Separation Rule

Back to PIA's main page



When SEPARATION is activated, BOIDs will attempt to keep some predefined safe distance between themselves and all other BOIDs. You can think of this like BOIDs attempting to keep some personal space. This works to counteract too much COHESION.

Separation Strength
This value determines how strong the desire is to keep the specified safe distance. Higher values will increase the desire to keep a safe distance. Negative values will  force BOIDs to stay within the separation distance, even becoming a single “blob.” If  SEPARATION is deactivated, this parameter has no effect.

Tips and Limitations
 * 1) If SEPARATION is deactivated, this parameter has no effect.
 * 2) A value of 1.0 is a "nominal" value. A value of 2.0 will create twice the separation force, while a value of 0.5 will create half the force.
 * 3) Negative values will have the opposite effect - forcing BOIDs to move closer together if they are within Separation Distance away.

Separation Distance
This value is the safe distance (measured in feet) BOIDs will attempt to keep from  others in the group. Other forces, such as trying to stay within the defined boundary,  may still squeeze BOIDs close together. If SEPARATION is deactivated, this parameter  has no effect.

Tips and Limitations
 * 1) If SEPARATION is deactivated, this parameter has no effect.
 * 2) This rule has no effect on BOIDs when others are outside the separation distance.