Dimensions for TF2

One of the most common questions I receive is how big or small to make a TF2 map.  Obviously there is no golden rule, and it really depends on how you want the map to play.  Technically, for TF2 it's safer to go a bit bigger, but what size is that?

I will update this thread with common and balanced dimensions as I find them in maps.  I will list the type of geometry/room and what is a good, balanced size for it.  Remember, this is not a law, only a guide for those who have no clue on proportions.



Hallways:
Almost every map should have multiple passages from one area to another.  These passageways most commonly take the form of Hallways and outdoor paths.  Using a hallway, you almost always use 2 sides, a floor, and a ceiling.  But the size of the hallway can either help the map, or break it.  Here are some guides:

There is no "correct" size for a hallway.  The size should be totally dependant on what types of gameplay you'd like to see through it.  However, too small of a hallway will most definitely create a chokepoint.  This could be intended, and may be great for it's use, but if all main routes are too cramped, it could create a spam-fest which destroys balance.  On the flip side, a hallway too big loses its purpose of routing players from one room to another, and the effect of internal conflict is almost nonexistant.  Generally, most hallways can be a happy medium.

Here is what I found in real-game scenarios.  Two of the best hallways I have seen in a custom map are from the maps ctf_turbine and ctf_mach4.  I refer to the hallways on the bottom leading to the intel and next to the spawn rooms on Turbine... and the hallway on the ground floor leading to the intel on Mach4.  If you look at these, there is a range of size between the two which make a great medium sized hallway.  The exact dimensions for these hallways are:

ctf_turbine: 256 units tall x 360 units wide.
ctf_mach4: 160 units tall x 170 units wide.

An average of these results in a hallway with the dimensions of 208 units tall x 265 units wide.  But I wouldn't just make all your hallways these measurments.  Here are some tips for different play styles.

• For most "main" routes, you will want plenty of room for soldiers to be able to rocket jump and for scouts to side jump and dodge.
• If you want a hallway to have many ambush opportunites for spies and pyros, try controling the overall length and provide plenty of corners.
• Most maps need multiple routes into the same areas.  Experiment with varying sizes for each of these hallways to force different classes through different routes.
• Smaller hallways will attract heavies, soldiers, and pyros.
• Larger hallways will attract medic combos, scouts, and demos.
• Shorter hallways will attract spies and pyros.
• Longer hallways will attract demos and snipers.

Well, I hope these tips have helped some of you out.  Remember, nothing is an exact science, and in some cases quite the opposite may work out.  It's almost always up to the specific map, but these are general tips that work in most cases.

I will be updating this post with more geometry/room specific guides.

Big Lou, it might not be on your immediate list, but I (and probably others) would like to know the hammer unit heights for a maximum rocket jump, maximum rocket/crouch jump, and scout double jump.  Adding things that allow for trick jumping add a lot of depth to the map, such as the little window ledges on Well that allow scouts up to the roof at mid, or the roof of Gravelpit B.

I would like to know the actual dimensions for a whole map. My HL2DM maps always end up smaller or bigger than i intended. Small arena style maps are too big and my epic maps are way too small. I think im a little too worries about making the game lag or leak.

here is a good reference page which has hammer units for jumping, rocket jumping etc.  it also has a few dimensions for some of the hallways and rooms in 2fort and some other interesting info at the bottom.

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/TF2/Team_Fortress_2_Mapper%27s_Reference

@ big lou,  i was wondering if you could post some dimesions on some of the medium to large sized spaces in some maps, like the middle area in turbine or mach4?  when i map i seem to have a harder time figuring out how large to make the more open areas.

i know this isnt exactly related to this thread, but how does one go about decompiling a map?  is that something hammer can do or do you need a different program?

edit- lol i forgot to post the link the first time, which was the same one as milky just posted 

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/TF2/Team_Fortress_2_Mapper%27s_Reference  Check this it should answer some questions.