A planning tool, system and method include a processor (114) and memory (116) coupled to the processor which stores a planning module (144). A user interface (120) is coupled to the processor and configured to permit a user to select a path through a pathway system (148). The planning module is configured to upload one or more slices of an image volume (111) corresponding to a user-controlled cursor point (108) guided using the user interface such that as the path is navigated the one or more slices are updated in accordance with a depth of the cursor point in the path.