Generic Mapping Tools

Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) is an open source collection of tools for processing and displaying xy and xyz datasets, including rasterisation, filtering and other image processing operations, and various kinds of map projections. A comprehensive collection of free GIS data are included, such as coast lines, rivers, political borders and coordinates of other geographic objects. Further data (satellite imagery, digital elevation models etc.) can be converted from other sources and imported. The resulting maps and diagrams are stored in PostScript (PS) or Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) format. The system is operated from the command line, enabling scripting and automation of routine tasks. More or less comprehensive graphic user interfaces are available from third parties, as well as web applications, bringing the system's functionality online.

GMT was originally created in 1988 by Paul Wessel and Walter H. F. Smith. It is predominantly but by no means exclusively used by Earth Scientists. Besides its strong support for the visualisation of geographic data sets, it contains tools for processing and manipulating multi-dimensional datasets.