This (uploaded) patch makes vtkMetaImageReader use the existing .mha/.mhd header’s Name field as the point-data scalar-array name. MetaIO already parses this field, but VTK currently assigns the hardcoded name “MetaImage”. Missing or empty names retain that default.
The motivation is distinguishing multiple volumes by array name in ParaView for separate color and opacity transfer functions. The patch includes documentation and passing regression tests for both file formats, fallback behavior, repeated reads, and voxel integrity. No file-format changes are introduced.
Nothing has been posted or committed. A test is included.
I’ve also uploaded a reference markdown README file.
Thanks, Bill
vtk-metaimage-reader-name-readme.md (1.6 KB)
vtk-metaimage-reader-name.patch (6.6 KB)