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Ultimate Scatter - LITE 1.2.2 for Maya (maya script)

Advanced scatter tool for Maya.

License
Button download
1,077 Downloads

Compatibility

  • 2016, 2015

Operating Systems

  • Irix
  • Linux
  • Mac
  • Solaris
  • Windows

History

Created:04/29/2017
Last Modified:07/11/2017
File Size: 28.7 KB
Introduction:

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.

Please note: This is a Lite/Free version of my script and it has limited features.
 
Installation:

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



USAGE Notes (Please keep in mind these few things when using the tool):

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

 
Tips:
Rather than using multiple 'mesh' object masks, the algorithm may run faster if you combine all those meshes in to one object, and use only one 'mesh' mask.
The tool will never scatter more than your max object count. But it may scatter fewer objects. You can repeatidly press the scatter button to add more objects.
 
Update (1.2.2): 

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
 

 
You may view an early demonstation video of the script here. Note that this video shows many of the PRO version features and you will not have access (or will have limited access)  to all features in this video. Also this video is using outdated algorithms and does not accurately reflect the current performance of the tool (it is now much faster)
 

New! Tutorial Playlist found here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt5913jsurlYmEBv1svF_tbWLhwlZddWv

Here's the first video of that playlist:

 
This tool was devloped in Maya 2016 on windows. I can confirm it also works in Maya 2015. Besides that though, I cannot confirm further compatibility. If you're on a different OS/Maya version and the tool works for you (or doesn't), I would much appreciate it if you could let me and everyone else know :).
 
Fine print: Although the GUI information from the pro version is present in this version. All other code related to the pro version has been removed. Also source code has been Obfuscated by Oxyry Python Obfuscator (https://pyob.oxyry.com).


Please use the Bug System to report any bugs.
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.

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