In the field of mathematical software packages, applications such as Wolfram Research’s Mathematica, and Maplesoft’s Maple system used to instantly spring to mind. These were both highly popular, proprietary, commercial, integrated mathematical software environments. Other types of mathematical software packages generally received much less publicity.
One such area is interactive geometry software, which combines three branches of mathematics: geometry, calculus and algebra. This type of software allows users to create and modify constructions, which are generally in plane geometry. Construction involves building mathematical shapes out of points, lines, conic sections, hyperbola, ellipses, and circles. These diagrams can then be altered and the effects of the mathematical properties of the shapes can be observed.
Typically geometry software covers a wide range of application areas, including pure Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, computer-aided design, and computational kinematics. It is often found being used for learning and teaching mathematics in schools and colleges and for research purposes.
We make the following recommendations captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. We include 2D and 3D software. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.
Click the links in the table below to learn more about each program.
| Geometry Software | |
|---|---|
| Kig | KDE4 software for exploring geometric constructions |
| Dr. Geo | Interactive geometry software |
| SINGULAR | Commutative algebra system for polynomial computations |
| Macaulay2 | Supporting research in algebraic geometry and commutative algebra |
| polymake | Research in polyhedral geometry |
| SnapPy | Investigate the topology and hyperbolic geometry of 3-manifolds |
| C.a.R. | Dynamic geometry program for use in schools and universities |
| MathMod | Plot 3D surfaces using implicit and parametric equations |
| GCLC | Create geometric illustrations and prove geometry theorems |
| Geometria | Interactive software for creating and solving problems in 3D gemoetry |
| JGEX | Construct, explore and prove geometry theorems |
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