System and method for encoding compressed map information for a game map using a quadrant based PNG image file

A computer-implemented method of encoding, in an image file, map information used to specify a game map that is navigated during gameplay, the method being implemented in a computer that includes one or more processors configured to execute computer readable instructions and memory storing computer readable instructions that cause the one or more processors to perform the method, the method comprising:

• obtaining, by the one or more processors, the map information, which specifies tile information for individual ones of the map tiles;
• represent, by the one or more processors, the tile information for individual ones of the map tiles as numerical values;
• encoding, by the one or more processors, the numerical values that represent the tile information for the individual tiles as an image format that accommodates a plurality of numerical values for individual pixels to specify levels for a plurality of base colors in a color space on a per pixel basis, and wherein the encoding includes recording the numerical values that represent the tile information for individual ones of the map tiles as the plurality of numerical values for the individual pixels such that the numerical values that would ordinarily correspond to an individual pixel correspond to the tile information;
• generate, by the one or more processors, the image file comprising the encoded numerical values;
• and
• communicating, by the one or more processors, wherein the image file is used to convey at least a portion of the game map.