Multiple paver stone sizes in a distribution region

[ericepv]

I have a bunch of patio stones from a former garden path which I'd like to re-purpose as pavers for a small patio (the white area below). There are 3-4 different sizes of stones and I'm trying to figure out a way to have Chief create a layout pattern in a distribution region. So far, I have not been able to select more than 1 item. Does anyone know of a workaround for what I'm trying to do or am I just asking to much of the software?

 

[robdyck]

I was thinking about the same principle for a retaining wall made of boulders. I'd like variation in boulder colors so how do I go about doing that? For your case, I don't think you'll find an easy way. Multiple dist. regions will result in stone overlap. You could attempt to create 1 symbol made up of the various stone sizes but it will probably prove to be difficult to create a symbol that tiles nicely.

One thought is to create a symbol by using a cad detail from a cad fill pattern of a random edged stone. Then convert the polylines to a 3d symbols for terrain use and paint them using various materials.

Another option might be to find a similar looking texture image that can be edited to be transparent between the pavers. 

What do your patio stones look like?

[ericepv]

2 minutes ago, robdyck said:

I was thinking about the same principle for a retaining wall made of boulders. I'd like variation in boulder colors so how do I go about doing that? For your case, I don't think you'll find an easy way. Multiple dist. regions will result in stone overlap. You could attempt to create 1 symbol made up of the various stone sizes but it will probably prove to be difficult to create a symbol that tiles nicely.

One thought is to create a symbol by using a cad detail from a cad fill pattern of a random edged stone. Then convert the polylines to a 3d symbols for terrain use and paint them using various materials.

Another option might be to find a similar looking texture image that can be edited to be transparent between the pavers. 

What do your pavers look like?

They are square and rectangular stones of various sizes.

[DBCooper]

A distribution region can only have one object.  There are a few ways I can think of that might work. 

 

First, you can always create a copies of a distribution region, set a new object, and overlay them on top of the first one.  This may only work if your pavers are the same size though since you don't have separate x and y spacing for the pattern.  Depending on the pattern you are trying to model, this could work out.

 

The other thing you could do is make an architectural block with the different pavers already arranged in the pattern you want.  This could work out really good if your block ends up being basically square shaped so the spacing works out good.

 

In either case, you may have problems around the edges because I don't think there is any way to make the program clip the objects to fit your shape.  This means you might have some pavers sticking out past the edges and some gaps in other cases.

 

And as a last resort, you could always build the pavers individually and use the transform/replicate tool to lay them out in the pattern you want.  Could even make custom poly solids for the cut off edge blocks if you wanted it to look perfect.  Could always put them all into an architectural block when done so they won't get accidently moved.