Convert PBM to FIT

The PBM (Portable Bitmap) file extension, part of the Netpbm project, originated in the late 1980s to facilitate efficient and portable graphics file interchange. Primarily, PBM files are used to store monochrome bitmaps in a simple ASCII text format, ensuring easy compatibility across different systems and platforms. This format supports only black-and-white imagery, making it particularly useful in scenarios where simplicity and minimalism are prioritized, such as in Unix environments for bitmap manipulation and transfer. Its historical significance lies in promoting a standardized approach to bitmap graphics in early computer technology.

The Flexible Image Transport System (FIT) file format, widely used in the field of astronomy and imaging, is designed for the storage, transmission, and processing of digital images and data. Developed in the late 1970s by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the FIT format has become the standard for storing complex data arrays, including metadata. FIT files are particularly valued for their ability to preserve high-precision scientific data and extensive headers, making them indispensable in both professional and amateur astronomical research.