def get_inputs(depthdata_str_list):
    """
    Given a list of strings composed of 3 floating pt nbrs x, y, z separated by commas,
    convert them to floats and return them as 3 individual lists.

    :param depthdata_str_list: list of floating point string pairs, separated by a comma (think .csv file)

    :return:    lists of x values, y values, and corresponding z values
    """
    assert isinstance(depthdata_str_list, list)
    assert all([isinstance(s, str) for s in depthdata_str_list])
    assert all([3 == len(v.split(",")) for v in depthdata_str_list])

    x_list = []
    y_list = []
    z_list = []

    for i, line_str in enumerate(depthdata_str_list):
        str_list = line_str.split(",")
        x_str, y_str, z_str = str_list
        x = float(x_str)
        y = float(y_str)
        z = float(z_str)
        x_list.append(x)
        y_list.append(y)
        z_list.append(z)

    return x_list, y_list, z_list