Path distribution setting one object to appear at the beggining of spline

[nmoser]

I’m working with a Forest Pack object where items are distributed along a path.
Is there a way to ensure that a specific object appears always at the start of each spline, another at the end of the spline and maintaining random in the middle.

[Michal Karmazín]

Hi Nuno,

That's a task for the RailClone plug-in, which is much more suitable for something like that. You can easily wire these models into the Start, Default / Evenly, and End Inputs of the Linear 1S Generator.

I hope that helps.

Best regards,

[nmoser]

Even if the object I'm working is vegetation?
What I'm trying to accomplish here is scattering hedges along splines, but there is a specific object that needs to be used at the beguiling otherwise will look wrong
I tried to find something on the effects but unfortunately It's too advanced for my knowledge.

[Michal Karmazín]

First, let me apologize for the late reply. Of course, the RailClone plug-in can handle the vegetation easily and it can also deform it if needed. If you prefer using the Forest Pack plug-in, as you've pointed out, the Effects feature can be used to assign the corresponding item (.geomID) based on the position on the path (.distPathPos). Please find attached a sample scene (distPathPosSampleScene.max) demonstrating this possible approach. Alternatively, you can switch to the Custom Edit mode and select the first and last item manually. I hope that helps.

Best regards,

[swavec]

Hi
This is good function, but what if i have more items to scatter? It seems to be limited to only 1 item between start and end ones.

[Michal Karmazín]

Please find a modified version of the sample scene with the randomInt(a,b) function which generates an integer random number within the specified range (which should be adapted upon the total number of used items). I hope that helps.

Best regards,

[swavec]

Can i ask for at least 2022 version?

[Paul Roberts]

Here's a version saved back to Max 2022.

Many thanks,

Paul

[swavec]

Tank you very much. It will serve me long time.