Created by Ryan Nolan (RyanNolanVFX)
Ultimate Scatter for Maya is an attempt to be an easily portable, advanced scattering tool. It effectively populates your environments while giving you powerful visual features to control where those objects appear.
When you download you'll receive at least two files: Changelog.txt and UTS_Dist.py. Only UTS_Dist.py is required.
Step 1. Copy the "UTS_Dist.py" file to wherever you'd like.
ex: C:/Users/<username>/Documents/maya/scripts
Step 2. Copy the following command below to a Python Tab or shelf button. Replace <Install Path> with the directory where you installed the script. Please note: The install path name requires that you use forward slashes " / " to separate directories:
execfile("<Install Path>/UTS_Dist.py")
ex: execfile("C:/Users/<username>/Documents/maya/scripts/UTS_Dist.py")
step 3. Run the command/shelf button
Do not rename or otherwise modify any of the objects this tool creates
In your maya scene, ensure your objects that you intend to use with the tool have unique names. There is currently a bug where the script can get confused with names like "temp:pCube1" and "pCube1". So for now, please try to stay as unique as possible with naming.
When using objects masks, it is better to use simple geo.
Using the same surface/ground geo as object masks may yield unexpected results
Using a value of 0 for avoidance radius now gives a much denser result.
Updated method for 'reset system' function, should now work with pre Maya 2016
Fixed 'Apply All Active Masks to System' not working when current frame not set to 1
Attempt to fix a rare runtime/math error that occurs when scattering on 90 degree slopes
New! Tutorial Playlist found here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt5913jsurlYmEBv1svF_tbWLhwlZddWv
Here's the first video of that playlist:
Please use the Feature Requests to give me ideas.
Please use the Support Forum if you have any questions or problems.
Please rate and review in the Review section.