GenTree.

Tree Generator Script for Maya.

News:

15-4-02:
Added leaves function (see below). Presently uses a single quad poly for each leaf, but other shapes are on the way.

7-4-02:
These pages are devoted to the development of my tree making script for Maya. At present the script is strictly work in progress and unavailable for public testing. I'll be posting images of the results here as developments occur. To start with here's a couple of images of present results and a screen shot of the UI. You will notice that both tree's do not have leaves.. it's because I haven't got round to writing the leaf bit yet... :)

A bit more about the script:

The script creates simplified tree's rather than biologically correct tree's (if you want this try natFx from Bionatics), based on rules developed by Jason Weber and Joseph Penn. PDI used the same technique for generation of trees in Shrek. Although rule based, the system is different to L-Systems in that the tree's are generated from a few attributes set by the user. However the results are pretty realistic and unless you are going for total realism then the tree's generated are pretty good. It's possible to re-create real world trees' with the correct combination of attributes and other stem based plants such as bamboo and cacti.

Intentions:

At present I'm developing a MEL version which only creates a single tree at a time which is not animatable (unless you want to rig it up), also shading has to be done by hand. The script may or may not get released, at least in a supported version - due to the limitations MEL imposes I've yet to make up my mind if it's worth while. However I am intending to turn it into a plugin which will greatly improve the functionality and efficiency. The plugin will also be able to include tree animation, level of detail and forest generation.

Also on my to do list is a renderman shader version which has the potential of being the most useful (well if you have Entropy or PRMan) as no tree geometry need be created in the scene. The tree's will be generated at render time with proxies being generated in the scene.

Why?

Several times now I've needed tree's and lot's of 'em. Unfortunately I don't have the patience to build them by hand or the money to by models or software. I also wanted to get to grips with MEL (yes this is my first MEL script) so I decided to create this script.. simple really.

Script Features: In development.

  • Will be free when released.
  • Suitable for mid to background scenery.
  • Realistic looking geometry trees'.
  • Can produce Cacti, Bamboo, palms and shrubs as well as tree's.
  • Define trunk / branch profile.
  • Create segmented trunk ala palms'.
  • Simple Level of Detail function.
  • Load trees from Library.
  • Use custom leaves, thorns, flowers and fruit.

Plugin Features: Future development.

  • Quality good enough for close ups.
  • Greater efficiency and speed.
  • Create multiple tree's.
  • Manage tree's in the scene - alter characteristics after creation.
  • Animation features - tree sway, leaf fluttering.
  • Generates proxies as stand ins, create final tree's at render time.
  • Automatic shading.

Renderman Compliant Shader: Future development.

  • Similar to script but also..
  • Not specific to Maya.
  • Use proxies in scene.
  • Tree created in renderer so no performance hit on animation package, much more efficient / faster rendering.
  • Animation of trees.

LEFT: Made with v 0.25a. Added leaves function.

Right: Preliminary UI v0.20a.

 

Left: Made with v0.21a.
Aspen tree - with out leaves of course.

Right: Made with v0.20a.
Note: the angularness of the trunk is also due to the version's lofting method.

Left: Made with v0.15a.
Note: the branches appear unnaturally curvy due to standin lofting method. This will be addressed in later versions.