The Areas rollout is part of the Chaos Scatter parameters.
Parameters
Spline includes – Scatters the models only inside the splines included in this list. The splines cannot be the same as the Distribute-on target objects.
Spline excludes – Scatters the models everywhere on the Distribute-on target objects, except in the areas where the splines from the list are located. The splines cannot be the same as the Distribute-on target objects. This option is useful, for instance, for removing instances of grass/trees from areas where a house needs to be located.
Near/Far – This option is only active when a spline from either list is selected. Determines the falloff distance from the selected spline to the selected axis plane (Projection). If the selected spline is from the Spline includes list, instances within the falloff distance are included. If the selected spline is from the Spline excludes list, instances within the falloff distance are excluded. For more information, see the Spline include Animation example.
Scale – Scale factor further affecting the instances between the near and far falloff.
Density – Density factor further affecting the instances between the near and far falloff.
Projection – Specifies the axis on which to project the include/exclude spline onto the specified distribute-on target. For more information, see the Projection example.
A spline cannot be added to more than one list. For example, if a spline is added to the Distribute-on-target objects list, it cannot be simultaneously added to the Spline excludes list. It must be removed from one list before being added to the other.
Spline include Animation Example
Chaos Scatter parameters can be animated. In this example, the Spline includes list is animated. Using the Near and Far parameters, you can create effects like growing a forest.
Projection Example
If you want to scatter objects on the ground, use the Z axis (projection from the top onto the ground). If you want to scatter the objects on a wall, use the X or Y projection (from left/right or front/back).
