Vector functions in nppas?

[jo-mueller]

Hi @haesleinhuepf ,

just a general point of discussion: Would it be desirable to also put some vector functionality here? I was thinking about stuff like

• calculating vectors (e.g., normal vectors, mesh edges, distances between points, etc)
• measuring features along vectors (e.g., length, intensity along vector, etc - could integrate nicely with the new cle features for that purpose)
• mesh intersections
• visualize paths on surfaces

The data structure of vectors in napari is relatively simple; It's (N, 2, D), which is a stack of the starting point of the vector and its direction for N vectors.

[haesleinhuepf]

Hey Johannes @jo-mueller ,

great idea! I would have two minor concerns:

• I have very little projects where vectors play a role. I have also never used them within napari. Before spending too much effort, a list of use-cases would be nice.
• I presume this would introduce new dependencies. But I have zero experience.

How about starting this as a new, independent napari plugin? I'm happy to contribute, review code etc. but won't manage to lead its development.

Let me know what you think.

Best,
Robert

[jo-mueller]

I presume this would introduce new dependencies. But I have zero experience.

At least for the stuff I use, it's entirely in vedo, or can be plain numpy. Plus, the context(s) where I think that vectors would be relevant are very closely linked to points and surfaces.

I added some links further up.