stones pebbles displacement?

[pshupe68]

I need to model stones that will fill-in around columns of a canopy. They are like river stones but should be somewhat round around 1" - 2" diameter and would be quite white. It's not A-gravel or anything but more of a feature river stone kind of thing. I have a decent map and map a mono-bump map but just haven't had any luck with getting what I need. I can get a decent bump but need more round stone kind of look.

I saw a tutorial a long time back. I'm not even really sure where but it was exactly what I needed. If anyone has any suggestions or knows of that tutorial, with such a weak explanation, it would be greatly appreciated.

Regards Peter.

[RErender]

I would try painting over your bump map, fill in the stone areas with a gradient brush.

[Da_elf]

maybe a particle system? arnt particles instance geometry?

[pshupe68]

I'm trying to modify my bump map currently but it's not working out too well. Very jagged. I will try the gradient brush. Do you know of any tutorials on the subject. I saw one about a year ago that was exactly what I needed. Man I wish I would have filed it properly.

I'm not sure how to use a partical system? Although I would imagine that is a Max feature, correct? I have VIZ 2005. Thanks for the suggestions I appreciate it. If anyone else has any good ideas on how to model small rocks / pebbles please let me know. I don't want to have to start modeling individual rocks but that may be an option. So if anyone has a tutorial or info. on that please pass it on.

Thanks again.

Regards Peter.

[R2J2]

I get nice displacement maps by using the select by color (or manualy select) then shrink or grow selection and feather to get a good gradient variation.

here's an example of the finished displace map that gives a nice round effect on the stones:

[meanadam]

Displace a cellular map.
Adjust the spread of the cells for more space between the stones.

[pshupe68]

R2J2 - Thanks I'll give that a try. Do you know of a good site to get some stone maps?

meanadam - don't know what a cellular map is? Care to enlighten me? Thanks for the response.

Regards Peter.

[PixelJockey]

A cellular map is one of the standard Max procedural map types. Just click on the appropriate map slot and select cellular instead of bitmap.

[pshupe68]

Thanks pixeljockey - I'll give that a try!

Regrads Peter.