Is there a way to use a COP network to set an attribute value in SOP land? I've tried using attribute from map and the colormap vop with the op: qualifier but attribute form map didn't work at all, and the colomap vop node works if I set the channel name in {}. However it doesn't seem to refresh frame to frame. I've even tried to do but that didn't work.

Whats the best way to bring cop data back into the sop context?

It should “just” work.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that the op-syntax requires absolute, full paths. For relative ones you have to do a conversion with opfullpath.

I attached you a quick example of a bubbling COP noise.

Also something to be aware of: COPs are slow. I mean: slow like ass. Live connections look elegant, but will seriously hinder your workflow when they have production resolution.

Thanks Martin. I was using absolute paths as you suggested already but I guess my cops network was a bit too much for Houdini to handle…no idea honestly why it wouldn't work. Based on what you say, I guess baking out the frames and just importing them seems to be the way to go.