Rock over Rock!Question!!

[fmtoffolo]

I just wanna know if there is a better way to achieve this...
Here you have my nodes and example picture


I use a copy of the stone shader(the big stones) as a mask to, well, mask out the little pebbles. Is there an easier way, or a correct way for doing this?
also, I applied the stones shaders as child layers, so I just set up the normal layers distribution(i disable the colour so as to get only the stones) and the child layer as the input for the stones,,,but i guess i could just use a distribution shader or something?

[Oshyan]

You can use a Distribution Shader as a Blend Shader on the Fake Stones. So the Surface Layers aren't necessarily required.

You also don't need to copy a node to use its output in multiple places. Branching is inherently supported in the network system so you can just drag another connection from the output of for example the Big Stones layer to the Blend Shader input of the Pebbles. In this case it would only work if either A: the two were off the main network, as child layers of main surface layers or B: if the one you used as the blend shader for the other came *before* it in the network. This is to avoid a loop which will crash the program currently (and simply won't be allowed in future versions).

- Oshyan

[Victor]

Hello! Excuse for mine not so good English language.
I cannot create greater stones on a surface with small stones. At me it turns out, that the surface of greater stones also is covered by small stones. The used Distribution Shader of a design of shadows, but result awfully. Could someone show on a concrete small example how however to make well. Thanks.

[mr-miley]

fmtoffolo

Don't use a distribution shader for fake stones, do it as you have been doing it. see topic http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=674.0 I had no end of problems using a distribution shader till Voulge and moodflow sorted me out.

Regards

Miles

[Njen]

Actually I would recommend the use of the Distribution Shader node over the Surface Layer node, as the Surface Layer node seems to incorrectly compute altitude constraints, where as the Distribution Shader does do correct altitude constraints. See this for more information:

http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=389.15

[mr-miley]

Yeah but the distribution shader does funny things to fake stones, and the question was regarding fake stones, not normal surface layers etc (see the link in my previous post and http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=539.0 ). I agree to use a distribution shader for all "normal"  surfaces, much better and straightforward than messing around with child layers etc

[Victor]

Thanks all! At this investigation phase TG I have received desirable result.
Small stones do not cover greater{big} stones. Thus different stones on the size can be placed at the necessary heights. I use while Surface layer. A test picture.

[moodflow]

You could just stack those two fake stones shaders (as you did) and then change the sizes of the stones for each.  The extra nodes aren't neccessary unless you want serious breakup in the stones shapes.  Most can be done within the shader itself.

Use the smaller first, with a higher density to show gravel, then larger stones on top of that (second in the list), to simulate the boulders.

Otherwise, you'll get the smaller stones all over the boulders too.

[neon22]

last post here shows how to do it and stack rocks and have those rocks have stones on them - all with right material
http://forums.planetside.co.uk/index.php?topic=231.msg4447#new

[Victor]

Excuse, but on your picture there is a problem from which I could not consult earlier - smaller stones are on a surface of greater. At me it has turned out it seems is more realistic. Stones are made different color for the best understanding. It is possible to replace further color and structures and it will be quite good! How you think?

[Volker Harun]

Hi Neon, I read your other stone post but couldn't get the clou of what 'reuse' means. Now I do and this is avery cool idea!
Thanks, Volker

[Victor]

Such picture has turned out after some completion. Your opinion?

[Mohawk20]

My opinion is that I love the amount of detail... this would be very usefull in a mountain scene!

[Sarge-David]

i really like it, i have only started to play with stones.
will try atlest 3 in a scene

[old_blaggard]

Those stones are very nice.  Excellent color choices.