This final image shows using only Spec maps, again one is Aztec, the other the blocks for the hull, and the image on the right shows what happens with the block-plate map in both Spec and Reflection channels.

If you can, look closely especially at the outer rim of the saucer--the distortions that do not appear when the maps are used for bump only or Reflection only!  This seems to be very odd to me.!

And the mapping for the object is Parametric Object!

silverblade,
Thanks for responding.  I did some experimentation, and what is very weird is that only the settings for specularity seem to cause the problem.  If my attachment isn't too large, you can see what I mean.  There are two maps each for the top and bottom of the saucer.  One is the Aztec pattern, and the other is a block hull plate pattern.  I rendered images with only bump, specularity, and reflection, and one combined Spec-Reflection.

One thing that causes this problem is if you have not saved your scene.  I find it somewhat irritating myself, since I do some quickie renders of things to composite in images, and don't really need to keep the scene file.

As fasttam said: Have you saved your scene first?  I've always found that I cannot save a render unless I've saved the scene--which is a pain when I'm just doing small things or just tests of things.

I used to paint backgrounds for local  (St Louis metro area) commercial photographers a long time ago.  If you let me know, I could probably work with you to come up with some backgrounds for your use.

greg

Well, I went back in, and played some more.  Instead of using fuzziness at all, I tried playing with the distance field, and got the attached results.

I started experimenting this evening.  I have Vue6 esprit, with the latest beta update.  I know that I don't have access to many of the functions shown in your tutorial, but I cannot get a symmetrical terrain to show up at all with a volumetric material, even with density turned all the way up, and fuzziness turned all the way down.

I tried something similar with a sphere, and had some luck, but not much.  I cannot get much intensity to show up, and unless I flatten the sphere relative to the camera, I get a "light blue" effect all around.

greg

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