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Author Topic: painting a map to define area  (Read 3299 times)

mikegentile

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painting a map to define area
« on: September 23, 2011, 06:29:35 PM »
hi-
i was wondering if i could paint a map to define the area of where the trees are distributed, and still use the included maps (grids, isle3, and so on) to define how they distributed
using the map in the distribution rollout lets me define where they go, but then i loose the ability to choose. its grayed out.
please let me know if there is a way to do this.
thanks.
mg

iToo

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Re: painting a map to define area
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2011, 08:06:51 PM »

Yes, you can combine a noise map as pattern together a bitmap as mask (using a "Mask" or a "Composite" map), and use the the mask to define the scattering area. To paint the bitmap interactively, use the Viewport Canvas tool included with Max.

The only caveat about the Viewport Canvas: Forest is not updated while painting with the brush, you must release the "Paint/Erase" button to update the bitmap and see the result in Forest.

Carlos Quintero
iToo Software

mikegentile

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Re: painting a map to define area
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2011, 08:39:10 PM »
thanks carlos.
i'm not on 2012 yet.  >:(
i' think ill just put your supplied maps in the map slot where the noise is to take advantage of the scatter maps that are already included.

-mg

iToo

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Re: painting a map to define area
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2011, 08:56:26 PM »

If i remember well, the Viewport Canvas was included in Max 2010... it seems much more primitive, but works. ;D

Carlos Quintero
iToo Software

CQ4380

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Re: painting a map to define area
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2016, 03:25:36 PM »

Yes, you can combine a noise map as pattern together a bitmap as mask (using a "Mask" or a "Composite" map), and use the the mask to define the scattering area. To paint the bitmap interactively, use the Viewport Canvas tool included with Max.

The only caveat about the Viewport Canvas: Forest is not updated while painting with the brush, you must release the "Paint/Erase" button to update the bitmap and see the result in Forest.

Hey

I'm just trying this option but so far I have to actually save the JPG before it gets udpated... is there a better way of doing it? You mention that all yo do is "you must release the "Paint/Erase" button to update" I don't see mention here of having to save the jpg... is it still the case or we have to save jpg now?

Paul Roberts

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Re: painting a map to define area
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2016, 04:29:44 PM »
Hi, in 2017 (I'm not sure about earlier versions) all you need to do is deselect the brush tool by clicking it in the Viewport Canvas toolbar and the JPEG saves automatically. I'm afraid this is a current limitation of this approach. The forest object uses the map so it cannot be updated until the bitmap is saved.

Thanks,

Paul
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

CQ4380

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Re: painting a map to define area
« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2016, 06:00:30 PM »
Hi, in 2017 (I'm not sure about earlier versions) all you need to do is deselect the brush tool by clicking it in the Viewport Canvas toolbar and the JPEG saves automatically. I'm afraid this is a current limitation of this approach. The forest object uses the map so it cannot be updated until the bitmap is saved.

Thanks,

Paul
Hey
Yeah that feels correct. I was really hoping there is auto save or something so it can be more dynamic. Sadly it's still manual... o well.