imzML

imzML is an open-source data format for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) data. It was developed to provide a standardized and interoperable way to store and exchange MSI datasets, which are characterized by both spectral and spatial information. The format is XML-based, meaning it uses a hierarchical structure of tags to describe the data. This structure allows for the inclusion of metadata such as sample origin, experimental parameters, and instrument settings, alongside the raw spectral and spatial information.

The core of an imzML file consists of two main parts: the imzML file itself, which contains the metadata and pointers to the actual data, and a separate binary data file (often with a .ibd extension) that stores the mass spectra and pixel coordinates. This separation helps to keep the XML file size manageable and allows for efficient data access. imzML supports various mass spectrometry techniques and data types. Its adoption by the research community aims to facilitate data sharing, reproducibility, and the development of new analytical tools for MSI.