How to extract data from 3d surface by clicking on the surface?

Hi,

Im currently looking for a solution to how to extract data from a 3d model. Currently we have builtup a 3d model of a pelvis complete with thickness values in different color ranges. However we want to be able to click on a specific point on the model and immediately show us that 'thickness' value there along with coordinates.

Is there a simple and easy method of doing this?

PS: Is it also possible to create a contour map on the 3d model surface? This would make it easier to view and will eliminate the use of attempting to garner data by clicking on the model.

PS: We are currently using the PATCH3D function to create the model. Much help would be appreciated!

Thanks! Regards Tom

[Tom]

So you have a model in x y and z dimensions, and the color of each patch is determined by the thickness; you want get the thickness of each point by clicking on it? If so, do you know if the color data for the patch is just the thickness data?

(Another Tom)

[Matt Kindig]

To expand upon Commenter Tom's point, if the thickness value is the color of the patch, then you can write a custom datacursor function to display this data. See

doc datacursormode

for more information.

A contour map would be tricky because the idea of a contour map is to display three dimensions on a 2d plane (such as longitude, latitude, and altitude). For your conditions, you have 4 dimensions, so I'm not sure how a contour map would help.