DeformByProjecting is a scripted utility for 3dsmax that allows deform one or more objects by projecting mesh verticies on the surface of another object (preform). The basic idea is similar to Conform (Compound Object), but functionality DeformByProjecting utility has differences and features:

Conform selected objects to other objects's surface. The scripts works only with Collapsed Editable Poly objects from the selection. Other objects in selection are left intact.
Known issues
Sometimes when operating with surface objects with too many vertices some vertex may not be placed over the surface.
This tool is still in development phase so any feedback is quite welcome.

Simple process preview is available here:

Given and object and a surface, creates a surface-aligned helper and parents the object to it.

Allows the trimming/branching of spline objects - and global transformation. Use this tool to add extra details to a Surface Tools object.