Map channels for distribution maps don't work

[Sacifair]

I tried almost everything but couldn't get what Itoo promised in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZbvlPd7_Nw&t=1s.

Basically, it's about using multiple map channels for the distribution maps feature in ForestPack 9.1.1.

If you look at the video link above, starting from 1:39, it is now supposedly possible to control it with UVW Map channels (for example, 1, 2, 3).
But I still believe it's not possible because you have to specify these channels somewhere, which ForestPack doesn't allow you to do.

Asking for help!
You can also read the comments under the video related to @sacifair. I mentioned that problem there.

3Ds Max 2025.1.

[Michal Karmazín]

Hi,

In my quick tests, everything seems to be working fine. Please double-check that the Surfaces > Auto checkbox is enabled to ensure the distribution updates automatically.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

[Sacifair]

Hi,

In my quick tests, everything seems to be working fine. Please double-check that the Surfaces > Auto checkbox is enabled to ensure the distribution updates automatically.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

I checked this, and the only UVW modifier that has any effect on ForestPack is the one that has the same map channel as specified in ForestPack's custom bitmap slot 'map channel' section in the distribution rollout. Note that this is in UV Mode.

Though XY Mode itself doesn't follow the same pattern as the distribution map channel does with UV Mode, it works based on the specified bitmap map channel (not the one under the distribution rollout of ForestPack). However, the issue remains the same: only one UVW Map modifier works at a time, and it must have the same map channel as the custom bitmap used in the distribution rollout.

I have attached a small video where I tried to demonstrate this issue.

On the other hand, could you share your process or maybe record a small tutorial on this matter?

[Sacifair]

Any quick answer perhaps? Anything.

[Michal Karmazín]

First, I apologize for the delayed response. Please note that multiple UVW channels are only supported in XY mode. In UVW mode, you can now specify which channel to use, as it was previously locked to channel 1. As mentioned in the Release Notes:

• With Surface XY mode, Map Channel is no longer needed. The distribution map is evaluated for all channels of the surface.
• Surface UV mode is no longer limited to map channel 1. But multiple channels are not supported.

I hope this clarifies it!

Best regards,

[Sacifair]

First, I apologize for the delayed response. Please note that multiple UVW channels are only supported in XY mode. In UVW mode, you can now specify which channel to use, as it was previously locked to channel 1. As mentioned in the Release Notes:

• With Surface XY mode, Map Channel is no longer needed. The distribution map is evaluated for all channels of the surface.
• Surface UV mode is no longer limited to map channel 1. But multiple channels are not supported.

I hope this clarifies it!

Best regards,

No, it doesn't.
Forest Pack doesn't respond in XY mode to any UVW map here.
Despite the fact that it was shown we would be able to control it with UVW maps of different channels in a YouTube video

I attached a short recording of how XY mode "works" right now.

[RealViz]

But in FP you have the map ch. set to "0" and you don't have this on your surface.

[Sacifair]

But in FP you have the map ch. set to "0" and you don't have this on your surface.

They said this themselves, that it doesn't matter because we use XY mode.
Even if map channel 1 is active, only UVW Map-1 works. That's all

[RealViz]

Share the scene. Because everything works OK for me.

[Sacifair]

Share the scene. Because everything works OK for me.

Can you please record a short video of your setup perhaps? That would help drastically.
Note that this is 3ds max 2025.1

[RealViz]

Sorry we have 2024. Please resave for older or wait for someone else.

[Sacifair]

Sorry we have 2024. Please resave for older or wait for someone else.

Here, please.

[RealViz]

You're right, there's a bug. You have to set the UVW ch. directly in the bitmap and then change the specific one. The UVW ch. in FP is ignored.
Video...
https://youtu.be/a-CdKIfBIvw

[Michal Karmazín]

When using the XY Surface mode, the Map Channel should be configured within the map and adjusted as needed with standard modifier(s). There's no need to modify it in the Forest object — just leave it at the default value of 1. Map Channel 0 is reserved for a different ForestPack feature that automatically generates mapping coordinates. In the case of the UV Surface mode, the Map Channel should be set within the Forest object to correspond with the intended mapping channel. I hope this clarifies it.

Best regards,

[RealViz]

So it might be a good idea to disable the map.ch. value if XY mode is active.