Scaling Map Operations: Why Scripts Are Your Best Friend at 200+ Maps

At the time of writing this, our map library has grown to over 200 maps. At this scale, every change no matter how small must be applied to every single map. What sounds like a simple commit quickly becomes hours of repetitive, error-prone work. That's why we've adopted a simple rule: if a task needs to be applied to all maps, always use a script.

In this post, we'll share why scripting is essential at scale, how to safely run bulk updates, and how to leverage the MAPS_INFO file to keep your tooling in sync with the latest map list.

🚀 The Scale Difference

We've learned the hard way that manual workflows don't scale. Here's what changed:

• Before: Adding a new property or fixing a formatting issue meant editing 200+ files by hand. Hours of work, high risk of mistakes, and one missed file could break production.
• Now: Write a script once, test it on a subset, then run it across all maps in seconds. Consistent, deterministic, and auditable.

🗺️ How to Safely Run Bulk Map Updates

Running a script that modifies 200+ files requires care. A bug in your script doesn't just cause one problem , it causes that same problem 200 times over. Follow this workflow to stay safe.

Step 1: Write the Script Carefully

Understand exactly what transformations your script performs. Use the MAPS_INFO file in the root of the project to dynamically get the list of all available and latest maps. This prevents hardcoding and ensures you never miss a map.

// Example: Reading MAPS_INFO to process all maps
import { MAPS_INFO } from './MAPS_INFO.js';

for (const [mapName, mapData] of Object.entries(MAPS_INFO)) {
  console.log(`Processing ${mapName}...`);
  // Apply your transformations here
}

Step 2: Test on a Subset First

Never run a bulk update on all maps without testing. Use a --dry-run flag or limit the script to a few maps, then inspect the output manually.

# Example: Testing on a subset before full run
node scripts/update-all-maps.js --dry-run
node scripts/update-all-maps.js --limit 5
# Inspect output, then:
node scripts/update-all-maps.js

Step 3: Verify Edge Cases

Check that your script handles:

• Maps with special characters or empty fields
• Unusual formatting (spaces vs. tabs, different indentation styles)
• Duplicate codes or missing properties
• Very complex maps (e.g., Russia, China, USA)

Step 4: Run on All Maps

Once verified, run the script on the full map set. Commit before running so you can easily revert if something goes wrong.

Step 5: Review the Diff

After running, check a sample of the changes in your Git diff to confirm correctness. Human verification ensures no edge cases slip into production.

⚙️ What Your Script Should Do (Under the Hood)

A robust bulk-update script should include:

1. Dynamic Map Discovery: Read MAPS_INFO to get the latest list of all maps, so you never miss a newly added map.
2. Validation: Check all maps for required fields, valid viewBox dimensions, and suspiciously short or long path data.
3. Formatting Preservation: Use AST parsing or custom bracket-matching to preserve indentation and formatting style.
4. Dry-Run Mode: Provide a way to preview changes without writing files.
5. Error Handling: Report which maps failed and why, without stopping the entire process.

📝 Post-Update & Best Practices

After running a bulk update, follow these best practices:

1. Review Before Committing: Always review the generated diff. While scripts are robust, human verification catches edge cases.
2. Use Version Control: Commit before running. If something goes wrong, you can revert.
3. Keep Scripts Reusable: Write scripts that can be run again as the map library grows. Use MAPS_INFO to stay in sync.
4. Document Your Scripts: Add comments and a README so other contributors can understand and safely use them.

💡 Pro-Tips for Contributors

• Always Use Scripts for Bulk Changes: If you're changing more than one map, write a script. Manual edits at 200+ maps are a recipe for disaster.
• Test, Test, Test: Run your script on 2-3 maps first. Inspect the output. Then scale up.
• Leverage MAPS_INFO: This file is your single source of truth for all available maps. Use it in every bulk operation.
• Review Before Committing: Always review the generated files in your Git diff. Human eyes catch what scripts might miss.

⚠️ Troubleshooting Common Errors

If things don't go as planned, here are a few common errors and how to fix them:

• ❌ "Map not found in MAPS_INFO": Ensure the map is registered in MAPS_INFO and the file is up to date.
• ❌ "Script skipped some maps": Check that your script is reading MAPS_INFO correctly and not filtering out valid maps.
• ❌ "Formatting broke after update": Your script may not be preserving indentation. Use AST parsing or a bracket-matching algorithm.
• ❌ "Dry run passed but full run failed": Check for edge cases like missing files, permission issues, or maps with unusual structures.

🌍 Scaling Map Additions

At 200+ maps, scripting is not just a convenience , it's a necessity. Every change that touches multiple maps should be automated, tested, and reviewed. By leveraging resources like MAPS_INFO and following a careful workflow, you can scale your map operations without scaling your mistakes.

Whether you're adding a new property to all maps, standardizing formatting, or validating data before a release, the workflow remains the same: Write Script → Test on Subset → Run on All Maps → Review → Commit.

Happy scripting! 🗺️⚙️