GNUplot -- how to improve image definition?

[dRic2]

Hi,

I am used to plot data with the GNUplot software. This time I need to add an image to my plot. I did with the following line

'my_image.png' binary filetype=png center=(3.25,-9.1) dx=0.007 dy=0.0125 w rgbimage notitle

but the final resolution of the picture is pretty bad compared to the original. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve it?

Thanks

 

[robphy]

It might help to show your resulting document.

Since gnuplot output is generally vector graphics and png (like jpg) is raster graphics, it may just be that you need a higher resolution png…or else use a vector graphic version of your png image.

 

[dRic2]

Hi, these are the two pictures. The resolution of the original isn't that good, but it gets significantly worse in the plot

 

[robphy]

possibly helpful: http://gnuplot.sourceforge.net/demo_4.2/image.html

What is the final format of the output?

There are certainly artifacts when a raster image is rendered in a different resolution that the original.
Can your gnuplot be rendered in a higher-resolution png to match the original png?

It probably would be better to get a higher resolution original png.
If the original isn't available, one could try a tool like ImageMagick or Gimp to upscale it.

Ideally, you want a vector graphic of the image rendered in your original png.

Alternatively, you could try to manipulate the parts in Inkscape.

 

[dRic2]

Ideally, you want a vector graphic of the image rendered in your original png.

Like a PDF file? Don't think I can do this...

one could try a tool like ImageMagick or Gimp to upscale it.

Why should I upscale it ?

Btw, thanks for all the suggestions. It seems that the best solution is to try to recreate the .png image with a better resolution. I'll try but I'm not sure that the program which I am using is capable of such things

 

[robphy]

Like a PDF file? Don't think I can do this...Why should I upscale it ?

Btw, thanks for all the suggestions. It seems that the best solution is to try to recreate the .png image with a better resolution. I'll try but I'm not sure that the program which I am using is capable of such things

Improving the format of the original to a vector-based format is best.
If not, then improving the resolution is the next best approach.

Gnuplot may have only one method of resampling raster images.
Something like Inkscape or other image manipulation can maybe accentuate features
that would improve the rendering on Gnuplot.

Without access to the original,
upscaling might help decrease the artifacts, especially if the upscaling can be done intelligently (say using AI, which may be able intelligently fill in the gaps... e.g. recognize a line and not just magnify the pixelated line.)
I took your original and fed it https://icons8.com/upscaler (which I just found while thinking about your question).

Here is their upscaled version 3000x2796 (attached)
[actually, no it didn't properly attach... it should be 2.2MB file with resolution 3000x2796 .. see below for an enlarged section]
from your original 484x451.
It may not help that much.

One could seek other methods: like "vectorizing" with potrace
https://www.google.com/search?q=potrace+png+to+svgoriginal:

upscaled [but PF downscaled it] in the attachment.

Here is a zoom in of a section:

 

[dRic2]

Thank you very very much. I'll see what I can do!