Bitmap: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:32, 11 June 2025

Latest revision as of 06:32, 11 June 2025

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In [[computing]], a '''bitmap''' (also called '''raster''') graphic is an image formed from rows of different colored [[pixel]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kb.iu.edu/d/afmr|title=ARCHIVED: What are bitmap and vector graphics, and how are they different|publisher=University Information Technology Servivces|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=September 22, 2023|access-date=April 21, 2024|archive-date=April 21, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240421071909/https://kb.iu.edu/d/afmr}}</ref> A [[GIF]] is an example of a graphics image file that uses a bitmap.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/bitmap|title=bitmap|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|author=Gregersen, Erik|language=en-GB|url-status=live|date=January 26, 2022|access-date=April 21, 2024|archive-date=April 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240421072042/https://www.britannica.com/technology/bitmap}}</ref>

As a noun, the term "bitmap" is very often used to refer to a particular bitmapping application: the "goon" '''pix-map''', which refers to a map of [[pixel]]s, where each pixel may store more than two colors, thus using more than one bit per pixel. In such a case, the ___domain in question is the array of pixels which constitute a digital graphic output device (a screen or monitor). In some contexts, the term ''bitmap'' implies one bit per pixel, whereas ''pixmap'' is used for images with multiple bits per pixel.<ref>{{cite book |author=James D. Foley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A4k29b0BdVMC&q=bitmap+pix+map+%22short+for+pixel+map%22&pg=PA13 |title=Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice |publisher=Addison-Wesley Professional |year=1995 |isbn=0-201-84840-6 |pages=13 |quote=The term bitmap, strictly speaking, applies only to 1-bit-per-pixel bilevel systems; for multiple-bit-per-pixel systems, we use the more general term pix-map (short for pixel map).}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Comprehensive Computer Graphics: Including C++ |author= V.K. Pachghare |publisher= Laxmi Publications |pages= 93 |year= 2005 |isbn= 81-7008-185-8 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=xIKK9RcSTR4C&q=bitmap+pixmap+one-bit+date:2004-2007&pg=PA93}}</ref>

A bitmap is a type of [[computer storage|memory]] organization or [[image file format]] used to store [[digital image]]s. The term ''bitmap'' comes from the [[computer programming]] terminology, meaning just a ''map of bits'', a spatially mapped [[bit array|array of bits]]. Now, along with ''pixmap'', it commonly refers to the similar concept of a spatially mapped array of pixels. [[Raster graphics|Raster]] images in general may be referred to as bitmaps or pixmaps, whether synthetic or photographic, in files or memory.

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There are also a variety of "raw" image files, which store raw bitmaps with no other information. Such raw files are just bitmaps in files, often with no header or size information (they are distinct from photographic [[raw image format]]s, which store raw unprocessed sensor data in a structured container such as [[TIFF]] format along with extensive image [[metadata]]).

==SeaSee also==

*[[Free space bitmap]], an array of bits that tracks which disk storage blocks are in-use

*[[Raster graphics]]