How to place (see) an image map as a distribution map?

[TheBadger]

Hello,

I was just trying to use an image map as a distribution method for some plant objects.
Should I be able to see the projection of the map on the ground, or do I have to wait for the preview to render in order to see the effect?
I can not see a representation of the map, am I doing something wrong?

Also, I will use the same map on multiple populations, is there a quick way to apply the map to all the populations, or do I have to set it for each population and individual manually?

Thank you.

[Dune]

You can test how it's lying on the ground by plugging it into a surface test shader at the end, but you can then just plug the image map shader (projection Y + right size and location) into the pop blending input, or through a distribution shader to restrict height/slope (which I usually do). You can make 3 maps in one RGB map, by working in the RGB channels, then feeding the output through 3 blue nodes (green to scalar, red to scalar, blue to scalar).....

[bobbystahr]

You can test how it's lying on the ground by plugging it into a surface test shader at the end, but you can then just plug the image map shader (projection Y + right size and location) into the pop blending input, or through a distribution shader to restrict height/slope (which I usually do). You can make 3 maps in one RGB map, by working in the RGB channels, then feeding the output through 3 blue nodes (green to scalar, red to scalar, blue to scalar).....

now there's a cool idea I'd never tumbled to....thanks man

[TheBadger]

Hey Dune,

I wanted to try some of what you described. But I'm not getting even the basics of this to work yet. Please read the following and tell me if its correct.
(or anyone:)

To distribute plants by image map:

Object--->use density shader-->Distribution shader v4 01--->check fractal break up--->create image map shader (color shader)--->"Go" image map shader--->
Select "planY", position center, paste coordinates.

I get no result?

[Dune]

I don't use the breakup as such, but move that to the blend input. Then I blend the breakup by the image map shader. Don't forget to check it's blended.

[TheBadger]

but move that to the blend input. Then I blend the breakup by the image map shader. Don't forget to check it's blended.

Thank you, Ulco! That made it work! And now my OP is answered too, because I can see is

I will try your method above too, if someone will tell me where I get get one of the dreaded blue nodes from

[Dune]

Insert>>>function>>>convert

[TheBadger]

Thank you, Ulco