This page provides information on the Distance Map.
Overview
The VRayDistanceTex is a V-Ray specific procedural texture that returns a different color based on a point's distance to an object(s) specified in a selection list.
Refer to the examples on this page to see the versatile use of this texture.
Parameters
Distance – Specifies a radius outside which all points are shaded with Far color.
Far color – The color returned by the texture for points that are at a distance greater than the Distance value from the objects specified in the list.
Near color – The color returned by the texture for points that are right at the edges of the object(s) specified in the list. For points that are outside or inside the objects but not exactly next to them, the color is determined by blending between the Near color and the Far color, and the Distance serves as a falloff radius.
Inside separate – When enabled, the Near color value is overridden by the Inside color value for points that are inside the specified geometry.
Inside solid – When enabled, all the points inside the specified geometry receive the Inside color value and no blending is performed.
Inside color – The color returned by the texture for points that are right inside the object(s) specified in the list. For points that are inside the objects but not exactly next to them the color is determined by blending between the Inside color and the Far color, and the Distance serves as a falloff radius.
Outside separate – When enabled, the Near color value is overridden by the Outside color value for points that are outside the specified geometry.
Outside solid – When enabled, all the points outside the specified geometry receive the Outside color value and no blending is performed.
Outside color – The color returned by the texture for points that are outside the object(s) specified in the list.
Compute in viewports – Enabled by default. When disabled, stops VRayDistanceTex from being calculated in the viewports, but it is still calculated during production rendering, including IPR as well.
Textures
Distance – Specifies a texture to multiply the value in the Distance parameter.
Far – Specifies a texture to be used instead of the Far color.
Near – Specifies a texture to be used instead of the Near color.
Inside – Specifies a texture to be used instead of the Inside color.
Outside – Specifies a texture to be used instead of the Outside color.
Objects
A list of objects that are going to be considered when calculating the colors for each point in the texture.
+ – Add an object to the Objects list.
– – Removes an object from the Objects list.
Remove all – Clears the Objects list.
Example: Island
This example shows the VRayDistanceTex used with a Gradient map to achieve the effect of varying color on the shore. The same method is used for the land heights. Download the scene to see the details.
Example: Holes
In this example the VRayDistanceTex is used as a map for VRayDisplacementMod in order to achieve the effect of holes on the V-Ray ball. Download the scene to check the details.
Example: Sand
For this example, the VRayDistanceTex is used in combination with a Gradient Ramp to achieve the "waves" in the sand. Download the scene to check the details.
Example: Force Field
VRayDistanceTex here is used to create a hole in the force field based on the position of the spaceship. Download the scene to check the details.
Example: Screw
In this scene, the VRayDistanceTex is once used as a Displacement map (in combination with VRayCompTex in order to achieve the two forms: the screw cross and the hole) and once in a Blend material for the two different materials. Download the scene to check the details.
Example: Tubes
VRayDistanceTex here is used as an Opacity map to make parts of the tubes "disappear". Download the scene to check the details.
