RoPod/Tutorials/Load heightmap in GAZEBO

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In principle Gazebo can load directly heightmaps specified in a png grayscale file. However, after following some tutorials the script did not succeed in loading a heightmap.

As an alternative, one can convert the heightmap into a 3D mesh file and load it in GAZEBO, which works straightforward. The conversion could be made in a program like blender, however here directions are given using open source software.

The conversion process is divided in several steps:

1. Convert PGM to SVG

The conversion is made using the program potrace. If not installed, run: 

sudo apt install potrace

Next, use the resolution of your heightmap to compute the corresponding dpi resolution. Use this formula:

dpi resolution = 25.4 / #mmperpixel

For the heightmap of the lab, the resolution is 25mm/pixel, thus 1.016 dpi. Next run the potrace command as follows: 

potrace -s heightmap_solid_sim.pgm -a 0 -r 1.016

2. Convert SVG to openSCAD file

3. Render and create STL file

4. Use STL file in GAZEBO

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