Portable Arbitrary Map (.pam)
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.