Pop types are mostly used as a description of the function of the zone. Background is mostly used for large zones with some scout encounters, to generate traffic thoughout the system, fill the space between the other smaller zones. Have a good look at the zone's location in the system and you will understand what I mean. I have not noticed any different behaviour from them.
The same applies for the sort = parameter.

BuckDanny

Background = Random space traffic.
Wormhole = Ships jumping in and out through a Wormhole.
Jumpgate = Ships jumping in and out through a Jumpgate.
Lootable_field = Ships wandering a mineable asteroid field.
Nonlootable_ast_field = Ships wandering through a non-mineable asteroid field.
Faction, single_base_law = Traffic to/from "Faction's" law abiding base.
Faction, Wormhole, single_base_law = Traffic to/from "Faction's" law abiding base, and a local wormhole.
Faction, Jumpgate, single_base_law = Traffic to/from "Faction's" law abiding base, and a local Jumpgate.
Faction, single_base_unlaw = Traffic to/from "Faction's" law breaking base.
Faction, Wormhole, single_base_unlaw = Traffic to/from "Faction's" law breaking base, and a local wormhole.
Faction, Jumpgate, single_base_unlaw = Traffic to/from "Faction's" law breaking base, and a local Jumpgate.
Faction01, Faction02, base_cluster_law = Traffic between Faction01 and Faction02's, two, law abiding bases.

There may be more, but these are the ones I've used.

Watch your 6!

Edited by - warzog on 11/28/2004 1:17:12 AM