Make a volume from point(s) at different elevation(s) and a single outline
#1
Hi there, 
I have been trying to make a mesh tree that is generated from a closed polygon (that represents canopy extent in plan) and a point (which is just a crosshair spline (that represents the canopy height - it's at the correct elevation). I think I need a second point for the base of the tree too so the shape doesn't have a flat base. I've been trying to do this with the VDB operator and have also tried an object bind but I'm not having much luck. I've attached an indicative file of what I am working with (though the ability to use multiple 'height points or multiple canopy outlines would be helpful. I can also move the canopy outline to a specific height (i.e. the widest known part of the real world canopy). Does anyone have any pointers on this?


Attached Files
.max   F789_2026.max (Size: 748 KB / Downloads: 55)
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#2
I really don't have any idea how you to plan to get a tree from a spline and a point...definitely not something tyFlow was made to do.
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#3
(09-09-2026, 01:27 PM)tyFlow Wrote: I really don't have any idea how you to plan to get a tree from a spline and a point...definitely not something tyFlow was made to do.

Thanks for your reply - 
I'm not trying to achieve perfect trees. I have existing aerial imagery extracted GIS data that gives me a canopy extent poly (at it's widest point - unfortunately not a known height) and points data for the highest point of each canopy. I'm looking to create 'blobs that represents the approximate volume of each canopy (not the trunk or branches) - it's a visual approximation of the se trees based on real world data. Individually - the best way to do this would probably be a bevel with a noise modifier and and FFD - I've also tried simple extrudes and then tapering top and bottom / adding turbosmooth - but there are thousands of trees of varying heights - so some way to to them in a smarter way is required.
The best I've come up with so far is the attach     ed which is a spline paths emanating from a base of canopy point - out to the edges of the canopy extent and then finding the highest point target (this would work a lot better if I had some additional canopy outlines further up the tree(s)). I understand it isn't what TyFlow is designed to do - but it feels like it has the potential to do it through the use of custom properties - and / or VDB with VDB noise modifier maybe. 

Just ideas on how to possibly approach this highly appreciated!
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