Landscape design

[Dutchbird]

What is the best way to design a landscape with loads of plants? With instances, render instances, multi instances or with an RS matrix object?

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Dutchbird,

There is a longer show about this subject here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Dt5JTgYEoMY?feature=shared

These are three major options, IMHO:

• Multi instances, while placed with different scales and rotations (Random Effector) based on various ways to define the area where they are planted. Here, the preview can be done with proxies.

• RS Object in conjunction with the Matrix Object. The preview is rather abstract if not rendered.

• Exploring the RS Proxy object might lead to good results. It's more complex, perhaps saving some time, but it depends on the results you like to have. I can't answer that, it needs to be explored.

Besides, it depends highly on the camera and light settings. If the camera isn't moving over the whole landscape, the key would be to define Fore-, Middle-, and Background. At the same time, the background (HDRI 360º) would be a digital matte painting or render, with the middle ground just cards (sprites) and the foreground very detailed and art-directed plants. Why light as a deciding part? If you have a single light set up, then pre-rendered background works, and cards with images containing the light as well. If you have a light simulation over the course of a day, that will not work. The camera settings are also important; depth of field "blur" and its quality "Bokeh" will play a role if pre-rendered material is used. Besides, Motion Blur might take a deciding role.

If you use atmospheric options, things might limited or need to be prepared very precisely, like "Sfumato" (One-dimensional depth impression based on desaturation - simply said) in pre-rendered background elements.

For unique landscapes that are not just using instances, the idea of Level of Detail objects comes to mind, as well as their depth adjustment of details amount.

All the best

[Dutchbird]

@Dr-Sassi thanks a lot. Again an over complete answer.
I have some work to do and will provide you an image with my attempt.

If I was your boss you would have earned a raise. Show him/her/it this post.

[Dr. Sassi]

Thank you so much, Dutchbird!

Fingers crossed that your suggestion will find its way.
I made a screen shot of it, as it provided me with a big smile.

Please let me know if you have any other questions about this theme.
I'm happy to look into it.

Yes, please share your progress, I'd love to see what you do.

My best wishes for your project