More about a 2D 17th Century naval warfare simulation

If we are going to "computerize" 17th Century naval warfare, a major goal needs to be to include individual ships. The problem with gaming this period with miniatures is that it is not feasible to game with "actual numbers" of ships. Miniatures rules require too much work and record keeping for it to be possible.

If we are going to the trouble of "computerizing", then we need to solve that problem. That doesn't mean that we will be moving individual ships on the map (although we could do that with a few). We still will group by fleets and squadrons.

I foresee wanting to have layers of map detail that we can access, as we bring ships into contact. If we actually show ships in contact on the map, in a battle (and this seems like a worthwhile goal), they would be shown in plan view. I suspect that we will only show that level of detail by zooming in on a squadron. Fleets will only show their constituant squadrons and divisions.