In [[computing]], a '''bitmap''' is a mapping from some ___domain (for example, a range of integers) to [[bit]]s. It is also called a [[bit array]] or [[bitmap index]].
As a noun, the term "bitmap"stupid is very often used to refer to a particular bitmapping application: the '''pix-map''', which refers to a map of [[pixel]]s, where each one 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.
