Like most flight-simmers, I have a problem. I probably buy too many add-ons. And I definitely download way too many files from flightsim.to!

But I'm obsessive about organising all those files. I couldn't live without the MSFS Addons Linker. I know that it enables you to map out where all your add-ons are located, and I know that there are other tools out there that also do a good job of generating maps of all your add-ons.

But since FSX days, I've like to have complete control over my add-on map, and I have my own colour-coding system that enables me to better visualise where all my add-ons are, and it helps when planning flights and planning my next download or purchase... 

So I've made a whole bunch of these little icons that I use as markers on my custom Google maps pages (I have one for FSX, MSFS2020 and one for X-Plane).

Maybe you will get some use out of them too. 

How the colour-coding works

*Please note: this is just a guide: it's the way I use them, but you'll probably come up with many other systems.

The icons represent the different types of addons:

  • Airstrips (pretty much for GA aircraft only)
  • Regional airports (turboprops and smaller jets)
  • Airports (heavy traffic)
  • Helipads (scattered throughout the sim, including on rooftops, oil platforms, etc)
  • Heliports (airports dedicated to helicopter traffic only, but more elaborate than just a helipad, e.g. Tresco Heliport [EGHT])
  • Military Bases
  • City scapes (e.g. OrbX London)
  • Landscapes (any landmark or scenery region)
  • Vessels (seagoing vessels, including carriers)

The colour of the icon differentiates between MS Default add-ons (blue), payware (yellow) and free add-ons (white).

Then the background of the icon determines the type of surfiace:

  • Dirt (including gravel, mud)
  • Grass
  • Water
  • Tarmac (including asphalt)

I also added some coloured rings around the icons to distinguish further categories for myself:

  • Microsoft Deluxe add-ons (silver ring), Premium add-ons (gold ring) and World Update add-ons (blue ring)
  • Free airports given away by payware designers (white ring)
  • Handcrafted add-ons that are free (as opposed to free add-ons that are simply using default libraries)

And finally, I have some icons that I use to designate add-ons I still want to purchase (yellow) or freeware still need to download and install (white).

Yes, it's probably overly complicated and way too obsessive. I'm sure many of you will relate though :-)

Credits

Some of the icons used were designed by Freepik

 

Feedback is most welcome.

If you have any questions, DM me here or on Discord at Tygerr#4809