map intersection of separate meshes

[mark_aldred]

I have a water surface that has several plant stalks protruding upwards.
Is there a map or something else I can use that detects the intersection of the meshes for creating an effect in the water surface material at the intersection points?

[vladimir_krastev]

Hi you could use the VRayDirt and also the VRayDistanceTex. Both of these could work.

Please find the help articles for them here:

https://docs.chaos.com/display/VMAX/VRayDirt

https://docs.chaos.com/display/VMAX/VRayDistanceTex

[^Lele^]

Yes indeed, as Vladimir mentioned.
You can use the distance texture with a mapped gradient to create pleasant ripples around water lilies, for example, via either bump or displacement (depending on camera angle).
The parameter to map is generally the distance, but you can experiment to quickly find what works for you.
If you zoom in on the lake in this crop of an old scene of mine, you may be able to see it at work (as bump, in this case.).

[mark_aldred]

Hi you could use the VRayDirt and also the VRayDistanceTex. Both of these could work.
Please find the help articles for them here:
https://docs.chaos.com/display/VMAX/VRayDirt
https://docs.chaos.com/display/VMAX/VRayDistanceTex

Yes indeed, as Vladimir mentioned.
You can use the distance texture with a mapped gradient to create pleasant ripples around water lilies, for example, via either bump or displacement (depending on camera angle).
The parameter to map is generally the distance, but you can experiment to quickly find what works for you.
If you zoom in on the lake in this crop of an old scene of mine, you may be able to see it at work (as bump, in this case.).

Thanks!
I'll give them a try.

About using a mapped gradient ramp, I'm not sure how I'd pick out the distance from a VRayDistanceTex, but I'll look into it and come back if I have trouble.

[mark_aldred]

Wow. Mapped gradient worked.
Thanks!