Newbie having trouble with terrains

gmac

Is there a simpler way to create a terrain or mesh from a simple flat shape? (I can't seem to do it fast/simpler/lower poly.) (by 'simple' i should qualify....something just a little more complicated than a rectangle which might rule out using the 'from scratch' option.)

for example in the attached: what is suggested to shape the landscape areas shown in green (group)? everything I've tried is complicated, too many poly's, too time consuming.

This is just an example, but the reason I did it was the landscape areas were not rectangles. the bullet shape seems to prevent using the 'from scratch' option. The goal is to mound these areas maybe.

Hope the question is clear. mostly I'm in search of efficiency. I can't do the cool surrounding context if I run out of time.

Thanks, GREG

Planter_Test.skp

d12dozr

A super simple solution (maybe too simple?) in this case is to offset the boundary lines inward, select the inner face, then Autofold (Move + Alt) the face up. Soften all the edges, and you have a raised bed. ~10 sec

Will that work?

gmac

Thanks, I think that works pretty well. I had actually tried that with some success as long as the shape was as simple as the example. Where I ran into trouble was when the curve was smaller or the frequency was such that I couldn't offset it without it overlapping itself and I'd have to either fix it or live with the odd facets it was creating.

It occurred to me to ask..."is there a way to create a 'from scratch' TIN then subtract (or intersect) the outline of the shape?" (thereby leaving an irregular but flat terrain that you could push around.)

Thanks again, GREG

d12dozr

Yes, just make the TIN larger than your needed shape, then copy your irregular but flat terrain above it and run Drape. Clean up the outer edges and you're good to go.

Also worth mentioning for landscaping are the Soap skin bubble ruby(free) and Artisan ($39)

EarthMover

I use soapskin & bubble to make raised beds all the time. It works great for complicated curvy bed shapes. http://www.tensile-structures.de/sb_software.html