What is a .GKS file?
The file extension .GKS stands for Graphics Kernel System File. This type of file is a vector graphics format, which means it stores images using lines and shapes rather than pixels. This method is particularly useful for creating images that need to be scaled to different sizes without losing quality, such as charts or diagrams.
The .GKS file format was established by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) in 1977. It can hold both 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) graphical data. This makes it versatile for various types of visual representations, from simple flat images to more complex three-dimensional plots.
Originally, the .GKS format was designed to be used across different computer platforms, meaning it could be opened and used on various types of computers without compatibility issues. This cross-platform capability was a significant advantage during its time of active use.
Programs that can open .GKS files include MODPATH and GFLASH when equipped with the NCAR GKS Package. MODPATH is a software used primarily for simulating and tracking particle movements in a flow field, often used in hydrogeologic studies. GFLASH, when combined with the NCAR GKS Package, also supports opening and possibly manipulating .GKS files.
Historically, the .GKS file format was utilized by the U.S. Geological Survey and was popular in some software products during the 1980s and 1990s. However, it is important to note that the .GKS file format is now considered obsolete, meaning it is no longer in active development or widespread use. Modern software and graphics standards have largely replaced it with newer, more efficient formats that are better supported by current technology.
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