Convert PPM to HDR

The Portable Pixmap (PPM) file extension, an image format within the Netpbm family, stores simple, uncompressed images. Introduced in the late 1980s, PPM supports RGB color and grayscale images, making it suitable for basic image processing and conversion tasks. Its plain text encoding simplifies debugging and data manipulation, although its lack of compression results in larger file sizes compared to modern formats. As such, PPM finds limited use in contemporary applications, mainly in educational and experimental settings where ease of implementation and readability are prioritized.

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and in the context of Radiance, it refers to a file format used for storing high-quality images. The Radiance HDR format was developed as part of the Radiance rendering system, which originated in the late 1980s at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Its primary use is in the field of computer graphics, where it captures a wider range of luminance levels compared to standard formats, enabling more realistic lighting effects. This format is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring precise light measurements and accurate visualizations, making it indispensable for professionals in fields such as architectural visualization and visual effects.