I used the GMT extensively in 2002/2003 or so while doing summer research. Not a low barrier to entry but incredibly useful and versatile, and was my first non-amateur introduction to CLI/pipeline style coding. Great to see it's still around and learn some more about its history.

I'm really glad this got posted. I'm pushing a project that will rely on mapping and knowing the foundations of computer mapping is priceless. I was completely unaware of GMT and its history. After reading this paper I have a solid foundation to proceed with work on integrating Unified Forecast System.

https://ufscommunity.org

I also found this article a great read to understand the tooling development from punch card data processing to real time data processing.

GMT is going strong and has an active community -- have a look at https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/ if you have queries

I will check it out. I picking out the parts that interest the most on the ecosystem page.

https://www.generic-mapping-tools.org/projects/

CoreGMT+PyGMT+GMTSAR+MB-System.

I find the GMT very approachable and a better first step for my project that trying to work against UFS. I will look at UFS as second bounce once I have a GMT work flow.

I'll make to the forums eventually.

I used GMT for map making in my dissertation in 2008-2009. It was fascinating to be able to make great-looking maps with reliefs, shades and legends using publicly available terrain and border data.