Itoo Software Forum

Forest Pack => Forest Pro (*) => Topic started by: thefox on December 04, 2015, 12:29:26 PM

Title: Size mode on stacked surfaces
Post by: thefox on December 04, 2015, 12:29:26 PM
Hey,

another question ;)

I have a scene where I want to distribute different interior elements on "placeholder" surfaces (stacked single objects for each floor) - in this case a set of different tables. The idea is to randomize the tables as well as the position slightly.
The placeholder surfaces a slightly bigger than the table sets so the tables will be able to be shifted a little, with collision detection on there will only one table be appearring on each surface.
To make the tables appear only within this surface the size mode is selected in the area settings.
That's how it should be at least..

Works properly on the top surface if the area mode is set size - but the other surfaces remain unpopulated.
Only if the area mode is set to point it does work - but now the tables are misplaced and extending the surface.

As a side-question:
Surface mode XY and randomize stacked on would work pretty well in this case otherwise.
To use just one object for several floor with stacked surfaces I thought it would be possible to use a unwrap modifier and pack the faces into one uv tile - actually it does not.
It does work if I use a custom map for distribution. (I already had that situation which was discussed and clearified here on the forums)
The built-in distribution maps are taking the XY (not Z)  position / generating the position of objects differently? Read that in some of your tuts.

So I solved it for now with this little workaraound (see image 2), if it was possible to use the size mode on stacked surfaces too it would be great - that would be easier and a better solution for placing the item as this one..

;) Niko
Title: Re: Size mode on stacked surfaces
Post by: thefox on December 04, 2015, 01:13:59 PM
*edit* I have to correct myself - stacking on unwrapped surfaces IS possible with the built-in distribution maps.
Title: Re: Size mode on stacked surfaces
Post by: Michal KarmazĂ­n on December 04, 2015, 01:46:59 PM
Hi Niko,

I would suggest you to check our "Populate Building Interiors (http://www.itoosoft.com/tutorials/tutorial_populate_buildings.php)" tutorial covering this topic in detail.

For both possible situations (Scenario 1 - Floor plates are separate objects - XY mode vs Scenario 2 - Floor plates are combined objects - UV mode), there are possible work-flows detailly explained, including several useful tips for these situations. Hope you'll find it interesting and useful.

Best regards,