity for players. Visualizations of geographic information, such as those in Fortnite, help everyone solve geographic challenges and navigate objectives with higher accuracy (and yes, that is what GIS software does in a nutshell).

Any Port in a Storm

The key to beating the fatal storm in Fortnite is a simple white line on the minimap that represents the fastest path to the eye of the storm—a haven from its damaging effects.

This mechanic is similar to performing a Least Cost Path (LCP) analysis with Global Mapper Pro. As defined in the Global Mapper Knowledge Base, LCP analysis “finds the best route between specified locations across a terrain layer,” based on the terrain slope angle. Global Mapper users leverage this tool for many reasons. This includes streamlining construction and transportation projects, in addition to other spatial workflows, to find the most efficient route to a given destination.

Map Features in Fortnite: Range Rings

Range rings are a spatial delimitation technique used in Fortnite. For starters, the storm is represented as a range ring feature on every player’s map. Additionally, players can opt to battle in-game enemies to earn better loot. These enemies are also represented as range rings, though their center point is displaced to provide more of a challenge as you attempt to fight the enemy’s forces. Range rings are one of many map delimitation options the game has in common with Global Mapper.

Navigate in 2D & 3D Views Simultaneously

Without the spatial analysis tools available in Fortnite, everyone would be playing aimlessly. However, the game doesn’t pause when a player checks their map. That’s why a fundamental element of Fortnite’s in-game user interface (UI) is the minimap. The minimap adds 2D context so that users can navigate the three-dimensional world around them more efficiently.

Fortnite is a third-person shooter game, meaning players can see their avatar and the world around them. At the same time, their avatar moves in the 3D perspective, and an arrow on the 2D minimap indicates their location and direction. Global Mapper users can interact with their data this way by enabling ‘You Are Here.’ This user-driven perspective offers valuable insights when exploring a range of datasets.

Spatial Analysis in Video Games

Check out the latest episode of the GEOTalks Podcast to watch these concepts in action. In the episode, I play Fortnite and a couple of Zelda games to demonstrate how accessible GIS concepts can be when they’re integrated into pop culture.

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References

Portions of the materials used are trademarks and/or copyrighted works of Epic Games, Inc. All rights reserved by Epic. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Epic.