Software suggestion for converting, mapping, and measuring 3D points

calisnowripper

I'm new to 3D modeling, so I'm not even sure how to ask this question, let alone where, but here goes...

I'm looking (ostensibly) for modeling software that will allow me to convert a 3D model file of x format into a series of points (imagine the image below was a sphere, converted to a wireframe, without the wires, leaving just the spherical intersections)



I then need to measure the distance from the intersections to a planar surface (i.e. the floor of this image). I suppose it doesn't matter if the wires remain, or if the intersections are represented spherically, as long as I can snap a measuring tool to the point of the intersection and measure vertically/horizontally to the planar surface.

Any suggestions on how I might accomplish this, or software that may aid me in my quest?

Laughing_Bun

Hmmmm interesting I am kind of shooting in the dark here but a lattice modifier in 3ds max does exactly what is pictured here. There are tape measurement tools you can snap to points to get a distance and you can configure your scene to be whatever unit you are looking for. If you are looking for the distance between 2 points just measure the vertices. I think any 3d package has snapping and measurement tools. Investigate Blender if you are looking for a free option.

calisnowripper

Eureka! What is pictured is EXACTLY what I need to do. 3ds max has a trial, and an educational license, so I'll definitely try that first. Thank you!