Received 19 JUN 2019 Accepted 28 AUG 2019 Accepted article online 5 SEP 2019 Published online 1 NOV 2019 Corrected 14 FEB 2020 | P. Wessel1 ID, J. F. Luis2 ID, L. Uieda1 ID, R. Scharroo3 ID, F. Wobbe4, W. H. F. Smith5 ID, and D. Tian6 ID
The article introduces the new version of the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT), a widely used software in Earth and ocean sciences for creating high-quality maps and figures. GMT version 6 introduces a "modern mode" to complement the existing "classic mode," simplifying script writing and enhancing user experience. The modern mode eliminates common pitfalls, such as handling PostScript overlays and region settings, and introduces new features like subplots, insets, and animation creation. The article also highlights the addition of remote data access, allowing users to easily obtain and use global datasets. Examples are provided to demonstrate the use of modern mode, including creating a coastline map of Chile, a shaded relief image of Madagascar, subplots of Pacific island DEMs, and an animation of earthquake events. The article concludes with details on future developments, including integration with PROJ.4 for map projections and enhanced coupling with GDAL for vector data.The article introduces the new version of the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT), a widely used software in Earth and ocean sciences for creating high-quality maps and figures. GMT version 6 introduces a "modern mode" to complement the existing "classic mode," simplifying script writing and enhancing user experience. The modern mode eliminates common pitfalls, such as handling PostScript overlays and region settings, and introduces new features like subplots, insets, and animation creation. The article also highlights the addition of remote data access, allowing users to easily obtain and use global datasets. Examples are provided to demonstrate the use of modern mode, including creating a coastline map of Chile, a shaded relief image of Madagascar, subplots of Pacific island DEMs, and an animation of earthquake events. The article concludes with details on future developments, including integration with PROJ.4 for map projections and enhanced coupling with GDAL for vector data.