Adjustable Heatmap blob effect

[Lex25059416ogom]

In After Effects we want to create a 'Heatmap blob'. We would like to use it in a video and do some animations. Unfortunately, I cannot create an adjustable heatmap blob or something that looks very similar. For now, a none connected single blob will be good enough. In our specific case, the blobs move a little and change shape. The reds are more stable and the yellow, greens, and blues move more.

Example Visualize sound leaks in buildings and constructions - YouTube

What I tried:

- using gradient ramp (it's just 2 colors.. it's too little)
- using multi ramp (multi colors, but doesn't; follow the shape either radial or linear)
- having several layers stacked on top of each other (this was close so far, but the gradient looks off)

Does anyone have any ideas on how to mimic this perfectly?

[ShiveringCactus]

I've recently been playing around with something similar for a different end result.  What I ended up using a shape layer with a black&white gradient fill.  The shape layer let me control the shape so it wasn't perfect.  I then applied the Colorama effect to the layer, which gave me a range of colors.  

I imagine the Fire preset in the Output cycle might get you close and if not, it is hopefully clear how you can build your own "heat" palette.

[Mylenium]

Create whatever shapes you need in a pre-comp, blur them like crazy with a Box Blur with at least 3 iterations or Gaussian Blur  and apply a Colorama/ Tint/ Tritone or whatever effect.

Mylenium

[Lex25059416ogom]

You've similar ideas. Although it gets close, still isn't perfect yet. So more ideas are welcome :D.

[Mylenium]

You can modify the base set-up in any way you see fit in the pre-comp. If you need separate temperature ranges to behave differently, simply create them as separate layers^with a controlled fixed coloring. Heat waves can easily be created with Roughen Edges and sandwiching in a layer between the "colder" outer regions and the hotspots would be easy enough. Again, the point is to just play around with this and get a proper greyscale input map from the pre-comp.

Mylenium

[Lex25059416ogom]

Thanks, for your feedback! I just started with after effects so this will help. I don't have any clue what is available to mimic these kinds of things so I'll try your suggestion.