FIPS is a cross-platform FITS image viewer that uses OpenGL hardware acceleration to provide a responsive interface when examining astronomical images.
The application is designed around the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS), a format widely used for storing astronomical and other scientific image data. Instead of relying solely on CPU rendering, FIPS takes advantage of GPU hardware for common viewing operations.
FIPS supports all 2D FITS image formats, although floating-point formats are not supported when using OpenGL 2.1. There is also basic, limited support for FITS image extensions.
The interface provides the essential controls needed when inspecting FITS data, including zooming, panning and image level adjustment. OpenGL 2.1 and later is supported.
The project is also available for macOS and Windows, making it useful for researchers and astronomers who work across multiple platforms.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Displays astronomical images stored in FITS format.
- Uses GPU hardware acceleration through OpenGL.
- Supports OpenGL 2.1 and later.
- Provides responsive zooming and panning.
- Offers interactive image level adjustments.
- Supports all 2D FITS image formats, subject to floating-point limitations with OpenGL 2.1.
- Provides basic support for FITS image extensions.
Website: github.com/matwey/fips3
Support:
Developer: Matwey Kornilov
License: GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0
FIPS is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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