Graphics ProgramsIntroductionGraphicssoftwareAs a DM, you will be using some type of graphics software package in yourshop. More shops are becoming computerized and just as the commandmission varies at each duty station so does the graphics softwarerequirements. Periodically assess the computer graphic capabilities of yourshop and stay as current as you can.Graphics software allows you to create artwork and images to stand alone orto insert into text. Some programs create primarily presentation graphics inthe form of 35mm slides, overhead transparencies, electronic presentations,and audience handouts. Other graphics software allows you to modify orcombine existing artwork, edit and enhance photographs, create line graphs,pie charts, and organizational charts. The two types of graphics softwaretechnology are bit mapping, or raster-based, and vector mapping. Howeasily the graphics program permits image manipulation and how sharp theresolution of that image is part of the software program. Monitor resolution,the VGA card, and the devices used to make the hard copy end product alsoaffect resolution. Regardless of manufacturer and because there are so manygraphics software programs used in Navy Graphics shops, this segmentcovers only those features common to the majority of programs.Bit mappedsoftwareprogramsBit mapped images create an image using a point or hundreds of points oflight in a matrix. These images are slower to manipulate and create thanvector graphics but more spontaneous and easier to learn. Multi-layering bitmapped matrixes into distinct gridmapped forms is called raster-basedimagery. Raster-based images create painterly effects and encouragecreativity. They also require an enormous amount of power and memorywhich slows program execution. To modify or create in the bit mappedmode is to work at the pixel level which can be time consuming and tedious.Continued on next page3-33
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
