Elite Dangerous is a vast, dynamic universe where every decision can shape your destiny among the stars. Choosing which installations to build in your colonized systems is one of the most challenging aspects. To simplify this critical decision-making process, I’ve developed Colonization Planner—a powerful, user-friendly program designed to help Elite Dangerous players make informed decisions about their colony installations.
What Is Colonization Planner?
Colonization Planner is a custom-built Python application that aggregates and processes data about various installation options in colonized systems. The tool provides a multi-step filtering system that lets you choose from options such as Tier, Location, Category, Type, Building Type, and Facility Layouts. In cases where additional requirements exist, a supplementary option for “Required Facility In System” appears, ensuring you have all the details you need to make the best choice.
Once you narrow down your selections to a single record, the program reveals detailed commodity information and population-related data, including insights into construction points, facility economy, tech level, and more. All of this data is color-coded (green for positive values, red for negative) to allow you to quickly interpret the numbers.
How Does It Work?
Step-by-Step Filtering
- Tier Selection: Start by choosing a Tier from the drop-down menu. This step immediately filters your options to the installations available at that level.
- Location and Beyond: Next, select the Location. Continue with subsequent choices for Category, Type, Building Type, and Facility Layouts. If the installation has a required facility in the system, an extra drop-down will appear for that selection.
- Narrowing Down the Data: The program recalculates the available options with each selection. When your choices narrow the data down to exactly one record, the “Show Commodities” button becomes active.
Viewing Detailed Information
- Commodities Data: Click the “Show Commodities” button to open a window displaying comprehensive information about the commodities associated with the selected installation.
- Population Data: In the commodities window, a “Population” button reveals additional details such as construction points, population increase metrics, system economy influence, security, tech level, and more. These figures are color-coded for quick, at-a-glance analysis.
Saving Your Results
Using the “File” button, you can export the detailed data from the selected record. Choose from CSV, XLSX, or HTML formats to save and share your analysis.
Why Elite Dangerous Players Need Colonization Planner
In Elite Dangerous, colonization and infrastructure development are strategic, resource-intensive endeavors. Players must balance available resources with the potential benefits of each installation. Colonization Planner:
- Simplifies Decision-Making: By filtering and presenting data in an organized, color-coded manner, it reduces the complexity involved in choosing the right installation.
- Saves Time: Instead of manually sifting through spreadsheets and game data, players can quickly input their criteria and receive detailed information instantly.
- Empowers Strategic Planning: The tool provides comprehensive insights into commodity needs and population dynamics, enabling players to plan long-term strategies for growth and stability.
How to Get Started
- Download the Executable: The program is packaged as a single, standalone executable (.exe) that includes all necessary data. No additional installations are required.
- Run the Program: Launch the .exe, and you’ll be greeted by a simple, intuitive GUI with drop-down menus for each step of the filtering process.
- Make Your Selections: Choose your Tier, Location, Category, and more to filter the available installation options.
- View Detailed Data: Once you have one record left, click “Show Commodities” to review the commodity and population information.
- Save Your Findings: Use the “File” button to export the detailed data in your preferred format.
Conclusion
Colonization Planner is a must-have tool for Elite Dangerous players looking to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their colonization efforts. By presenting complex data in an accessible, visually appealing format, this tool empowers you to make strategic decisions and build the installations that will best support your interstellar ambitions.
Download Colonization Planner today and take the guesswork out of colonization planning—so you can focus on exploring the universe and conquering the stars!
