Itoo Software Forum

Forest Pack => Forest Pro (*) => Topic started by: CO2263 on August 01, 2013, 01:22:46 PM

Title: follow spline...
Post by: CO2263 on August 01, 2013, 01:22:46 PM: Hi,
I'm trying to make object to follow the spline.
It works well with short one (see screenshot)
http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-4ZCpdjEdu/ (http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-4ZCpdjEdu/)

but it looks like it cannot make it with long spline (it keeps some constant orientation)
http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-3ZCpdjEdx/ (http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-3ZCpdjEdx/)

please correct me, maybe I'm missing some magic option
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: iToo on August 01, 2013, 02:14:47 PM: Please, try creating the Forest object again. It has some transformations (rotation and negative scaling) that seems to affect in some way to the item's alignment.

Once recreated, the alignment works correctly but i just noticed the separation between items is not exact (you can check it at the spline's end). This error seems caused by the Max function used for interpolating splines, because the Normalize Spline modifer suffers the same problem. Sadly, we can't fix it.
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: CO2263 on August 01, 2013, 02:40:58 PM: still have no success with the new forest object
looks like it follows the spline when its flat
see the top view
http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-4ZCpdjEdB/ (http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-4ZCpdjEdB/)

and here is the side view
http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-3ZCpdjEdC/ (http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-3ZCpdjEdC/)

((
hope we can find some solution
I hate using standard 3dmax spacing tool... :-X
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: iToo on August 01, 2013, 03:50:08 PM: Sorry, my fault. I didn't realize the spline is non-flat.

Unfortunately it's not possible to align items in 3D using this tool. Most of Forest algorithms are designed to use a surface for Z alignment, but not a spline.
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: CO2263 on August 01, 2013, 06:56:35 PM: any possible way to have this option in the future?
I'm trying to make this kind of things - http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-4ZCpdjEdJ/ (http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-4ZCpdjEdJ/)

I think, maybe walkaround - make thin sweep surface and scatter capsules over it
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: iToo on August 02, 2013, 08:10:04 AM: Yes, the sweep surface on UV mode works like a charm.
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: CO2263 on August 02, 2013, 10:38:03 AM: perfect! :D

just a question... (maybe new feature)
is it possible to make forest to bend objects when they follow spline
http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-3ZCpdjEex/ (http://shot.qip.ru/00c3Bs-3ZCpdjEex/)
Title: Re: follow spline...
Post by: iToo on August 02, 2013, 10:49:31 AM: No, sorry. Forest items only can be scaled or rotated, this is a limitation of the instancing engines. You will need RailClone for that.