.ply polygonal mesh to 2D depth map

Question

I am trying to convert a polygonal mesh in .ply format into a 2-D depth map, to be saved in a standard array or image format.

Ideally I'd like to use python, but would be open something else if it's simpler. I'm looking for something to use in a pipeline.

Answer 1

You can use Meshlab wich is open source and can do exactly what you want.

Follow this steps:

• Download Meshlab from the link above.
• Import your .ply mesh:

• Go to Render-> Shaders -> depthmap.gdp:

• Change zmin and zmax values to get the result you want:

• Rotate and move the mesh to get the position/orientation you want. And then save a snapshot of the scene adjusting the parameters as you want:

Final result: