Just looking for some clarification on the Ocean Shader. I was reading the Maya Docs (Yay, fun!) and I can across:
"The Foam Emission value is output to the outFoam attribute, which can be used to define opacity of a layered foam shader."
outFoam is
"Out Foam is the output foam density value computed by the texture. Use this value to control the density of a layered foam shader. If applied to transparency, the value should be first inverted."
So do that mean that it's an attr that can adjust the Transparency of the foam? Or is it that the ocean is a layered shader and it is the transparency of the foam layer so that the whole ocean isn't white? Does that make sence? I'm looking for anyone who knows a little more about this attr b/c I'm not clear on what it does based on what the Docs says. Thanks!
The outFoam is an output attribute (like outColor). This means that you can use it as the source of a shading network connection. This is a carry over attribute from the ocean texture. Unfortunately it is currently broken in the shader. I figured out the problem and fixed it (thanks to your post!). You should see this fix in the next major Maya release( I can't tell you when that will be, however )
The idea is that if you wanted to use the foam info in a shading network you could connect the outFoam to any desired attribute. For example you might route the outFoam to a valueRemap node then route the valueRemap.outColor to the ocean shaders own foam color( it is somewhat circular to do this, but should still be OK ). The color ramp on the remap would then control the foams color based on the density of the foam. You could make it green at the edge of the foam edges, transitioning to white in the center, for example.
In another shading network one might use it to control the transparency of a second shader to layer on top of the ocean, so that one has a foam layer.
For now you could use the outFoam on an ocean texture for a similar effect.
Thanks for that explanation. I look forward to using the fixed version; those are exciting opportunities for added detail and refinement of oceans. I think that application will come in handy for close ups on an ocean and a nice fake for the bump of the foam. Thanks again for the clarification!