By any chance, does anyone know how to create this type of model or how to add a topographic scale like the one shown in the attached image? For publications, what I usually do is segment the element, export it as an .obj file, and then use Blender. However, I’m not sure if there is any tool in 3D Slicer that allows something similar to what is shown in the image without needing to go to Blender. In this case, I would use images directly generated by 3D Slicer.
Does anyone know if there is a tool, module, or plugin that would allow me to do this?
The colors represent signed surface distance between two meshes, a specimen and a reference. Specifically:
Red/yellow = this surface point is raised relative to the reference (taller cusp, more relief)
Blue = this surface point is sunken relative to the reference (flatter, worn down, or evolutionarily reduced)
Green= near zero difference, both surfaces match at that point
The word “signed” matters here. It tells you not just HOW DIFFERENT two surfaces are, but in WHICH DIRECTION.
I built a fully automated pipeline for generating surface distance maps (like the color deviation maps in Schultz & Martin 2014) entirely inside 3D Slicer, no Blender required. It uses vtkDistancePolyDataFilter with signed distances, ColdToHotRainbow color mapping, and exports publication-quality PNG directly from the Python console.
Tested and working on Slicer 5.7. Distance range, color scale bar, teal wireframe reference overlay, all automated in one script.
If you have specimens you want me to help you with, feel free to DM me. Happy to run it for you.
So the question is do you have this already calculated and embedded in the model? If so, all you have to do is the enable the visibility of Scalars in the Models module and then choose the scalar that contains the height value:
If you haven’t calculated those per vertex values yet, and think the @drnoorfatima made some suggestions about how you can do that in Slicer. Either way, the answer is yes you can do that in Slicer.
Is possible to do what you mentioned without extensions or should I need some? I have already segmented the molar Im working on but I dont know the next steps to take
