Recent progress in electron microscopy has resulted in the accessibility of large, multi-dimensional and rich datasets but in order to harvest more insightful information from these advanced measurements, new data analysis and workflows are required. In addition, open and reproducible data analysis is of paramount importance in Science and fortunately, this is being enforced by governmental institutions, funding agencies and scientific journals [1].
HyperSpy [2] is an open-source Python library for multi-dimensional data analysis that emerged in the electron microscopy community in 2007. It offers a powerful syntax for visualizing, analysing and processing multi-dimensional datasets – regardless of their size – by combining state-of-the art libraries available in the Python eco-system. HyperSpy also provides a generic framework that can be used by other software in order to support the flexibility and independent development of new analysis methods with the aim of fostering innovation in the field of electron microscopy.
In this presentation, we will discuss how HyperSpy is supporting the scientific community to use open and advanced data analysis but also how it supports the development of new analysis methods to thrive. HyperSpy can be easily installed and distributed on all three major platforms (Windows, MacOS and Linux), and has rich documentation and learning materials for users in order to lower the entry barrier to advanced and interactive data analysis. By following the best practise established in the open source Python community, HyperSpy has managed to build a community of users and contributors, which is one key of its success. For example, HyperSpy’s open structure and community-driven development has enabled users to easily contribute to the library through the addition of new features and documentation improvements. HyperSpy is now a mature, sustainable open source library and its community and extendible structure makes it ready to address upcoming data analysis challenges in the field of microscopy. [3]