I've been fascinated by digital environments and am trying to figure out which software might be easy and industry standard?

I would love to find the strengths and weakness of each of these apps?
which one has a easy learning curve.
 Not what they can evolve into with the next version up but where they lie as of today

My bg is in node based compositing and some houdini magic.

I'm posting this on the terragen forum as much as the vue and hopefully it might spawn some interest and help me make a informed choice.

this is indeed the best way to start a debate/argument around here.

Vue is by a long shot the superior application. Hands down.

Download the free PLE version and try Vue.  http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/?page=try

Try GeoControl also.

I've used both for a long time -  there is no doubt- Vue

I have downloaded the ple and am making quick headway into Vue.
Although I must say a node based system is always going to be more flexible.
I can see the meta node (group) creation facility and am still trying to figure if I could get a matched camera from PF track or nuke X into the app and then create an environment based on what going to be in camera.

what is geoControl?

Another thing, If I were to make a sphinx.
Would I have to model the form in Zbrush and then pull it in or does Vue allow a controlled way of sculpting within the terrain generator?
Would it be by using the load shape and then sculpt ?

What is the general workflow for this kind of creation?

the vue forum seems to be more active than the terragen one so far.
More users I pressume

cheers

I would model in a dedicated app and import to vue - vue isnt really a 3D object type modeling app.

As suggested, I'd make the sphinx in a modeling program (or find one on the web), and add textures/materials in Vue. Even a simple model could become great looking that way.

• Lars "bigbraader"

Stonemason has some ancient egyptian models, and so does the hankster, maybe there is a sphinx in there ?

its not the sphinx per say but the workflow I was interested in.
So texturing and rendering in vue is one way but wouldn't a dedicated mental ray in maya or houdini be a better option?
Would you be able to transfer the UV data , textures and shaders into another 3D app?

Anyways if thats possible, then is it also possible to pull in matched camera from NukeX or PFtrack in and out of Vue?
and vice versa have geometry, textures and material transfer into Nuke?

I'm also still trying to figure out how to implement a true HDR image for lighting within Vue?
Any clues?

for the HDRI lighting Q, set the atmosphere type to "Environment Mapping" and in the "Effects" tab, you can load your HDRI image.

If you delete the sun, you should find that your HDRI map is doing the illumination for you - see page 276 in the manual
(I'm pretty sure the PLE includes that type of atmosphere - I use Infinite)

Quote - Another thing, If I were to make a sphinx.
Would I have to model the form in Zbrush and then pull it in or does Vue allow a controlled way of sculpting within the terrain generator?
Would it be by using the load shape and then sculpt ?

You can create a lot of object types in Vue, and also modify existing objects, but there are better ways to go about making objects.

Just model your models in any modeler, then import them into Vue. What is very effective is to selectively replace textures with Vue native shaders. That's what I usually do when I have metals or liquids. I think you'll find Vue does a really good job importing "foreign" formats.

I have a bunch of egyptian themed models here if you are interested. Some of them are on C3D, though you can find a lot of good egyptian models there from others too.

Vue blows Terragen out of the water, sorry Terra-fans! :)
You can do so much more with Vue, it's not even close

I build models in Rhino
export as .obj so each part is uniquely named/exported
take them into UVMapper Pro to set UVs as efficiently as possible
Import to Vue (for extremely complex models I export from Rhino in logical groups a bit a at a time and import these gorups into Vue and assemble)
work on custom Vue materials for each aprt
save model as Vue model
:)

please see my tutorials on Poser import to Vue (which deals with such)
UV mapping tutorial (if needed)
Dirt mapping materials (for improved realism of Vue mats)
etc

http://www.silverblades-suitcase.com/tutorials/htm/index.htm