Cloud distribution question

[littlecannon]

Hi,
I have been trying to work with distance shaders etc on clouds, trying to get something like FrankB's impressive creation.... it's not working at the moment. The cloud you see half way up the big cumulus has an lower altitude than the cumulus, so does anyone know why it might be starting that high? I actually like it where it is, but I do want to create a soft base too.

I was trying to give it a soft base, using the Big cumulus as a density shader as in FrankB's image of the thunderhead/Anvil...
Cheers, Simon.

[littlecannon]

I might go out on a whim here and suggest to myself that the clouds co-ordinates are taken from the clouds centre and not it's base? Anyone?
Simon.

[Hetzen]

Your larger cloud has a higher altitude, but what you have to realise, is that cloud depth works from the top down. I think.

So if a cloud has an altitude of 3000m, a depth of 1000m, the altitude at the base would be 2000m (3000-1000).

EDIT Actually I'm wrong according to your settings, although that's how I've been figuring it. If your cloud at 3000 metres has a depth of 4500m then 1500m of it would be underground. So looks like you're right.

Nice cloud shapes btw.

[Hetzen]

If like you suggest depth is worked from the middle either side of altitude, my back of a cigarrette packet calculation works out that your base cloud should be at 750m.

4500/2 = 2250 (mid depth)
3000(altitude)-2250(mid depth) = 750m

[littlecannon]

Cheers Hetzen... I'll chuck in another cloud level and check this out.

[Hetzen]

I've just tried it, and you were right, depth is split either side of the altitude.

[littlecannon]

Yep... me too, good to know.

[inkydigit]

useful to know for sure...nice shapes btw...though If I saw that in 'real' life I'd be very worried/scared/freaked out!!!!