Two kinds of display modes (Shaded and Texture)
When the new function Shaded is selected in the Shoreline Editor, the surrounding landscapes reflected and light reflection on the water surface are automatically calculated, and various ripples can be displayed. By using this mode, you can change the impression of water surface according to place and situation. For example, river flow, spring, and the sea surface under the windy weather and calm weather can be expressed. In this topic, we render the sea surface near a harbor in the Shaded mode first.

Fig. 1 Sea surface in the Shaded mode and its setting

The existing setting by image texture (Texture mode) is available in addition to the Shaded mode.

Fig. 2 Sea surface in the Texture mode

Wave movement by wind can be rendered in the both display modes. In the Texture mode, the movement of patterns on the water surface are constant, and the scenery reflected on the water surface does not move. On the other hand, in the Shaded mode, the complex orientation of waves can be rendered, and the reflected landscape moves together with the wave. Night views are displayed brighter in the Texture mode than in the Shaded mode. You can configure lakes one by one.

Fig. 3 Water surface at night in the Texture mode

Setting in the Shaded mode
Now, let's see the settings in the Shaded mode. To express the realistic sea, select blue color and use the wave moving towards the same direction. On the other hand, when you want to depict the river in the mountain, green color is suitable and the wave length should be shorter than that of the sea. Increasing the value of direction range makes the aspect of waves complex, and larger amplitude factor and larger foam amount emphasize the movement of water. Please utilize these settings to depict the fast-flowing dynamic river.

Fig.4 River in the mountain and the setting of its water surface

The orientation of the sunshine is also important for the expression of white waves on the water surface. The appearance of wave changes according to the time and the camera position even in the same lake settings, and this gives an entirely different impression.

Fig.5 Rice fields and edit screen

The next example is the muddy stream. Select brown color for the water color and 100% for the opacity to emphasis the turbid water. In the wave length, enter a little larger value than that of fresh stream in order to depict the dirty image. The value of direction range should be smaller than that of clear river to show the high speed of flow in the constant direction.

Fig.6 Muddy stream and its setting

To render a stream having clear water, select blue color for the color of the water surface and 60% for the opacity. The bottom of the stream can be seen, and it expresses the image of the limpid water. The short wave length generates the glimmer on the water surface. To express the calm flow, enter small value in the amplitude factor. Increase the direction range to depict various flows.

Fig.7 Transparent stream and its setting

Application to fog
Here, we create a sky castle covered with fog by applying the smoke function. First, use the "fog" in the visual option to overlay the fog over the background mountains. Then, arrange "smoke" around the castle. The "smoke" can be selected and arranged on the terrain from the "Fire/Smoke" in the library panel. Click on the smoke you set and go to "Fire/Smoke" - "Advanced". Increase the maximum number of particles, initial and final particle size, and life time. The smoke does not go up but spreads horizontally if you set the wide initial position range and the slow moving speed. By placing more than one "smoke" like this, it will look like a fog.

Fig.8 Fog by using "smoke" and its setting

Waterfall
Waterfalls can be expressed by applying "Smoke". Increase the max number and the size of particles and expand the width of the initial position (width between X-Y or Z-Y). Then, enter the negative values in the vertical acceleration and Y value meaning the height direction of the movement parameter. The smoke moves downwards. Set the "smoke" over the waterfall basin to express the splash of water.

Fig.9 Waterfall by using "smoke" and its setting

Fountain
The next try is the creation of fountain. Decrease the particle size of "smoke" and the range of the initial position to express the blowout hole. The positive Y value in the movement parameter and the negative value in the vertical acceleration can display the water blowing out and then falling due to the gravity. Create ripples on the surface of pond by using the lake function.

Fig. 10 Fountain by using "smoke" and its setting

Other application
Selecting images other than smoke as the particle texture can express the fluttering of various things. The following example is the expression of confetti.

Fig.11 Confetti by using "smoke" and its setting