User Guide: Dense facial tissue depth mapping of 3D CT models using Meshlab

This user guide outlines a method for objective, dense facial tissue depth mapping of 3D face and skull STL models generated from computed tomography (CT) scans, in an effort to produce a standardized reference dataset for forensic craniofacial identification applications. Any 3D STL face and skull models that are in correct anatomical orientation to each other can be mapped with this method.<br>The methods described include hollowing and cropping of a face model to obtain a face "shell," mapping the face to the skull, colorizing and saving mapped data, and visualization of mapped data.<br>The purpose of this guide is to provide an objective, standardized method for mapping facial tissue depth values for forensic craniofacial identification applications using free software.<br>We have also attached a zipped fileset of Meshlab scripts (with instructions for installation included in the zip) that will assist with splitting the face and skull maps into 1 mm increments for enhanced visualizations.<br>Images were generated with publicly available de-identified CT scans from The Cancer Imaging Archives (http://www.cancerimagingarchive.net/<b>) (</b>doi: 10.1007/s10278-013-9622-7)<b>.</b><b><br></b>A link to the accompanying manuscript will be provided when published.