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CGM Graphics Uses and Reader
By: Jahanzaib Hassan
CGM Graphic FAQs
CGM is a file format for 2D vector graphics (e.g. Curves, polygons), raster graphics (pixels arrays e.g. bitmaps) and text. It stores pictures in a way which is independent of any particular software, computer or graphics device. Currently, the valid image types are JPEG, and GIF, both raster and bitmap type image files. Defined by ANSI and ISO in 1986 (ISO 8632:1987) as two-dimensional data interchange standard, used to store and exchange graphical data among graphics devices, applications, and computer systems in a device-independent manner. CGM is used for encoding computer graphics images for redisplay on several supported device types, with three encoding syntactic) standards; character encoding for minimal size and ease of transmission, binary encoding for speed of access, and clear text encoding for human readability and easy editing. CGM is used for technical illustrations and designs, mainly by the Engineering, Aerospace, Defense and Petroleum exploration industries.
CGM is called:
ANSI X3.122-1986
American National Standard for Information Systems -
Computer Graphics - Metafile for the Storage and Transfer of
Picture Description Information
CGM is available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018
How can CGM help you? CGM incorporates multiple elements to provide functionalities to accommodate graphical information and geometrical data. Another fact remains that other graphic formats e.g. PDF which are owned by their creators can be free for the time being, but a long run commitment may be expensive choice. As multitudes of CGM vendors are offering services, you can switch services according to your requirements anytime.
In addition, it is important to use a file format which loads quickly, can provide the ability to overlay a graphic with hotspots ? even circular hotspots, and is written in a standard that will not change over time. CGM version 4 provides many important data formatting features: high-quality graphics, scans and converted CAD data, interactivity, and quick preparation. CGM version 4 creates a way to store non-graphic data together with the illustration in one file. A CGM profile is required to store hotspot data.
CGM is used in other standards. It is used for scientific and technical graphics like CAD and for presentation and publishing applications. It is used in the Office Document Architecture (ODA) standard, ATA documentation for the manufacture of commercial airplanes, J2008 within the automotive industry and the CALS (Computer-aided Acquisition and Logistics Support) specification of the US Dept of Defense. The CGM*PIP profile has been developed for graphical interchange between petroleum exploration and production applications. CGM can be used in graphic arts, business graphics and desk top publishing packages to exchange graphical information. More than 300 applications can generate and/or interpret CGM files.
Sharing CGM Data: VizEx Reader (free software download from CGM Larson) browser plug-in lets you share CGM graphics with clients around the world via internet. Just like JPEG or GIF files you can view CGM files embedded in web pages and perform drawing, zooming, rotate actions and even storing them as markup files.
Copyright ? 2006-2007 All rights reserved by CGM Larson For more information about CGM Software please visit the website of Larson Software at http://www.cgmlarson.com |
