Skip to main content

InstanceData

Overview​

InstanceData represents instanced geometry in CosmoNode.

It stores a reference to a source MeshData and a collection of transformation matrices. Multiple transformations can reference the same source mesh, allowing the same geometry to be placed multiple times without duplicating the underlying mesh data.

Contains​

  • Source Mesh
  • Transformation Matrices

Source​

The source field contains the MeshData used by the instance.

Usage​

  • InstanceData is stored inside the GeometryData.
  • Nodes such as Copy to Points can generate multiple transformations for the same source geometry.
  • Realize Instances converts the instances into regular mesh geometry.
  • Pack Geometry can convert regular mesh geometry into an InstanceData.

Notes​

  • source may be null for an uninitialized instance.
  • The transform list can contain multiple transformation matrices.
  • Sharing the source mesh between instances reduces memory usage compared to storing a separate mesh for every instance.
  • Instance transformations are applied when calculating bounds or realizing the geometry.