Abstract: A method and system for determining a shape of a three-dimensional object from a planar top view thereof images the object on a planar substrate using a Differential Interference Contrast light microscope so that the object reflects from different points of a surface of the object colors that are indicative of a slope of the surface at each respective point. Successive digital color images are generated having a plurality of pixels each having a hue that correlates to a unique slope of the surface corresponding to the pixel. The slope of the surface at each point is inferred using a pre-calibrated color-depth characteristic derived using a sample formed of an identical material to the object to calculate local slope for each pixel. In a practical system, a user specifies a type of material being imaged and a corresponding color-depth characteristic is read that may be stored in a pre-compiled database.