Overview
rMSI provides disk-backed access to imaging spectra and a graphical interface for ion-image exploration. Its data model supports viewing selected pixels without loading every spectrum into memory.
What can this tool do?
Common uses
- Inspect ion distributions and selected pixel spectra.
- Access imaging data from R with disk-backed storage.
Scientific fit
Primary function
Visualization and reporting
Analysis types
Spatial metabolomics
Data compatibility
Inputs
Imaging data
Outputs
Imaging data, Human-readable report
Input formats
imzML, rMSI TAR format
Output formats
R imaging objects and interactive ion-image views
Scope and considerations
Designed for
- Imaging-data handling and interactive visualization.
Not designed for
- Definitive molecular identification from ion images.
Important requirements
- Compatible R, RGtk2 and native dependencies; Windows instructions require Rtools.
- The documented imzML reader supports continuous-mode data; check compatibility before conversion.
Considerations
- Disk-backed storage still needs sufficient local disk space.
- Legacy GUI dependencies may require a carefully configured environment.
Access and documentation
R source installation requires compatible native dependencies. The documented GUI uses RGtk2; verify installation on the target operating system before planning an analysis.
License: GPL-3.0
Evidence and review
Official repository README, DESCRIPTION and direct publication metadata reviewed on 2026-09-10. No installation or independent benchmark performed. Ongoing maintenance status has not been established.
Core publications
Resource papers, direct updates and tool-specific methods. Selection policy.
- Ràfols P, Torres S, Ramírez N, et al. rMSI: an R package for MS imaging data handling and visualization. Bioinformatics 33, 2427–2428 (2017). doi:10.1093/bioinformatics/btx182 PMID 28369250
Related tools
Entry history
Changes to this catalogue entry, not the tool's software release history. Acceptance and editorial review are separate.
- 2026-09-11 · First committed entry
Add rMSI, rMSIproc and MSiReader spatial tools
View change · Entry at this revision