Creating 3D models from shape model data

[volcanopele]

I am looking for advice on how I can transform shape model data in tabular format (lat, lon, radius) into a 3D model (3DS or CMOD) that can be used in Celestia. The data I have has a 5x5 degree resolution with radii in kilometers and longitude values in West Longitude.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Cham]

If you have the [tex]\theta[/tex] = Lat, [tex]\phi[/tex] = Long and [tex]r[/tex] = radius coordinates, it's very easy to convert them to cartesian coordinates and build a CMOD file. If you have less than about 65000 points, you just need a spreadsheet app (Excel, or better: NeoOffice since it's free). Just enter the spherical -> cartesian transformation formulas :
[tex]x = r \cos \theta \cos \phi,
y = r \cos\theta \sin \phi,
z= r \sin\theta.[/tex]

What is the shape you want to adapt to Celestia ?

[volcanopele]

I am working on some Saturnian satellite models that should be publicly available in the next year or so.

[Cham]

This is interesting. There are two small moons orbiting very close to the planet which shows some belt-like feature on their surface. I was already interested in making a model for them. However, I would like to have them faster than in a year !

[volcanopele]

LOL, so would I. At the moment, all I have are updated shape models for Janus and Epimetheus. But I know the models for Pan and Atlas exist, I just need to ask the right person...