Do any of the source localization software packages have an option to manually place some dipoles to see different algorithms' results? I checked Brainstorm, and it seems that it doesn't have such an option.
When you create a head model in brainstorm, the gain matrix in the head model gives you the lead field matrix which can be used for the forward modeling you mentioned (i.e. input source strengths to calculate surface topographies). Here is a discussion on the topic from the brainstorm forum:
Thank you, Derrick and Suddha. Actually, I want to solve a toy problem, and I need a software package that allows me to locate dipoles manually. I found that the "Fieldtrip" toolbox has a function for that!