Maneuver Mode

[nholzric]

This would be a variation to the Map Mode that would activate a few features useful when planning maneuvers.

-All objects besides the planets, the active ship, and the target ship (if selected) would be hidden.

-The maneuver node would never collapse until you hit a "Collapse Maneuver Node" button. Currently, if you're planning an ejection burn it's often useful to zoom out to find your closest approach indicators and target but if you're not careful the maneuver node will collapse which means you have to zoom all the way in again, click the node, then zoom back out. The "Collapse Maneuver Node" button would allow you to set up two or more maneuvers without the clutter of each one always being active, while preventing them from collapsing accidentally.

-You are given the option to pause time but still manipulate the maneuver node(s). Currently, if you just click and hold a maneuver node you may notice your trajectory changing ever so slightly. I presume this is due to the passage of time and therefore the maneuver node slipping along the trajectory.

-Trajectories are calculated with extra resolution for more convenient node placement. Currently if a ship is entering a new SOI it can be difficult to place a maneuver node before the SOI change as KSP tries to place the node a whole revolution later (blue verse purple). Also, if you're transiting through Duna's SOI for example and trying to plan an aerobrake, you may notice there are a discreet number of maneuver node positions available between you and Duna; this usually isn't as much an inconvenience as it is ugly. I understand trajectories can't be displayed with absolutely smooth resolution all the time due to performance considerations, but in certain circumstances I have to believe you can boost the resolution selectively as outlined above.

These are ideas to address playability issues I've run up against. I would love your thoughts, especially if you have additional features or behavior that would round out "Maneuver Mode" as a feature.

[Kasuha]

You can un-collapse your maneuver node even if you're zoomed out if you click on that star that remains after collapsed maneuver. The thing is, you usually click on all sorts of apoapses and periapses at the same time, too, and they all highlight making a yellow mess near that maneuver.

[nholzric]

You can un-collapse your maneuver node even if you're zoomed out if you click on that star that remains after collapsed maneuver. The thing is, you usually click on all sorts of apoapses and periapses at the same time, too, and they all highlight making a yellow mess near that maneuver.

Too true. In theory you can un-collapse it but in my experience - and I don't imagine my experience is so unique - it is practically impossible to un-collapse the node when you're zoomed out.

You can't make a new "mode" as the answer to every inconvenience, but I feel the problems I outlined above demonstrate a lack of polish such that a dedicated "Maneuver Mode" is plausible enough to discuss/brainstorm.