Map

The Map node is a building block for parameter control.
Each Map applies one operation (constant, attribute, or randomize) and then blends the result with the incoming value to module a parameter value in space and time according to attributes.

Concept

• Linear chain – Maps are evaluated in order, each taking the previous result and blending its own contribution.
• Self-contained – Every Map defines both its operation and how to blend it (Replace, Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide).
• Modes –
  • Constant – output a fixed scalar.
  • Map – map parm to a graph attribute such as u, age, or height.
  • Randomize – stable random per internode.

Maps currently form the backbone for controlling parameters in:

• Grow
• Wrangle
• Switch
• Select Decoration

🛠️ For conditional or more complex blends, see Map If and Map Blend (in development).

Inputs

Input 0 — Previous Map
Value stream from upstream in the chain.

Output — Resulting Map
The new value, after this node’s operation and blend.

Parameters

• Mode (mode)
  Operation type (Constant / Attribute / Randomize).
• Attribute (attrib_quick)
  When in Attribute mode, pick a graph attribute (e.g. u, age, height).
• Ramp (map_ramp)
  Remap attribute values across 0–1.
• Random Range (rand_min, rand_max)
  Defines output span for Randomize mode.
• Blend Operation (graph_threshold_operation)
  How this Map combines with the incoming value: Replace / Add / Subtract / Multiply / Divide.

Workflow

1. Add a Constant Map to seed a base value.
2. Append an Attribute Map (like u) with a ramp to sculpt progression.
3. Insert Randomize Maps to introduce irregular variation.
4. Blend them in sequence — each Map handles its own blending.
5. Feed the final output into a socket of Grow, Wrangle, or Switch.

Examples

• Taper by growth – Attribute = u, ramped 1 → 0.3, Replace → drives branch width in Grow.
• Random gating – Attribute = random, ramped 0 → 1, Replace → into Switch.
• Variation in fork chance – Attribute = u, ramped 0 → 1.0, Replace → into branch probability in Grow.

Notes

• Maps are evaluated during Simulate.
• Current system is strictly linear: each Map modifies the stream in sequence.
• Map If and Map Blend will introduce non-linear logic in future releases.