There are two main types of computer graphics: bitmap (or raster) graphics and vector graphics. Bitmap graphics store images as a map of pixels and are resolution dependent, meaning they cannot be scaled without quality loss. Vector graphics use geometric shapes and equations to represent images and are resolution independent. Some common file formats for images include BMP, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, SVG, EPS, SWF and PDF. When using or sharing images it is important to consider any copyright restrictions.

1. Computer Graphics Basic Introduction

2. Bitmap / Raster Graphics (Paint) A bitmap (BMP) is a type of image file format. The term bitmap comes from the computer programming terminology, meaning just a map of bits , a spatially mapped array of bits. Other formats, such as JPEG, TIFF and GIF also store bitmap images, but they are not usually referred to as bitmaps , since they use compressed formats. JPEG is usually lossy compression. TIFF is usually either uncompressed, or losslessly compressed like GIF. They are resolution dependent. They cannot scale to an arbitrary resolution without loss of apparent quality.

3. Vector Graphics (Draw) Vector graphics is the use of geometric shapes such as points, lines, curves, or polygon(s), which are all based upon mathematical equations, to represent images. File types include: CGM SVG Encapsulated PostScript SWF PDF Windows Metafile (WMF)

4. WMF Format

5. Image Resolution Pixels per inch (ppi) – how many single dots, or points are in a square inch (150-360 ppi ideal) Megapixel – the number of pixels captured by a camera (2-14 available)

6. Where do I find graphics? Clipart in your programs (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) Buy clipart libraries MANY free sites on-line Google images search “ Borrow” from webpages Make / upload your own.

7. What about copyright? The act of placing something on the Internet automatically copyrights it – NOT the opposite, which is often what folks think… APA Style example: Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment. (2007). [Graph illustration the SORCE Spectral Plot May 8, 2008]. Solar Spectral Data Access from the SIM, SOLSTICE, and XPS Instruments . Retrieved from http://lasp.colorado.edu/cgi-bin/ion-p?page=input_data_for_ spectra.ion Webpage to webpage – many sites simply ask for a link to be included back to their page. Pictures of people – always get permission!

8. Animated Graphics www.animfactory.com (one example)

9. How can I create graphics? Drawing, painting & word processing programs Digital cameras Scanning Hello

10. Playing Around with Photos Photoshop Paint programs Program that came with your camera Picassa (free) – let’s watch info video http://picasa.google.com/

11. Lab Assignments Use Paint to create a drawing and save it. Use Word to create a drawing, wordart, and a chart / graph. Insert your Paint drawing and insert a Word clipart image. Save the document and upload it to Google Groups. Download the photo I have uploaded into Google Groups. Use Photoshop to crop, rotate, and alter the image in any other way you wish. Save the new image and upload it to Google Groups. Find a photo of Amelia Earhart, alter it with a filter in Photoshop and upload it into Google Groups.