Graphical Kernel System

The Graphical Kernel System (GKS) is a <a href="/facts/2D_computer_graphics/j6dBxDpX">2D computer graphics</a> system using <a href="/facts/Vector_graphics/y8ok7M2P">vector graphics</a>, introduced in 1977. It was suitable for making line and bar charts and similar tasks. A key concept was cross-system portability, based on an underlying coordinate system that could be represented on almost any hardware. GKS is best known as the basis for the graphics in the <a href="/facts/Graphics_Environment_Manager/oE8BpWAq">GEM</a> <a href="/facts/Graphical_user_interface/wBlQFWDP">GUI</a> system used on the <a href="/facts/Atari_ST/9GsYSlaM">Atari ST</a> and as part of <a href="/facts/Corel_Ventura/ztLay9dl">Ventura Publisher</a>.
A draft international standard was circulated for review in September 1983. Final ratification of the standard was achieved in 1985, making it the first <a href="/facts/International_Organization_for_Standardization/IacYR7Yg">ISO</a> graphics standard. 
A <a href="/facts/3D_computer_graphics/zlWW6eaF">3D</a> system modelled on GKS was introduced as <a href="/facts/PHIGS/dwR9wpv6">PHIGS</a>, which saw some use in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Graphical Kernel System open-in-new

Graphical Kernel System