I'm guessing because SC2 had a flat version of the Galaxy map. Which is why ALpha Centauri was so far away when it's actually our closest star. I'm hoping for a 3d map...just not a 3d spinning map ala SC3

Wrt a 3d map, i dont know i like the sc 2 2d map, you can see everything at a glance, 3d map i can imagine will give you a limited overall perspective and take away the feel of where you are currently at, and how far you will be travelling towards that distant planet, the map is very much part of the overall experience on the vast distances in space and created that atmosphere in SC2.

Except if you mean 3d as in a rts game where the objects are 3d, but you can still see everything on one page/screen ? zooming in and out i guess could also work ?

You could safely say that Star Control is very anti-realism. To use one of my favorite game design motivational posters.  

 

My guess is that, while a 3D map doesn't have to follow the actual Universe's blueprint to true perfection, a well done 3D map might add to a player's immersion, since we all recognize that space isn't a two dimensional affair. That being said, I wouldn't mind a 2D map either. Regardless, I simply want something that's easy to navigate.  Nobody wants an unwieldy map with lots of dead space. 

I sometimes wish I could type in a planet's name in SC2 to have the cursor jump to that position.  Maybe something like this could make it's way into Stardock's map?  Perhaps the ability to bookmark planets as well while being able to add notes on each.

Q: How will these star clusters work?

A: In the base game, player will start 2112 with the first human contact with an alien race. From there, the humans will launch their first interstellar ship and begin exploring this area of the galaxy. The ship will be highly customizeable (both visually and in terms of equipment).  Thus, by the end of the base game, the player's ship will have evolved into something truly unique while at the same time gathering a fleet of alien allies to fight the primary antagonist and their allies.

By the end of the game, the player may want to explore other star clusters.  From within the game, the player can visit other star clusters. The suite of tools we're creating will be called the Precursor workshop.  If you've played GalCiv III or seen what we're doing with Ashes of the Singularity, you will have an idea of how powerful these can be.  In essence, Precursors (the people using the workshop) will be able to make their own universes and share them with others from within the game.

 

So, basically we'll get a few SC2 size maps. 3D or 2D is just the matter of taste. I prefer 2D.

I believe everyone can agree that the most important functions of the map are:

• It needs to be something that players can easily comprehend and use. 
• Its main purpose is to help you travel the galaxy and give you the information you need to do it. 
• You should be able to look at the map and be able to tell where you are, where you want to go, and what alien races you may encounter in your chosen route to your destination.  
• Player should also easily be able to record locations of interesting things they find in their adventures that they may wish to return to at a future time. 

We are exploring 2D and 3D options for the map. Ultimately if using the map feels like a hassle then its not doing its job. I'll definitely be sharing what we are doing at a future date with everyone.  

Star Control 3 also did not have the magnitude of star systems that Star Control 2 had as well. Do not get me started on the failings of "the game that should not have been made".  

^ I don't even remember it... 

Yeah, I really like the visual appeal and the music! But i would rather not have to rotate the solar system maps as part of the game. Something like this, but with a forced perspective would be great.

Yes, it looks cool for 1 solar system. But it has to be zoomable into "fake" 2D view from far away to see whole galaxy and easily navigate there.