Sumatra V1.4 Modeler Basics

This Tutorial has been written to explain the basic functions of the Sumatra Plugins V1.4 for Lightwave Modeler.

For installing the plugins and adding buttons into the lightwave-interface, please read the readme.

At first, we need to create or load a terrain object. Open modeler, select the box tool and press N. Now, enter the following values:

Width:100 meters

Height: 0 meters

Depth:100 meters

Segments x:1

Segments y:1

Segments z:1

Close the numeric window and press space.

Since Version 1.4, Sumatra Modeler can clone hundreds of objects even onto a terrain with only 1 polygon (in the past, the groundmodel needed to have at least as much points/polygons like the number of objects to clone). You dont have to subdivide your groundmodel anymore, as long as "auto subdividing" is active (Default).

Start Sumatra now.

In the objects Tab, select the model you want to clone (I used "palmtree_low.lwo" from the sumatra objects folder). Enter the number of clones into the "clones" field. This first time, 100 clones should be enough. Make sure, that the "Layer active" control is activated on your layer. If "Layer active" is not activated, no objects will be created on this layer.

Then, press OK.

After cloning is finished (this can take a few seconds - minutes, depending on your model complexity), your screen should look similar to the image above. As you can see, the plugin has created 100 clones onto the terrain. But the trees all have the same size and rotation. Also, some of the trees are standing too close to other trees. So lets try it again. Delete the cloneobjects in the 2nd Layer, go back into the 1st Layer and start Sumatra again.

Go into the "rotation, size&Offset" tab, and enter the following:

max rot H: 180

max rot P: 6

max rot B: 6

Size min: 100%

Size max: 200%

Offset: 3 meter

Press Ok again now.

You screen should now look similar to this. All Trees are now random rotated and scaled. Also, there is now a offset between all trees of minimum 3meters (from center to center).

Now, let us create some more complex vegetation.

Delete the trees on layer2 and go back to layer1. You can also clone only onto selected polygons. Subdivide your groundmodell 3-4 times, select a few polygons anywhere on the groundmodel and start Sumatra again.

Lets add now some more objects to scene. In the 2nd Layer, choose another object to clone and the number of clones. I use the model "farn.lwo" from the sumatra objects folder and 100 clones. Enter the same rotation settings like in the first layer and 200-400% random size. Enter an offset of 1meter. Then press OK.

The result should look now like in the image above. All trees and plants are random scaled and rotated. All Trees have a minimum offset of 3meters to each other tree and all plants have a minimum offset of 1meter to each other object.

Since Version 1.3, there is another option available, called "Align to Normals". If this option is activated, all generated models will be aligned to the Normals of the polygon they are placed on. Lets try this now.

Delete everything, go into layer 1 and activate the ball tool. Press "N" and enter the following values:

SIdes : 24

Segments: 12

Radius X: 20 meter

Radius Y: 20 meter

Radius Z: 20 meter

Close the numeric window and press space. Then, start Sumatra.

Deactivate the 2nd layer and activate "Align to Normals" in the 1st layer. Then, press OK.

All generated objects are now aligned to the normals of the polygons, they are placed on.

Sumatra can clone on the points of a model, on polygons or both. Also, Sumatra can work with Splines. This is useful for example,.if you want to create trees along a road or alley.Lets try this now.

Delete the ball and the trees, and draw a spline Curve, Bezier or a sketch. If you use Spline Curve or Sketch, you have to freeze it after drawing. Make sure that your Spline/Bezier/Sketch is well sized (regarding to the cloneobjects size and offset), and has enough points. If you are using Bezier for example, set the subdivisions to 32 or more. After this, start Sumatra.

Change the number of Clones to 50 and the maybe change the offset (regarding to how big your spline is). Make sure that "auto subdividing" is deactivated, and that the Mode is set to "Points" (you can find both in the advanced tab). Then, press OK.

Sumatra has now cloned the objects using the points of the splinecurve. If dont want the trees to be placed randomized, activate the "Pointorder" Button and the trees will be placed in a row with same offset.