Shortest path with custom edge cost setup in Geometry Nodes

A demonstration of the new shortest path node with custom edge cost in Blender, Geometry Nodes.

The file has 3 versions of the setup with increasing complexity for easier readability. It utilizes the new "Shortest Path" node in Blender 3.4 and in adds custom edge cost to create the growth effect by proximity to a custom effector object.

The most important control nodes are highlighted in red, so you can experiment with the settings values. (They are not exposed as Group Input to the Modifier controls in the Modifier side tab, for easier readability of the node tree.)

There are 3 versions available inside (With explanations)-

1. In this setup we start with an icosphere, and then use the shortest path calculation nodes. Here we dont use custom edge cost, but leave it empty - meaning it uses the default cost, the distance between vertices (and chooses the shortest value). We choose a vertex manually to be the end vertex of the calculations. Then we move the vertices toward an effector object and delete the closest ones to create an "opening".

In this node setup the proximity of the effector object does not influence the "branching", hence the name.

Tip: Experiment with the deletion proximity (or turn it off completely).

2. Here we create an icosphere as base object, and do the same procedure, meaning delete vertices by proximity to an effector object, but here

A. WE USE a custom edge cost, the distance to the effector object, so the branches are recalculated every time the object moves.

B. We use the closest (or furthest) vertex as end vertex for the shortest path calculations. This way we can conveniently define in real time the branching points by moving the effector.

C. We dont move the vertices toward the effector, so the sphere stays "spherical"

3. The same as 2, but here we move the closest vertices toward the effector object.

NOTE

- Since it is a concept demonstration, it is kept as simple as possible. The GeoNodes trees are kept clean for easier readability and have detailed explanations. Everything is built from the base. The point of these setups is to provide a base core of the concept, node from node, instead of contracting all into node groups with exposed settings, which makes everything harder to read and dissect.

You can embellish, refine as you wish based on the core or realize your own ideas.

- Read the text description, it has a lot of useful info !

-(The setup should be opened in Blender 3.6X and above)

-The file is optimized for and rendered in Eevee (Render Viewport Animation). Of course, you can set up any renderer you wish.

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