Scalar fields\Gradient

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This tool is accessible via the 'Edit > Scalar fields > Gradient' menu .

Description

Computes the gradient of a scalar field.

CloudCompare will first ask a tricky question: 'is the scalar field composed of (euclidean) distances?'.

Edit > Scalar Fields > Gradient dialog

You'll generally have to answer 'No' to this question, apart if the active scalar field values are distances or altitudes for instance. In this case, some basic considerations will allow CC to cap the resulting gradient values below one. This limits the effect of noise (which tend to be much more visible on the gradient than on the original SF).

Edit > Scalar Fields > Gradient output example

The gradient is a good way to identify rapid changes in the source SF for instance and other interesting structures.

Note: a new scalar field is generated (i.e. the original scalar field is not overwritten).