Animated globe showing world history

[DavidLaPierre]

Hi everyone, I'm slowly working my way through "Programming and Problem Solving with C++, 5th edition". I don't know enough to start my project yet, but I thought I'd post here to get some input, and see if C++ is the right tool.

The idea right now is to start with something similar to Google Earth: a globe that can be zoomed, rotated, and have different layers applied. From there I'd like to add a time element, ranging from prehistory to the present day. I would start by defining national borders over time - a bit like this (but much more detailed, and with information on the map.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZyBm7RwlzE

Then I'd add information and events sorted by category: the history of technology, war, religion, economy, politics, etc.

I have many other things I'd like to do with it, more than is worth writing down now, but I'd like to have plenty of room for adding/changing things.


So, is C++ the right tool for this? Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

[3hM2Nwbp]

Hi there, welcome to the forums!

Unfortunately, there isn't a clear-cut answer to your question from what information that you've provided. You'll need to provide more information such as how you want to distribute your program in order to determine if C++ is the best tool for the job.

If you want to distribute your program as an installable binary, then C++ is completely able to do what you've described. If, however, you want to distribute your program via a web-page (like google-earth), then perhaps a technology such as Java or its cousins would be a better choice. In short, I suggest that you should start planning the project based on how you'll be distributing it.