Convert PAM to VICAR

The PAM (Portable Arbitrary Map) file extension is a versatile bitmap format used primarily in UNIX-based systems. It extends the Portable Any Map (PNM) format, supporting 2-dimensional image data storage in a binary format with an ASCII header. Introduced to enhance flexibility and interoperability in image processing, PAM files are utilized for various graphical applications, offering a standardized method for handling diverse image types. This format's history traces back to the need for a more adaptable and comprehensive bitmap solution within the PNM family.

The VICAR (Video Image Communication and Retrieval) file extension is a specialized raster image format developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1966 to manage and process imaging data from unmanned planetary missions. It supports multi-dimensional scientific data, including spectroscopic, hyperspectral, and radar imagery, making it suitable for space exploration, biomedical imaging, and geological studies. The format includes metadata for data integrity and usability, and the software system is now open-source.