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How to import and use a Point Map

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Cayleigh McCreight

Objective:

Learn how to import and use a point map.

Applies to:

  • Fields
  • Ramping

Procedure:

1. Set up your CSV file

If you are importing a Scalar Point Map, ensure your format is: X, Y, Z, S where S is the desired value at each point.

If you are importing a Vector Point Map, ensure your format is: X, Y, Z, U, V, W where The U, V, W represents the vector at each point.

 

2. Import the Point Map

    • Add an Import Scalar Point Map block (or Import Vector Point Map block)
      • Set the file path
      • Choose units to correspond to the points
      • Optional: Set a scale for the Point map

import_map.jpg

 

3. Convert the Point Map to a Field

This step is necessary to convert the point or vector data into a field. The field can then be used to edit your desired part.

interpol.jpg

 

4. Optional: Use the field to create a Ramp

One of the most popular methods with importing scalar point maps is to create a Ramp and use this to vary a parameter. 

    • Add a Ramp block
      • Input the Field from Point Map block as the Scalar Field
      • Set the In min and the In max to correspond to the imported 'S' values from your CSV. Don't add units to these values
      • Set the Out min and the Out max to correspond to the parameter you want to vary. If you are varying thickness, for example, add 'mm' to these values
      • Set the Continuity to your desired option
    • Insert the Ramp block into the parameter you want to vary. Ex. Inserting the Ramp into the Thickness input of a Periodic Lattice Body block.

ramp.jpg

And that’s it! You’ve successfully imported and used a point map. 

Are you still having issues? Contact the support team, and we’ll be happy to help!

More on this topic:

Keywords:

 import ramp field map point scalar interpolation extrapolation vector how-to size 
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Comments

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  • Avatar
    Chang, Justin

    Hello, would it be possible to get some help converting a PNG of a pressure map into a Scalar Point Map? I can't seem to find any tutorials online

    0
  • Avatar
    Ajay Prasad
    (Edited )

    Hey Chang,
    Did you find this article https://support.ntop.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043876354-How-to-vary-density-to-create-a-custom-shoe-sole?

    0
  • Avatar
    Jeremy Hu

    Hello, is there any place I can check out the format of the scalar filed CSV file? I have a 3D density map in the format of .mat from Matlab. It records the density distribution of periodic lattices as the result of topology optimization. I want to import the density map and use it to create lattice infill with graded density.

    0
  • Avatar
    Ajay Prasad
    (Edited )

    Hey Jeremy,
    If importing a Scalar Point Map, ensure your format is: Columns X, Y, Z, and S, where S is the desired value at each point and suggest checking this link https://support.ntop.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043876354-How-to-vary-density-to-create-a-custom-shoe-sole

    1
  • Avatar
    Armelle Schiltz

    Hello, I also can't find information about converting an image of a pressure map into a Scalar Point Map. The article mentioned above doesn't explain this. Is it possible to get some help with it?

    0

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