[Feature]: VBL Pen tool for freehand topology drawing

[KnutZuidema]

Describe the Problem

Currently, drawing Vision Blocking Layer (VBL) or other topology types is limited to geometric shapes (Rectangles, Ovals, Polygons) or line-based tools. These tools often require multiple clicks and only apply the final shape once the drawing is completed (mouse release). This makes it difficult to draw complex, organic, or fine-grained VBL areas quickly and with real-time feedback.

The Solution you'd like

Add a "VBL Pen" tool that allows for freehand drawing of topology with a configurable radius. Key features should include:

• Freehand Drawing: Continuous drawing while the left mouse button is held down.
• Immediate Application: Topology changes should be applied incrementally during the mouse drag, providing real-time visual feedback on the map.
• Configurable Radius: A dedicated radius control panel and support for dynamic resizing using Ctrl + Mouse Wheel.
• Eraser Mode: Instant switching to eraser mode using the Shift key, with the cursor indicator changing color to reflect the mode.
• Support for All Topology Types: The tool should respect the currently selected modes in the Topology Toolbar (Wall VBL, MBL, Hill VBL, etc.).

Alternatives that you've considered.

Using the Polygon tool or drawing many small rectangles, but these are inefficient and lack the fluid experience of a pen-style tool.

Additional Context

I have already developed a prototype implementation of this feature which includes:

• VBLPenTool.java for the core logic.
• Real-time incremental application of topology segments.
• Integration with AppStatePersisted for radius persistence.
• Immediate visual feedback for modifier keys (Shift for Erase).
• Integration into the Topology toolbar using the Freehand icon.

[FullBleed]

I take it that this does not use the new walls *BL architecture?

[KnutZuidema]

@FullBleed You'd have to be a bit more specific for me to answer that question.
I'm not a regular contributor to this project, so I'm not aware of recent architectural changes.
I based the changes in my proposed implementation (#5940) on existing VBL drawing tools.

[FullBleed]

@FullBleed You'd have to be a bit more specific for me to answer that question. I'm not a regular contributor to this project, so I'm not aware of recent architectural changes. I based the changes in my proposed implementation (#5940) on existing VBL drawing tools.

When you select topology tools, the first icon (that looks like dots and line segments) is the "new" wall vbl. Currently, it only supports line segments.... but being able to do shapes and have a bona fide pen tool for it would be a step toward sunsetting the old tool/shapes methodology.

[KnutZuidema]

@FullBleed in that case, no.

I've tried using this tool before but did not understand how to use it. This is probably due to missing documentation on the wiki.
I'm using maps with features that do not align with a grid, so being able to draw in VBL like the proposed tool has been very useful. Using the polyline tool was extremely cumbersome.

[FullBleed]

@FullBleed in that case, no.

I've tried using this tool before but did not understand how to use it. This is probably due to missing documentation on the wiki. I'm using maps with features that do not align with a grid, so being able to draw in VBL like the proposed tool has been very useful. Using the polyline tool was extremely cumbersome.

Yes, the wiki has lagged well behind explaining the new wall vbl system. @kwvanderlinde snuck the feature in with very little fanfare and it's still being tweaked and improved.

But if you use the poly line tool a lot, the new wall tool is the primary replacement for that. It makes adding/removing and connecting segments much easier and more accurate (with less reliance on a keyboard). Moving the segments after dropping them can be done with it. And it adds per-segment directionality for sight, light, aura, and movement blocking (that can be a little confusing at first, so just learn to apply and manipulate the segments before that).

In simplest terms:
Left Click starts a line.
Right Click adds a new junction to a line.
A second Left Click ends a line.
Double clicking on a line or junction deletes it.
Right click and hold grabs a junction and allows you to reposition the line.
Etc.

It does not snap to grid by default, you have to hold Ctrl to snap.

Shift disables the "smart" merging of segments when they are close to one another if you don't want that (but you will want it most of the time).

Additional instructions are in the footer once you select the tool. You have to play around with it a bit to get a hang of it, but once you have it down it's very nice.