Is it possible to link a Polyline Stroke to a Path?

As a newbie, I would appreciate some advice on a problem I am trying to solve.

I want to paint a line on a map and then get an object, say a plane, to follow this line and leave a visible trail as it moves. I think the trail part is easy if I can do the following.

I was hoping I could draw a polyline stroke and some how use this stroke to define a path that a merged object would follow. Alternatively I could define the plane's path and use this to set up the polyline stroke.

I have not found a way of doing either of these. Is it possible?

Thanks

Maybe the tutorial below will help you along your way?

http://tale2tell.com/fusion-motion-paths/

As long as one is animated or published, you can connect the other one to it.

Maybe the tutorial below will help you along your way?

http://tale2tell.com/fusion-motion-paths/

I wouldn't use that method to be honest. Exporting/importing shape files will take away the interactivity that you want when doing something like this.

Chad, do you know if animating the 'end' value of a stroke will correspond with the displacement along path value? That would be my first try.

Thanks for all your input.
I understand what you are suggesting but the only way I can get it to work is using the Export/import route.
I don't seem to have the options for linking the motion and paint shapes.
If I create the path in the animated merge centre, it does not appear when I right click and follow the menus on the paint polyline.
Is there any chance that you could provide some more detail please?

I can show you soon, but I have some work to finish first. Ideally you could connect the animated write-end value of your stroke to the displacement of your path, but this doesn't work unfortunately, probably because the way splines work internally. I'm not that technical. There are some workarounds possible, that - at least - keep it interactive without the need for exporting/importing. I'll try to whip something up shortly.

Sander
Thanks. I am not too concerned about the write on end value. I can add some key frames to it to adjust the end of the visible line to correspond to the actual position of the moving object.
My problem is "copying the path/spline" between the merge and paint or paint and merge.
A simple step by step list of actions would be great.
John

Hi
apart form the tiny plane that you want to add, I've done basically the same

You'll find my code under "Newb needs help in plotting a route". It's what you are looking for - stroked polyline points. You'll have to add a background map - if the mods let it through, you'll be able to download the map that I used.
You can even break up the journey by adding key frames and adjusting the completion of the "Write On" start-end bar.
Key frame 1 - 0%
Key frame 2 - 10%
Key frame 3 - 10%
Key frame 4 - 30%
Key frame 5 - 30%
Key frame 6 - 100%

You'll have a pause between KF2 & KF3 and also between KF4 & KF5.

Graham
I am not sure if I have missed something but is there any code or any instructions to look at?
John

He is referring to another thread on the forum:

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=56011