Map

The Map node is the fundamental building block for parameter control in Natsura.

• Linear Chaining: Maps are connected in a linear chain. Each node modifies the value passed from the previous one.
• Operations: Each Map performs one operation: Constant, Attribute Lookup, or Randomization.
• Blending: The result of the operation is blended (Add, Multiply, Replace, etc.) with the incoming value.

Concept

Space and Time By mapping parameters to attributes like u (growth progress), height (Y position), or age (time), you make your growth rules dynamic. A static "Width" becomes a "Taper". A static "Pitch" becomes a "Curl".

The Chain A single Map node is rarely enough. You typically chain them:

1. Base Value: Set a constant start value.
2. Variation: Add noise or randomization.
3. Control: Multiply by a ramp over u to shape the effect.

Inputs

• Input 0 — Previous Map The value stream from the upstream map.
• Output — Resulting Map The modified value stream.

Parameters

Mode

• Constant: Outputs a fixed number.
• Attribute: Samples a graph attribute (e.g., u, height).
• Randomize: Generates a stable random value per internode.

Settings

• Attribute: The attribute name to read (in Attribute mode).
• Ramp: Remaps the attribute value (0-1 range).
• Random Range: Min/Max values for randomization.

Blending

• Operation: How to combine with the input value (Replace, Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide).

Attributes

Map reads attributes from the graph but does not create them.

• Common Inputs: u, id, parent_id, generation, age, height.

Workflow

1. Connect a Map node to a socket on a Grow node (e.g., "Width Scale").
2. Set Mode to Constant and value to 0.1 (Base width).
3. Chain a second Map node.
4. Set Mode to Attribute, Attribute to u, and Operation to Multiply.
5. Adjust the Ramp to taper the width from 1.0 down to 0.0.

Related Nodes