Mega Star Grid: About Sectors
Space is not a neatly arranged blanket of stars. As colonist, space agencies, industrialist, and other wayfaring individuals chart the stars, a system needed to be created to efficiently map and navigate what would eventually be known as Mega Star Grid. Within Mega Star Grid, a hierarchical coordinate system based on three distinct levels was created: The sector's codename, the subsector, and the quadrant. This system allows for both general identification, and to allow for precise navigation to and around the locations.
At the highest level, the solar systems of Mega Star Grid are divided into sectors. Each sector is given a codename, depending on multiple factors such as the characteristics, historical significance, or prominent features; otherwise, they are named after a key figure involved in its discovery. The codename is intended to serve as a memorable identifier for large areas of space, allowing for effective communication or navigational callouts; for brevity, Earth, located within the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy, is situated within Sector Orion, a codename given to the sector due to the prominent constellation visible from Earth and thus giving it it's significance.
Each sector is further subdivided into smaller regions known as Subsectors. These Subsectors provide a more detailed overview within the Sector. Subsectors are normally given alphanumeric codes such as the alphabet, in combination with numerical designations, providing a consistent and easily referenced system for identifying specific areas within a Sector; for instance, within Sector Orion, which encompasses a significant portion of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way where Earth is located, the areas surrounding Earth's solar system might be designated Subsector E1, placing it within a specific region of the Orion Sector. (Why E1? Because human nature demands E for Earth is the first subsector on the map.)
Lastly, each Subsector is divided into four Quadrants, providing the most precise level of location within this system. These Quadrants are typically designated using numbers 1 through 4. Completing the hierarchical coordinate chain, Earth is located in Sector Orion - E1 - 1. Much larger Sectors will (based on the size of their sun), will use much more intricate hierarchical coordinate chains such as Sector Alpha - AA1 - AA1, and so on.
When you're out travelling Mega Star Grid, make sure to keep these notes on you. Maybe you'll be the next traveler to chart a new sector.