Graphical Kernel System
| Abbreviation | GKS |
|---|---|
| Year started | 1977 |
| Latest version | ISO/IEC 7942-4:1998 1998 |
| Organization | ANSI, ISO, IEC |
| Related standards | ANSI X3.124, ISO 8651, ISO 8805, ISO/IEC 8806, ISO 10303 |
| Domain | Computer graphics |
The Graphical Kernel System (GKS) is a 2D computer graphics system using vector graphics, 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 GEM GUI system used on the Atari ST and as part of Ventura Publisher.
A draft international standard was circulated for review in September 1983. Final ratification of the standard was achieved in 1985, making it the first ISO graphics standard.
A 3D system modelled on GKS was introduced as PHIGS, which saw some use in the 1980s and early 1990s.